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Dearest Lung Tien Xiang,

I hope this letter finds you well. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Azusis, hailing from the western coast of North America. I represent myself and my company in exploring trade opportunities with the Great Empire of China. While my efforts have not been entirely in vain, that is not why I write to you today.

Our mutual friend, Mei, speaks highly of you. Mei is a great friend, and I'd be remiss to not seize upon the opportunity to have tea with a mutual acquaintance. I hear you're an avid purveyor of literature, and I have a few authors of America I'd enjoy sharing with you, as well as share stories between our respective countries.

Hoping to Hear From You,

Respectfully Yours,

Azusis Cielura

Temeraire snorted as Laurence finished reading the scroll for him. Laurence didn't say anything immediately, keeping his eyes downcast to apparently re-read the short message.

"I suppose," Laurence began, "It couldn't hurt our efforts here. Entirely up to you of course, my dear, but he seems the friendly type." Laurence sounded unsure, but after a few weeks of enforced isolation at the pavilion, it was plain even Laurence was grasping for something, anything new.

"What did he say about Mei? Read the part about Mei again, Laurence." Temeraire suggested. Laurence obliged, albeit with a raised eyebrow. Temeraire's tail coiled and uncoiled itself, like a piece of spare rigging caught in a storm, never quite tying itself in a knot but trying its damnest to do so. "I do not know why Mei would associate with him. He does not sound so special, even if he has books from America; poetry from China easily surpasses anything he could possibly bring, I'm sure of it."

"I'm sure Mei talks with many dragons, Temeraire," Laurence said, slowly. "It is in Mei's interest to learn of the world; isn't that what your mother Qian said? Surely if Mei likes him, he must be a good fellow. You said yourself you can only watch lilies open in the morning sunrise so many times."

The comment about Mei and Azusis seemed to have the opposite intended effect. Temeraire abruptly stood up, his great bulk causing a stir in the silken walls of the pavilion, rustling the embroidered fabric. The pavilion was large enough to house several dragons of Temeraire's size, but presently it housed only Temeraire, Laurence, and Hammond. Hammond being off to once again beg audience with the Son of Heaven, the beautifully sculpted pavilion was left entirely to Temeraire and Laurence.

"Perhaps; I don't know, Laurence; it would be pleasant to read some new books," Temeraire admitted, "But no one else has written to us after we met with my mother. I do not see why he would, or even, how he knew of us or my name. That I would not mind finding out for myself, I think."

"And that is exactly why you should meet with him, my dear. I am curious myself to meet a dragon from the colonies -"

Temeraire cut Laurence short. "No, Laurence, I think it is best if I meet with him alone, at least at first. What if he is another assassin, here for you? No, I think it is best if you stay safe, somewhere close, and I shall see what he wants."

Privately, Laurence thought Temeraire had his own reason for wanting to meet alone with this Azusis fellow, most of it having to do with Mei. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, leaning back in his chair as he thought. "Alright then. I'll be in the next pavilion over, should anything arise. Just tell me how you think we ought to reply."

Temeraire thrummed in his throat before beginning. "Dearest Azusis..."

~

Temeraire made sure his platinum collar, a gift from Laurence, was shined and polished to a healthy extreme, as well as repairing the dents and scuffs which had accumulated from his battles. The servants were only too happy to oblige his request, most of them having nought to do except prepare the delicious black tea he was so fond of. He licked his lips at the thought, hoping they were brewing a decent amount for himself and Azusis.

Azusis. The name made him frown. It almost sounded Chinese, but he claimed to be from America, a place Temeraire had only seen on a map. Prior to leaving Laurence informed Temeraire what he knew of this America; a British colony, full of mostly ruffians with a few greedy politicians whom apparently got it in their head that a life free of Her Majesty's Empire would be a better one. Laurence had not been involved in the war, being just before he was born, but it was clear Laurence still held some amount of apprehension towards the subject, like most loyal Britons. Laurence had been slow to leave, taking his time to straighten the books he had brought for Temeraire, his favorites to show off to the American, and he had warned him to be careful. Not that Temeraire needed to be careful; it was always Laurence getting into trouble, anyway.

