In the Lion's Den (Fau'cheth)

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

As the doors swooshed closed behind Pesh, he barked outloud.

"Computer, noone is to enter. We are not to be disturbed." Then, with a gentleness about him, Pesh'ewa lowered the figure in his arms to the ground. Fau'cheth. Fau. She was his. They were one. They would be one now and forever.

"Fau," he breathed, as he placed his paws gently on the sides of her face, as he gazed down into her golden eyes. "We are one." He wanted her forever. "We must complete the bonding if that is what you desire." His breath caught as he said those words, a hint of fear that she would somehow change her mind in these seconds.

The small shrine he kept for the Goddess in his quarters would suffice for the traditional temple normally used. "The Goddess will bless us and our children if we complete the bonding. I want to be one with you now and forever." He bent down, brushing his face against her cheek, breathing in her scent.

"I don't want to wait. Will you join me in asking the Goddess for her blessing?" He gently nipped at her lower ear, his tongue darting out to taste her. He wanted to taste every part of her, to know every inch of her. He nuzzled her neck while he waited to hear her words, her acceptance.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

The trip from the Arboretum was a blur. She felt his arms cradling her gently while his voice was gruff and barely restrained with anyone they met. Her hooded eyes looking sideways from where she cuddled against his chest saw crewmen dodge out of the way and flatten themselves against the walls of the corridor.

Then they entered his quarters and he commanded the computer to keep everyone out. In this place they were safe. She was in a state of bliss with his aroma all around her encircling her.

"Fau," he breathed, as he placed his paws gently on the sides of her face, "We are one. We must complete the bonding if that is what you desire."

Desire... she looked into his eyes gently entreating her as if it were possible she could say no. Desire shook her to her roots.

"I don't want to wait. Will you join me in asking the Goddess for her blessing?"

She trembled as he nipped her ear and he nuzzled her neck. Nothing in the world had ever felt this wonderful and she wanted it to go on forever.

"I will" she said as she leaned into his embrace. "Pesh" she reached up to caress his face not wanting him to worry. "Complete the bonding" and she groomed the fur of his cheek with a gentle purr.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

A soft purr rumbled deep inside him as he felt her slender form in his arms. His eyes closed as he savored the feel of her so close to him, grooming him.

Though he wanted nothing more than to keep her in his arms, Pesh'ewa pulled back. His hand trailed down her arm until his fingers wrapped around hers. With a little tug, he pulled her along with him to the shrine in the corner of his room.

There in front of them was a figurine of the Goddess, surrounded by other symbols and images of Cait, including his clan's crest. He leaned enough so that he could rub the side of his head against the top of hers.

"You will now be part of the Bellmy clan. My clan. Our clans will be joined forever more." Then looking up at the figurine of the Goddess, Pesh'ewa spoke again, "I bond myself to you, Fau'cheth, for now and for always.." Then, reaching forward he pinched a small amount of a crushed flower between his paws. The Nepa plant, a native plant to Cait. He brought the crushed plant towards his nose, breathed in the scent and then lifted his paw above them, sprinkling down the sweet smelling particles over them both.

Pesh indicated with his paw that it was her turn to complete the bonding. In Caitian culture it was always the female who made the final step towards the bonding and initiated the bonding kiss. It was their way of showing reverence to the power and beauty of the female, just as they did with the Goddess. Fau would have the final say to choose to complete or deny this bond. Their fate would rest in her hands.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

As he led her to the Shrine she felt an incredible pulse of joy for she knew they were almost bonded. On Cait this was a tricky time for a pair as either partner could conceivably change their mind. With the state of her feelings and the intensity of the process she could see how someone could be frightened and attempt to pull away.

"You will now be part of the Bellmy clan."

Her eyes opened wide, that was a prestigious clan union to bring to her family and clan. Her father would be proud of her now instead of the disappointment he'd always shown with her choice of Starfleet. Where else would she even have been in the presence of such an imposing figure as this man who would soon be her mate.

"I bond myself to you, Fau'cheth, for now and for always.."

