The little Pixie winced. ‘Oh. Does it hurt her when she and Rowf . . . you know . . . ?’

Deborah laughed. ‘Oh, no. Maybe a little the first time. But after that . . .’ she grinned broadly. After a moment, she realised that Éha was still waiting for an explanation. Putting her hands to her face with an embarrassed giggle, she said, ‘It feels nice.’

The Pixie still showed no comprehension.

Rolling her eyes, Deborah said, ‘You would have to try it.’

Éha pursed her lips doubtfully. ‘I have no one to try it with. Besides, I do not wish to lose my Power, or have an Outcast baby.’ She looked at Deborah askance. For a moment, Deborah had the uncomfortable feeling that the little Pixie was trying to see inside her, though she couldn’t have explained the reason for this impression.

As though waiting for such a moment to bring up the subject, Éha said timidly, ‘We Pixies do often . . . well . . . share ourselves in a sort of a way, though not with each other. It is . . . like the Dance of Life, only without the Earth Mother to make new life . . .’

She was thoughtful for several moments, trying to find the right words, before continuing.




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