A gentle chime accompanied by a pulling back of the silken drapes revealed his visitor, being led by one of Temeraire's assigned servants. The early morning air was heavy with dew, and his visitor held his wings tightly against his sides.

The dragon named Azusis had an odd sort of coloring; not a solid color with a bit of flair, as Temeraire was, but instead a rather harsh looking mix of blues. Temeraire thought he looked very odd indeed; parts of him were so dark blue they were almost black, like his muzzle and paws; there was an odd sort of light blue eye patch around his eyes, making his eyes seem much larger than they actually were. The same sort of light blue colour was also on his belly, flaring up his haunches in a wild sort of manner, like it couldn't decide where to end. No ruff or frill to speak of, except large earfins that twitched and swiveled in a very un-dragon like manner, in Temeraire's opinion.

Azusis bowed low, eyes downcast, as the servant announced Temeraire's name and titles, and waited for Temeraire to speak first as the servant retreated to wait quietly on the Pavilion's front steps.

"Oh, ah, do come in." Temeraire started. He had no idea why he should be nervous, it was his pavilion after all, and he was a heavy weight; by the look of him the blue was a middle weight, by british standards. He puffed his chest out slightly, continuing. "I have had some tea made for us, if you will join me; you are just in time for the lilies."

It sounded like the proper sort of thing to say, as dragons did quite a bit of lily watching and plant watching in the Forbidden City.

"Allow me to extend my most gracious, er, gratitude, for granting me the pleasure of your company, Lung Tien Xiang." Only now did Azusis raise emerald coloured eyes. His voice was light, airy, but not squeaky like some smaller dragons. Temeraire thrummed his approval; at least he had some resemblance of proper manners.

"Temeraire is fine, thank you. Come and join me? You will nearly miss it." He said anxiously, craning his neck to see if the first lilies were opening yet. Having complained to Laurence only a few days earlier of watching lilies open, he was now eager to show it off to this new dragon.

Azusis acquiesced, taking a seat on his haunches rather close to Temeraire, in Temeraire's opinion. Temeraire flicked his own tail away as the first rays of light peaked through the mountains, shining between the other, smaller pavilions that made up the courtyard, before reaching the lily pond. The lilies bloomed and opened as one as if an invisible hand were caressing each one to open and greet the new day. Azusis clacked his front claws lightly against the tiled floor in appreciation, and Temeraire followed suit, an obsidian black tail wagging and bumping up against a blue one.

The servants set down bowls of tea in front of both of the dragons. Azusis waited for Temeraire to drink first, lowering his muzzle and drinking smoothly. Temeraire was a bit more clumsy, slurping; but it was so delicious, he found himself licking the bowl again once he reached the end.

"A most exquisite tea, Temeraire. I've never had anything quite like it." Azusis licked his lips.

"Oh! It's my favorite, too." Suddenly he remembered he was supposed to be suspicious. "If you do not mind my asking, may I inquire as to how you know of me?"

"That's easy." Azusis waived his tail dismissively. You are all that the dragons in the city are talking about. I can't go by my favorite fruit stall without a hatchling asking if I know about the new celestial." Azusis sipped at his tea some more. "I suppose, we are both foreigners in a new city, and you might enjoy some company, and speaking English to another dragon."

Temeraire mulled this over. He had not realized their trip into town would be quite so celebrated. "And my books? How did you know?"

Azusis gave a toothy grin. "I didn't. But you're a celestial. It was not the logical leap to make that you may be interested, being a world traveler yourself. Would you be interested at looking at my latest one? Edward Taylor has some interesting ideas towards the metaphysical and providence, if you are interesting in that sort of thing."