She looked upwards to the Goddess and felt the glittering particles sprinkled upon them by his hand. The fragrance brought her mind and heart back to the plains of her childhood. She could hear the chants and songs of the clan females at the bonding ceremony.

She smiled up at him. Then taking a tiny amount of the crushed flowers she placed them in her palms and quickly rubbing them together she infused her paws. She placed her right one on his forehead symbolically imprinting herself on him.

"I bond myself to you, Pesh'ewa, for now and for always..." then standing on tiptoe, she drew his head down to hers and placed her forehead against the mark for a moment to join their minds. Then she kissed each of his eyes in turn so they would always see her as a beautiful manifestation of the Goddess. Finally, she drew back for just a moment and then she met his lips with her full acceptance and love.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

Every sense of his being was tuned into her. He could hear the beating of his heart combined with the beating of her own as she spoke the words. Pesh'ewa couldn't take his eyes off her as she spoke her own vows and lifted her hands to his. All the while, the beating of his heart filled his ears. This was a moment he would never forget. A bonding only happened once in a Caitian's lifetime. Emotions coursed through him. Pesh'ewa had nearly given up hope that he would ever find another to share himself with in the deepest, richest sense of the word.

Now, Fau, had come into this life. Fau, her golden locks so soft as he lifted his hand and ran it through her hair. She was spectacular. She was stunning. She was his.

Then, she pulled him to her. A deep, heartfelt purr rumbled within him as his lips met hers. The kiss was like a burst of light in his life. Fau was his light. From this moment onward, she would be the center of his life, just as she was destined to be. Pesh would treat her with love and respect. She was his goddess, his mate, his life.

The kiss ended and Pesh nuzzled her neck, her cheek. He wanted to feel all of her body, wanted to give all of himself to her. It was a gift. The gift of himself. A gift only destined for a bond-mate. His hands reached up to his collar, tugging at his own zipper to remove his coat. Yet, he paused first.

"Wait," he mumbled, "I have something for you," he whispered into her ear. He moved away from her, back into the recess of his dimly lit quarters. After rummaging around he re-emerged carrying a small box.

"I had these fashioned years ago before I left Cait. It seemed like a foolish idea at the time, yet it gave me hope that I might one day find a mate. I had nearly given up hope that I would ever have reason to open this box. But, Fau, you have given me a new life. These ankle bracelets represent our union to each other, the unbreakable bond we have just created between us."

Pesh'ewa pulled out two silver bands. Each band was decorated the same. Two long vine-like pieces entwined together ringed the band. These represented two tails joined together for all eternity. Where the two tails met, they formed two hearts. Somewhere within hearts, what were two tails ceased to be separate. You could not tell where one tail started and the other began. Within each heart was placed a blazing red and gold gem, a special, rare gem only found on Cait.

"I hope they are to your liking," he said quietly as he held the bands up for her approval.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

She knew the ritual but was unprepared for the effects of the bonding kiss. It was beyond any she'd ever experienced. She felt a golden link forged between them a strand of spirit that went from her heart to his. He rained kisses and touches all over her face and neck sending thrills and shivers down her spine and elsewhere.

'The Glory of the Bond' her mother had spoken of was inadquate to describe what was happening to her. She wanted nothing more than to be in his arms here in his den. Yesterday was an age ago a forgotten life before Pesh. She knew the flash of the bond would pass and she would be able to return to her duties but right now there was no other being in the universe but her mate.

"Wait, I have something for you," and he disappeared into the other room. She held herself still so she wouldn't collapse. Still feeling the amazing link. He wasn't too far away only steps but even that was too far and she started to go after him when all of a sudden he returned with a small box.

"...But, Fau, you have given me a new life. These ankle bracelets represent our union to each other, the unbreakable bond we have just created between us."

They were the most beautiful mate bracelets she had ever seen and the gems were amazingly cut and glowed as only Fire Gems could. She had never seen anything so fine in her life.

