Before leaving for the village square, Pace and Gayle walked to a small brook behind his house to bathe. Pace shifted to Huform before joining Gayle in the water. Once they’d dried off, he changed back to his beast-half and donned the harness he’d brought from home. They’d both agreed to forgo the saddle. Riding bareback was far more intimate, especially for dream lovers. Pace stood near a tree stump and she stepped upon it to mount. Settling atop him, she enjoyed the feel of his warm body and smooth coat against her legs. Her hands rested lightly on his muscular man-back. Glancing over his shoulder at her, he said, “Once we’re up in the sky, hang on to me tight. I don’t want you to fall.” “Don’t worry. I won’t let you go.” “Why don’t you practice now?” he said and reached behind him to gently grasp her wrists. He guided her arms around him. A rush of excitement darted through her and she held him tightly. Her cheek pressed against his shoulder and she caressed his broad, hair-dusted chest.