A thoughtful humm greeted this statement. "They are always talking of providence in England. I would be interested, if you would be so kind." In his excitement, Temeraire forgot about asking how he knew Mei.

~

"No, no; if you're utilizing u substitution, you must integrate u as well; it only follows, as you cannot integrate dx when substituting the x function for u; you must use du." Azusis stated.

Temeraire nodded, seeing it now when explained thusly, and made marks in the large sand table that had been laid out for them. Both dragons were peering down intently, working through a newer problem from Leibniz's works, translated from German to English, brought from America to China, and one of Azusis' most prized possessions.

Their friendship had blossomed immediately, like sun to a lily. Temeraire was somewhat shocked to find Azusis having many of the same interests as his own; mathematics, literature; his curiosity was endless for Temeraire's books. He had only now, after several days, been persuaded to swivel his attention back to his own literature for Temeraire's interest. Temeraire was an apt learner, however, drawing several astute observations. Together they had just solved one item that Azusis admitted had been gnawing at his earfins for months.

"Honest to goodness I have no idea what you fellows are on about," Laurence replied. He got up and stretched, placing the book gingerly down onto the desk. To his disappointment and gratification, the new dragon had been neither particularly knowledgeable about the Colony Uprising nor interested in the politics of their current situation, of which Hammond was still working diligently to change. He had a meeting presently to attend to, with Hammond and Granby too, to see what leverage they might gain by imploring the knowledge and freedom of the new dragon. "But I'll leave you two to your musings. If you need me, send Bao-Zhi for me, he'll know where to find me." Temeraire's head servant, hearing his name, peered in and bowed before returning to his post.

Azusis' friendship had its own benefits; keeping him thus occupied in the morning, Mei was Temeraire's, and only Temeraire's, in the afternoon. Temeraire was rather smug with this course of events; not that he believed Mei would seek the affections of the blue instead of his own, but in his opinion the blue need not trouble himself. He had delayed bringing up the subject of her as he was unsure how to approach it; indeed, since his original letter Azusis had not mentioned her. As if on cue, Azusis spoke.

"I received a letter only yesterday from Mei; she says she is very busy, and she regrets that our duties have not given us time to see each other. Have you heard from her; is she well?" His tone was innocent, his gaze still down upon the figures in the sand.

Temeraire's ruff quivered a bit before he stilled himself with a deep breath, calling for the servants to clear the table and transcribe the sand notations onto parchment. "Do be careful, Chun-Yua; the sand is easily disturbed by the breeze." Azusis tilted his head in askance. "Are we done already?"

"To the latter, no, I would not mind if you stayed a while longer; to the former, however, I must confess I'm not sure how to approach the subject." Temeraire had thought long and hard about his speech, and the properness of it all, and what Laurence would think. He had decided not to broach Laurence on the subject, instead coming to his own conclusions. "Mei is an imperial." He stated simply.

Azusis blinked. "Yes... she is?" He was too kind to imply that Temeraire was being a dolt, but his tone implied it.

"What I mean to say, is, I am a celestial. And Mei is an imperial. Surely you are familiar with, our, ah, disposition; eggs you see; there are so few celestials. Qian says we must always be careful, so you see I must impress upon you the importance; not that I'm sure your friendship with her is important, but our; my; relationship with her, is, a mutual beneficial interest."

Azusis stared, head still tilted, his eye ridges wrinkled in a blue frown. "Are you implying Mei and I were wanting an egg?"

Temeraire huffed indignantly. "Of course not; she would not want an egg from you, I am sorry, that is the short of it. I hope you understand."

The blue dragon quivered, his sides twitching. Temeraire backed up, ready to defend himself from the unreasonable challenge. He could take flight. The pavilion was no place for a fight, not wanting to damage anything, especially Laurence's intricate vases he had bought, lined up delicately against the single brick wall, outside Laurence's own chamber. But the blue's sides gave way to snorts and humms of amusement, and not a fight, as he was expecting.