"I hope they are to your liking,"

"Oh Pesh, they are amazing." she stared at him and just shook her head. "You are incredible." She pulled the smaller one from his hand and stroked the twining tails and then handing it back and sliding her left foot forward she said "Please?"

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

"Oh Pesh, they are amazing. You are incredible. Please?"

Pride filled his body at her words of praise. Nothing could make him feel as though he was running through the skies as much as hearing Fau, his new mate, speak highly of symbolic bracelets. Running his fingers along the intricate design, he brought the smaller bracelet up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on each gem, as if to bind his own feelings of love for her deep within the bracelet.

Then, dropping to his knees, he placed her food onto his thigh. It felt so good to have any part of her touching him. He ran his hands up the instep of her foot, stroking her ankle. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her ankle. Then paused and gazed up at her, admiring her beautiful form from his current position. Holding up the bracelet so it shimmered in the light for a moment, Pesh then placed it with care around her ankle, allowing the malleable material to mold perfectly to her size.

His hands remained capped around her ankle as he gently moved her foot back to the floor. Then, he rocked back and pulled himself back into a standing position.

"Would you like to do the honors?" He asked, holding out the box that still held the untouched, larger bracelet. A symbol of their perpetual link to one another.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

As he lifted her foot onto his thigh she sighed a deeply satisfied sound. Never mind anything her father had ever said to her she was Bonded to this wonderful giant placing the symbol of their status on her ankle.

Fau felt his paws on her ankle and found herself wishing for them everywhere else. An involuntary purr escaped at the thought of his caress and where she wanted it to travel.

"Would you like to do the honors?"

"Yes" she said and taking the other bracelet from the box, she stroked the carvings and pressed her kiss on each of the stones as she had seen him do. She sat down on the floor with her legs to the side and lifting his left foot slid the bracelet into place making sure it fit perfectly. She ran her hands over his foot and placed it back on the ground.

She put her paws on the floor and hopped up to a standing position again. Then she looked up at him her eyes focusing on his as she found the jacket's closure and opened it. She slid it down his arms and when it came off she tossed it toward the couch. Her eyes transfered to the golden pelt revealed and her purring got louder as her breathing speed up. She ran appreciative fingers over the fur of his arms, The muscled flesh beneath contracting to rock hard tension.

"You are very well built..." and then a little timidly she looked back into his eyes which seemed to burn into her own. "Pesh..." her voice trailed off breathlessly.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

Every muscle in his body seemed trained to respond to her. As her hands glided over his chest, his muscles tightened and hardened, just like other ares of his body as well. Oh, yes, he wanted her hands to feel that as well.

His hands gripped her face and he pulled her towards him for a passionate kiss. Then, sliding his hands down to her shoulders he fumbled around for how her uniform worked. Once he figured it out it didn't take him long to remove that barrier between them.

He feasted on the sight before his very eyes. The small undergarments she wore hardly hid anything from him. His hands quickly began their journey over her lightly furred flesh, running up her arms, over her body.

"Fau," he breathed as he leaned forward to lick and nip at her neck, "you are magnificent. My very own goddess." His voice rumbled with restrained desire and passion; a restraint he couldn't hold onto much longer. With a deep purr, he scooped her into his arms and bolted into the bedroom of his quarters. It only took a moment before they found themselves on the padded bed.

He crawled over her, gazing down at her through passion-filled eyes. His tongue darted out and licked around first her cheek, then her lip, before he closed in to capture her mouth once again. All the while his hands roamed over her flesh. He broke the kiss and moved his hands down to remove the last barrier of his own clothing. He would give Fau the gift of himself. He was hers forever more. He would do anything for her....anything.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

She felt as if she were floating in a dream it felt so real but how could this be happening to her. Warm fur covered massive muscles that bunched and relaxed under her hands as he moved.

His kisses lifted her beyond herself into another world and another space her consciousness had never before entered. Suddenly he had her uniform undone and pulled off and she hadn't even realized he was doing it. The rumble of his purr joining with the lighter tones of hers danced in orbit around each other. His eyes practically glowed as he said her name and surveyed her almost naked form.

