It doesn't surprise me she picked up on my discontent. "I actually wanted to join the Thorisian Sentinels, which patrol our home sector."
"Thorisian?"
"Yes, named after an ancient regime. An underfunded amalgamation of non-conformists and aging vessels is all that remains of it. Nothing like the Thoris of long ago, but still important."
"Ah. What kept you from it?"
"Partly my dam, but only because it's considered shameful. It's a career everyone knows people have to go into, but no one talks about. People pretend only reprobates join, if they think about it at all."
"What the fuck? That's messed up. No wonder the slimes have been winning. Shit. Sorry, that was rude."
I chuff. "Hard truths aren't always polite."
Our conversation dies down naturally, both of us realizing we should be as quiet as possible now that we've left the camp far behind.
We continue through the night, stopping periodically for water and food. I can tell she is exhausted, but she doesn't complain, just clambers back on me each time we set off again, though her movements slow as the night wears on.
I'm also tired by the time I feel her almost slip off of me.
It's a while yet before morning and we have longer to go before reaching her Silver, but I know we are at our limit. I find a suitable tree and come to a stop.
"I know you are exhausted, but I need you to hold tight as I climb."
She nods sleepily, but pulls herself firmly against me when I lift her into my arms.
I'm getting better at climbing like this and it isn't long before I have her pulled up against my stomach and chest, tail and arms wrapped around her so she remains safe as we sleep.
I pat her rear lightly after I have her suitably arranged. "We aren't far from your Silver so we can sleep until the latter part of the day and still have enough light for you to close her wounds."
Ree shivers. "That sounds good, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to sleep during the day when I can't pretend there isn't a drop right next to us."
I enfold her more securely with my tail and one of my arms, then use the other to massage her hair at the base of her neck. She takes a deep breath and then lets it out slowly, her hands gripping me tight.
I keep petting her mane and she becomes more and more limp in my arms.
I can tell my Ree is asleep when she makes little nasal sounds and starts randomly twitching.
I wouldn't expect anything less than this level of charm, even in her sleep, but it makes my whiskers move forward just thinking about how utterly delightful she is.
I love the sensation of her in my arms and the pride that fills my chest that I make her feel safe enough to sleep despite her fears.
She has the same alluring mix of vulnerability and tenacity common among manticorid females, just in a very exotic package.
My hand is still stroking down her long mane, even though she is now asleep. Its texture is fascinating. It's so slick it almost feels cold, though I have her thoroughly warmed in my embrace.
I didn't lie to her when I said her nanites don't affect me, but I didn't say just how much her smell excites me. I suppose it has a lot to do with how the little robots are unnaturally fueling her arousal, but it just makes me incredibly eager to do what I can so it's of my own making.
The idea of finding out what is under that tight body suit and licking it all makes me harden against my sheathe.
A growl mixes in with my purr as I think about letting my thick purple member slide out with her positioned to take all of me. I'll have to delve her with my fingers and tongue first to ensure it would be safe for her.
If not, we will figure something out.
I know I won't be able to get enough of her taste, so if that is all we can do, I'll still be a thrilled manticorid.
Her grip on my tail earlier was almost enough to make me lose my composure and attempt an advance, but luckily my goodsense reminded me she has just suffered a horrible amount of shock.
I'm also sure she doesn't know just how blatantly sexual her grip and my decision to wrap her around the waist was, even if it's very practical.