"My dear Temeraire, my relationship with Mei does not for a moment include the possibility of an egg. She is wholly a wonderful scholar, interested in my people and my breed. Our friendship is amicable only, I assure you. I am far more interested in you than her, if you'd like to know."

Temeraire squinted, somewhat suspicious, but his reaction was too sincere to be anything but. "If you say so -" He stopped mid sentence, the latter part Azusis' reply suddenly coming to clarity.

"Me? We can't - I'm not - no eggs." He said at last, in exasperation. Azusis was certainly quick when it came to mathematics but how he could be so naive as to wholly miss the gender of Temeraire; unless Azusis was female, but that made no sense, he had the same, albeit odd, external genitalia of other male mammals. Now that Temeraire thought about it, it was odd and nothing like his own, smooth hide, maybe Temeraire did look like a female to the American dragon. "I'm male, and you are male." He said with finality.

"Indeed, as your illustrious voice and scent so vividly told me the second I stepped into your pavilion, Temeraire. But tell me, your crew, all you've told me of them - none of them have taken an affinity towards another, and expressed that affinity thusly?" Azusis inquired.

Temeraire thought; and now that he was forced to think of it, he had noticed Granby share in such attentions on the trip from Britain to China, when he was on the deck with a fellow mate, but within listening distance. And judging by the sounds from Granby's cabin that night and other nights it was certainly plausible, and Granby certainly seemed better for it.

Azusis grinned as he saw the realization dawn on Temeraire's muzzle. "I thought so. Can't take a boat ride for 6 months and not be acquainted with it, I gather. There are so many males where I am from, some dragons even prefer the company. And you, I thought it was known; the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, decreed only imperials worthy of bearing an egg for a celestial, but decreed nothing regarding not bearing an egg, if you take my meaning." With that Azusis stepped forward and nuzzled under Temeraire's chin, the blue's nose tip coming to rest against one of Temeraire's sensitive tendrils.

Temeraire was astonished. His feelings and resultant, repeated, matings with Mei were natural, but he had never considered another male. The feelings were there and were similar, he could not deny, as Azusis had proved just as pleasant company as Mei in the other ways; why not try the same pleasured company, if he wanted to? He was a celestial, after all. "I think I do take your meaning. He pressed his muzzle down on the blue, licking at one of his horns. But I am larger, and stronger; that is the way of it, so I do not think it would be proper if I were the one -"

"I do not disagree, Temeraire," Azusis interrupted, letting his muzzle get pushed lower against Temeraire's chest. "Allow me, if you will. I have some amount of experience in these matters, back home."

Temeraire snorted his agreement. But to Temeraire's surprise, Azusis did not take flight or step forward with his tail raised, either of which he was expecting, and both of which he had experienced from Mei. Instead he did something else entirely, moving towards Temeraire's flank and dipping his muzzle beneath. "I do not think that is how -" Temeraire shivered. "Oh." He said simply, his ruff quivering.

Beneath him the blue dragon had snuck his muzzle between the celestial's hind legs to gently lap at his slit, the sensitive area between the protective belly scales. It was not exactly what Azusis was used to, other males having a sheath like his own back in America; but with his earfins listening for audible cues, he made the most of it, and before he could blink a tapered black tip had emerged.

Azusis took Temeraire's tip gently into his muzzle, being overtly careful about his teeth, by instead wrapping a warm, protective tongue around Temeraire's length as he grew rapidly. Azusis' earfins picked up Temeraire's wings rustling as he shifted his weight, giving Azusis slightly better access to the celestial's prize. And a prize it was, to Azusis at least, a suddenly warm shaft throbbing against his tongue and his cheeks. He bobbed his muzzle; retreating before sliding back up, his nose tip pressed against Temeraire's belly; the action caused an audible gasp from above. He repeated the action, again, and again, lost in the act, changing pace and pressure to elicit different gasps from Temeraire.