"Fau, you are magnificent. My very own goddess."

Picked up in his arms they flew into his bedroom and she laughed with the shear joy of his intensity. His bed was soft and she savored the deep smell of him here. She belonged in his den, his bed.

As he crawled over her she ran her hands all over his chest and snaked her arms around his neck pulling is face down to hers again. His hands roamed her body as well and she changed her hold bringing her arms down and around his back she tried to pull him to her. Then he broke away and removed his final article of clothing. Her tail whipped and he eyes ran the length of his form. She tore her eyes away from his gift and met his golden obs with acceptance and joy.

She opened her own gift and reached for him. With a wordless undulating yowl she demanded his gift.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

Pesh'ewa gave her exactly what she'd demanded. His gift. He held nothing back from her. Nothing mattered to him but the beating of their two hearts, joined together in a rhythm that matched their movements.

Past experiences could never have prepared him for the intensity that coursed through him, drove him onward, sent him reeling as though he had been catapulted out into the voids of space with only Fau as his anchor into reality. His tail moved in rhythm with him, until it sought out her tail, twining together just as in the bands they now wore.

A hungry growl escaped his lips as the sensation of tail on tail only added to the pleasure his body felt with each rocking motion. He gripped her head, gazing into her eyes as he felt the end of this first journey nearing its peak. Her eyes captured his. His tongue darted out, drawing in her taste. He wanted to taste every exquisite inch of her body, and he knew he would.

The sounds of their passion mingled to the point where it was almost as though the were one.

"Forever, Fau," his hoarse voice whispered as he bent in one final time to taste her lips before driving them both to new heights.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

At her yowl he immediately reacted to her demand and gave her exactly what she needed. Her body molded to his in this final dance of their committment to one another.

Fau'cheth trembled with the intensity of their bonding. Every ounce of who she was, she shared with him. This was stronger and more fulfilling than any previous experiance of her life. Even the touch of his tail electrified her. They twined together extending the touch of their bodies. Her passion rose again and again as he drove her onward.

They were fully entwined all parts of her touching him when he gripped her head and she captured his eyes. His tongue tasted her and she cried out her need again.

"Forever, Fau," she was amazed that he could speak words and as he drove her to join with the Goddess on last time she felt like she exploded in a thousand colors and indescribably songs and he was with her together... "Forever" she breathed as he collapsed halfway on top of her.

She tenderly smoothed his mane away from his glorious eyes and shifted her body against his side so she was fully pressed against him tucking her head into the crook of his neck and stroking his chest with her free hand. Her tail draped across his waist and legs entwined.

"Pesh'ewa" she said tasting his name... "Pesh" she said his mate name this time with full knowledge and appreciation of its meaning and the man who was hers.

Then her mind went back to the point in time where she'd actually had any control over her conscious thought.

She froze "Was that the CAPTAIN?" she squeeked.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

Ecstasy did not even describe the way Pesh was feeling. As he rolled off of her, he reached for her, let her shimmy herself even closer. His body hummed with a purr of contentment as he looked down to see her head on his shoulder. It felt right. He felt complete. His hands gently stroked her back as they lay cuddled together after their glorious union.

"Pesh'ewa. Pesh." His purring grew deeper as he savored the sound of his name on her lips. Fau was his. Rational thought was beginning to return, though Pesh almost preferred the instinct that had overtaken them both during the initial bonding. It was a once in a lifetime occurrence for a Caitian, and Pesh never wanted to forget the intensity of the bonding experience.

Still basking in the glory of such a bond, Pesh nearly jumped out of his skin when she squeaked.

"Was that the CAPTAIN?"

A rumbling chuckle emanated from within him at her shock and dismay. He just could not help himself. One thing was for sure, he hoped his new captain was an understanding woman. Flashes of what happened on the bridge returned to him. He knew he would have quite a bit of explaining to do to Captain Rell, yet, his tenured experience in Starfleet gave him a bit more peace over the matter than Fau felt.