His own member peered from its confines as his own arousal grew. Temeraire leaned around to whuff heavily at the upturned blue rump, his intentions quite clear now. Apparently he only needed the slightest bit of encouragement, Azusis thought. When Temeraire's member had grown ebony-hard he paused a moment, enjoying the sweet taste of Temeraire's dribbling shaft, before removing his muzzle entirely.

Temeraire made a move to hop onto the blue's back immediately once the blue dragon was finished, but Azusis nimbly stepped aside, sending Temeraire's front paws sliding back to the floor. Temeraire growled; Azusis grinned. "Wait." Azusis said.

He turned his head to the pavilion steps. "Bao-Zhi, Temeraire and I require unscented oil." Bao-Zhi peaked his head in, bowed, and before Temeraire's member could even begin to retreat he was back again, with an urn of unscented oil. "There, yes, thank you."

Azusis dipped his tail in it, swirling it around with gentle strokes. Temeraire hadn't noticed before; the American's tail was incredibly dexterous. Temeraire gazed at it with a bit of jealousy as Azusis curled his tail around, the oil dripping onto the floor before being gently applied under his tail. He repeated the process once more, flicking his tail into the urn in an attempt to remove any excess.

Without another word Azusis turned away from Temeraire, took a few steps away from the slippery floor, and faced outwards towards the pond with the lilies. The early morning sun had given way to a bright blue sky, the last vibrant reds and oranges of sunrise fading. Temeraire gazed at him; there was an attraction, as his throbbing member between his legs reminded him. And now, there Azusis was, the same position as Mei; on all fours, tail raised and held to the side, inviting Temeraire beneath. Temeraire did not deny the invitation, his own curiosity driving him to inspect closer than he had prior to today. The light blue underside coated the underside of his tail and between his legs, down to a male vent that looked very tight, even smeared with the oil, and orbs held loosely beneath, hanging delicately; in front of that a swollen sheath, Temeraire was amused to see; apparently the blue dragon had enjoyed himself immensely when licking between Temeraire's legs and suckling on his dragonhood.

Nuzzling at the blue tail, Temeraire stepped forward. His forepaws nearly went to the ground as he hopped on top of his back, balancing on his hind legs. The blue offered no protest, however, as Temeraire settled his weight on him. Now his mating instincts were starting once more; the feel of a dragon beneath, a little neck below. Gripping the neck with his teeth he thrust forward, obsidian cock pressing forcefully upwards against the blue tail, too high. Another thrust; this time a soft gasp from the dragoness below him; no, not dragoness, dragon; and his saliva slickened tip met an oil prepared vent and pressed inwards, eliciting a moan from both of the males.

Pleasure. Mei, but not like Mei. Male. Tight, tight and warm, tight and warm and eggs- Temeraire drove forward, his member spreading Azusis' tailhole. He bucked his hips; out an inch, in a foot, and a hiss from the muzzle beneath him. Once more, and again, until his thrusts resulted in his loins pressing firmly up against the underside of the other dragon's tail, his member caressed by warmth. A tight squeeze took Temeraire by surprise, unbeknownst to Temeraire the blue's fully engorged cock throbbing in time with the affectionate action. Temeraire flexed back, smug, knowing how well Mei had warbled her appreciation at that. It elicited the same reaction; a low warble, a hunkering down onto his forepaws, and Temeraire found himself humping vigorously now. Not the slow, timid thrusts of before; the slick, slurping sound of their mating resonated outwards, beyond the silken tapestry, accompanied by the moans, warbles, and gasps of pleasure from both dragons.

Azusis was beside himself in pleasure. Never one to shy away from raising his tail to a willing, handsome male, Temeraire was an immediate, alluring attraction; never in his wildest dreams did he think he would actually agree. He figured his only chance was by being forward; and by being forward, he was now rewarded by a thick, hard celestial member throbbing under his tail. He gasped, arching his back and hunkering down onto his forepaws. He could feel Temeraire release his neck from the biting, and instead, surprisingly, turn towards a more sensual lick; a broad, flat tongue worked over him between his horns and eye ridges.

The little blue moaned, each thrust under his tail rocking his hips forward as Temeraire hilted inside of him. Azusis felt a shy, black paw caress lightly against his hard cock. He flexed and squeezed again, his own reward coming in the form of that same paw pressing his dragonhood up against his belly, adding the slight pressure his body was missing. With a soft warble he pressed back against Temeraire, wanting as much of him as he could take, his whole body quivering with pleasure as his cock's first spurt of ropey dragon seed coated the tiled flooring and his belly, painting sticky white clouds on a light blue sky.

He could feel Temeraire gasp and tremble, his thrusts becoming short and forceful under the blue's tail. Just as Azusis' own orgasm was tapering, his spent member quivering at attention in the air, drooling the last pearlescent drops of his cum, he felt the first splurt deep inside him accompanied by a roar that shook the foundations of the pavilion. Azusis lowered his earfins and kept his tail raised as the celestial bred him, tail tip flicking back and forth in pleasure.

~

Mindful of Laurence's return, Temeraire was forced to turn down yet another coupling with the American. The mating had been as vigorous as he could have imagined. After the first time he spilled his seed within the blue male, Temeraire knew it wouldn't be the last.

Azusis had proved to be a willing and inventive partner when it came to two males. Soon after the first time, the blue had seduced and teased Temeraire until Temeraire contemplated biting him and holding him down; just before that occurred, however, the blue had rolled over onto his back and presented himself, tailhole slick from celestial seed and the oil he had spread over himself earlier. It had been odd feeling another dragon's member press against his belly as he bred him, but it was not uncomfortable. Indeed it would prove to be Temeraire's favorite position of the day.

The room was a mess. Azusis was sprawled lazily on his belly in one of the few clear spots, blue tail draped over the edge of the pavilion, dangling to the grass below. Temeraire wrinkled his nose as he avoided stepping in a splatter of seed. No one had come to check on them, or to offer food; now his stomach rumbled hungrily.

He gave Azusis' rump an assertive poke with his snout. The blue's tail flicked upwards and held there, exposing himself for Temeraire's wishes. With a bemused growl Temeraire licked at the base of the blue tail and shook his head. The American dragon certainly did not lack for endurance. "I am going to see what has become of Laurence, and our dinner. If you would care to, you may stay and wait. I'm sure there is food enough for us both. And the day's heat leaves the pond warm, if you would stay to bathe with me."

Temeraire poked his head out from the silken tapestry, squinting into the setting sun. "Bao-Zhi?" He inquired. "We, ah, are ready for dinner now, or will be after we bathe. My pavilion may also require some attention." He hesitated on the last word, not sure how to put it; but he was sure he could not leave it in its current state. Laurence would not approve. The servant bowed low, making at once to the kitchens and speaking quickly with another of their local retinue, gesturing towards the pavilion. Temeraire ducked his head back inside. Azusis was gone.

Instead, a splash greeted his ears. Back in England, Temeraire had introduced his fellows to swimming back at the Dover covert. Most of them had expressed some trepidation in the act but had warmed up to the activity over time. He was pleased to find Azusis had the same inclinations, even if he was going about it all wrong.

"I say, I do not think you are supposed to swim upside down." The blue was on his back, using his wings in an odd sort of backwards stroke. The motion resembled Temeraire's own hovering wing-strokes, though it appeared quite effortless for the smaller dragon.

Azusis flipped over at once, sending a great splash in Temeraire's general direction, lilies bobbing in the sudden wave. "I do not see why not. It is perfectly fine; you should try it." Azusis replied, now paddling along like a normal dragon should.

Temeraire sighed and eased his bulk into the water. The water was warm and felt good on his sore legs. His wings were strong, used to flying miles without stopping. Today had exercised other muscles that were not as accustomed to strenuous activity, although he would never admit it. Instead he paddled over towards Azusis, ducking his muzzle under water and giving it a great shake.

"I say!" Azusis sputtered. "Watch where you are shaking that big ruff of yours." A casual flick of the blue tail sent a small tidal wave crashing against Temeraire's side. An even more casual flick of a black tail completely engulfed the blue. Instead of emerging properly, Azusis stayed under the water, swimming in circles around Temeraire, before resurfacing chest-to-chest, a spout of pond water greeting Temeraire's muzzle.

"Oh hush, you deserved that and worse. Now, would you like to learn to swim on your back? I'll teach you." Azusis said, as Temeraire spat out water.

"As you wish; as long as you do not insist on drowning me," Temeraire replied.

A blue paw pushed on Temeraire's chest, easing him onto his back. "No, you'll sink like that. Take a deep breath. There. Fill your lungs, like you are flying, but instead flying through water. Much better." Two blue paws appeared, pressing down on Temeraire's chest. Temeraire stayed buoyant. Apparently satisfied, Azusis began to climb up onto Temeraire's chest.

"Now I know you are trying to drown me." Temeraire had to suck in a bit more air to keep them both afloat. Azusis crossed his paws, grinning, sitting nose to nose with the celestial, their tails touching beneath the water.

"Never. And besides, you said yourself I need to make it up to you." A forked tongue licked at the underside of Temeraire's jaw, Azusis apparently having other ideas about what it meant to get clean. Judging by the firm shaft pressing against the underside of Azusis' tail, Temeraire had other ideas as well.

A larger black tail coiled around a blue one, tugging the blue dragon down into his crotch, rubbing and prodding. Azusis squirmed; a single black paw pressed down on his rump, guiding him down. Temeraire hissed his pleasure as the now familiar feel of a tight dragon tailhole squeezed around the tip of his cock.

The two males wrestled about in a great fit of splashing and hissing, ending with a pulsing throb, throb inside of Azusis, painting the dragon's insides with still copious amounts of a seemingly endless supply of celestial cum.

Temeraire emerged from the water to the sight of a spotless pavilion. The oil had been removed, floors scrubbed. Paper lanterns were lit, strung across the edges of the room, casting a dancing orange glow on the platter of food that awaited them. If he was hungry before, he was ravenous now.

Azusis followed behind, being sure to let Temeraire make the first choice of each dish before taking his own portion. They ate in mutual silence, letting their minds and bodies relax.

Full in more ways than one, Azusis delicately inquired if he may utilize a nearby pavilion for the evening. "If it is not too much trouble. If it is, I am sure I could ask one of the other dragons to guide me in the dark. There is a system to the lanterns, if you know the symbols."

"Of course; certainly it is not a problem. You may have any you wish. They are quite empty, as my own formation is back home, in England." Temeraire added sadly. He thought about offering to share his own pavilion, as it was certainly large enough, but he did want to speak to Laurence, who should be returning at any moment.

Temeraire and Azusis shared a nuzzle before Azusis took the short flight to the nearest pavilion. The lights were immediately lowered, and it appeared he went to sleep almost immediately.

"Laurence! Wherever have you been all day?" Temeraire greeted Laurence warmly as Laurence entered the pavilion. In truth, he had secretly sent out one of his servants to make sure nothing was amiss. The servant had reported back that Temeraire had been with Granby and Hammond all day, looking weary but not in danger.

"I am so sorry my dear, but there were important matters to discuss. It is about time the Reliant should be at our shores any day, and yet there has been no sign of her sails." Laurence sighed and shook his head.

Temeraire looked alarmed. "Should we not go at once?" He looked towards the bay, ready to take flight immediately.

"No, not yet, I think. It would intrude on the requests of our hosts, who have requested we remain here. And the Reliant can take care of herself, rest assured." The muscles in Temeraire's hind legs relaxed, but only just.. "But enough of that. I see Azusis sleeping in one of our pavilions. Did you enjoy each other's company? There was no issue?"

"Oh yes, Laurence, we had a wonderful day. Azusis showed me some advanced mathematics he had been working on, and then we mated several times, I got to bathe, and the cooks prepared a splendid dinner for us."

Laurence's face had a look of utter shock. "I beg your pardon? Mated?"

"Yes, and it is splendid! I did not know it was possible either, Laurence, but you should really consider trying it with Granby." Temeraire seemed pleased at this suggestion.

"Temeraire, my dear -, it is not -, you should not -, I mean to say, the act of which you speak," Laurence was blushing and stammering heavily. "Is not wholly approved in proper society. A man, a ship man, may, at weakness, indulge in such whims, but it is not approved. I'm sorry my dear."

"Laurence, but why? Azusis was a very agreeable partner I assure you. And it is quite pleasurable, if you'd only try it -"

"Lord, no, Temeraire, I have no such inclinations, I assure you -"

"But how do you know if you do not try it?" At this, Laurence was blushing so heavily Temeraire thought he might turn permanently red. Instead Laurence abruptly stood up and ran his hand through his hair. Before he could speak, however, Sun Kai entered the pavilion, bowing deeply to Temeraire with his hands folded neatly within his dress robes.

"Bao-Zhi tells me you have appreciated the deliverances deserved of one of your rank, Lung Tien Xiang." Sun Kai said with proper formality, without a hint of embarrassment.

"Oh, no, you know about this? Sir, I promise, I was just telling Temeraire how it wasn't proper, I'm terrible sorry -"

"Proper? It is quite proper, Captain Laurence, for Lung Tien Xiang to indulge his pleasantries if he so chooses. Indeed, I am here to express satisfaction, and to make recommendations towards other, more suitable males. If Lung Tien Xiang chooses the American, he of course may as is his right, but we have other, more beautiful males to choose from here in China." Sun Kai said without a hint of modesty. "If Lung Tien Xiang wishes, I will arrange for them to visit tomorrow, and he may choose his most agreeable partner."

"Oh, thank you Sun Kai, but that won't be necessary. I do like Azusis, and I like Mei, too." He added with a twinge of guilt. He had not visited her today, and he mentally made a note to be sure to give her extra attention on the morrow.

Sun Kai bowed low. "As Lung Tien Xiang wishes. If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to ask." He then turned to Laurence. "And Laurence, I am not sure how it is in your country, but in China dragons are certainly free to make their own choices in these personal matters. Even one who prefers other male dragons will still find the time for a female in order to make eggs, I assure you. There is no need to admonish Lung Tien Xiang in the least." With that he bowed again, turned, and strode out into the night.

Laurence had his palm on his face, fingers rubbing at his temples. "Laurence, are you well?" Temeraire inquired.

"If there is no hope for it, at the least I would encourage your affections in the direction of Mei, and keep your interactions with Azusis to a less physical nature." Laurence said at last, after a moment of silence. He sighed, and shook his head. "And if you must, if, I would at least caution some amount of discretion in private matters. I will leave that to you."

"Oh, alright." Temeraire said, ducking his head low. He did not enjoy disappointing Laurence, but at the same time it was pleasurable, and Sun Kai did not seemed perturbed by it. Perhaps Laurence would come around in time. Deciding not to press the issue, Temeraire silently decided closing the silken drapes would be private enough for next time.

"I understand. Thank you, Laurence." He leaned down, nuzzling into Laurence's upheld palm. "Do sleep well, and do not worry. It really is quite nice." Laurence just shook his head at that and rubbed Temeraire's forehead a moment longer before heading towards his room.

Temeraire watched him go, and spoke to himself as he settled down for the night. "Laurence will see. Maybe if Laurence watched and saw how agreeable it is, I might change his mind. I will ask Azusis if he has ever encountered a person that was apprehensive towards it."

Pleased with his solution he coiled upon himself and closed his eyes, thoughts unintentionally drifting towards memories of a smaller blue dragon wriggling beneath him.