"It...was," he said, unable to suppress the devilish grin that formed on his lips as he added, "do you think we should have invited her to witness the entire bonding ceremony? I'm sure she would have found it...fascinating." Pesh's eyes twinkled with merriment. Even though he knew he would have to deal with the issues that bonding with another Starfleet officer might entail, right now, he was too content, basking in the glow of their joining.

Turning slightly, so he was gazing at Fau, keeping her cradled in his arms, he leaned forward and nuzzled her nose, "You know, I'm due for some slightly larger quarters as I've been named third officer. Would you care to help me decorate them?" He nuzzled around her cheek and jaw as he spoke, wanting to breath in and hold onto her scent.

Tag Fau

[Lieutenant JG Fau'cheth]

Pesh’s chuckle at her realization of who had been present at the initiation of their unexpected bond did much to ease her fear of the implications of complete loss of control in front of the Captain.

"It...was, , do you think we should have invited her to witness the entire bonding ceremony? I'm sure she would have found it...fascinating."

“NO” she squeaked before she realized he was teasing her. But when she did, she laughed and smacked him which had absolutely no effect on her giant of a mate… mmmm yes… giant he was that in all ways. She was quite pleased with her incredible good fortune in more ways than one.

She lifted her slim leg to look again at her bonding bracelet her fingers trailing the entwined tails and finally understanding their meaning… it was so beautiful and to think he had carried them with him for years just in hope. She looked up at him eyes shining. “It really is absolutely perfect” she whispered.

He turned and nuzzled her nose. "You know, I'm due for some slightly larger quarters as I've been named third officer. Would you care to help me decorate them?" his sniffing was giving her such shivers up and down her spine that she almost missed his question.

“Oh yes!” she said finally and with a shy smile “Wow, Third officer? That’s huge Pesh. I’m very proud of you.” Then she thought a moment. “My quarters are near the Arboretum but I couldn’t bear to be parted from you for the night. How soon would you move so I can come with you?” she closed her eyes briefly “It will be difficult but on a ship I don’t imagine the bond will have to stretch too far.”

She opened her eyes wide with sudden realization, “We have to log our bond with Starfleet and the Caitian Representation right away. I can do the initial report and forward to you for your authentication. ” She smiled “My parents will be so pleased Pesh. I am proud to be joined to your clan.” She purred as she nuzzled and licked his chin.

Tag Pesh

[Commander Pesh'ewa]

He enjoyed her reaction to everything…his teasing, the bracelet, all of it. It was as though he actually felt some of her emotions within him. Was that part of the bond? He didn’t recall ever hearing such things, but he could remember times when he was young and his parents seemed almost to know what the other was thinking. Such an idea actually intrigued Pesh.

How soon would you move so I can come with you?

He chuckled slightly at her enthusiasm, and pulled back to gaze at her, “Well, I haven’t really even settled in these quarters yet. I’ll have to speak with Captain Rell first, but I would expect we can either be in new quarters later this evening or by tomorrow.” He reached out his hand and brushed at her luxurious hair, running his paw down her arm. “If they can’t get the quarters ready until tomorrow, then I think you should stay here with me tonight.” Pesh’s eyes shimmered as he thought of just what they could share together throughout the night.

“We have to log our bond with Starfleet and the Caitian Representation right away. I can do the initial report and forward to you for your authentication. My parents will be so pleased Pesh. I am proud to be joined to your clan.”

Ah, yes, he thought, all the details they would now need to take care of. A small twinge of uncertainty entered his mind. There would be no problem with the Caitian Representation, but how would Starfleet handle this current situation?

“I’m proud to have you in my clan, Fau. We’ll form our own new clan. The two of us. Together in space.” And someday soon, perhaps, they’d even be able to visit Cait on leave. Pesh already wanted to introduce Fau to his family. He knew they would love her just as much as he did. He blinked slightly at that thought. Love. Yes, strangely enough, though he hardly knew her, Pesh loved her with all his being. He would give anything for her, even his life. Such was the depth of a Caitian bond.

He nudged her chin, brining her mouth up to meet his. Savoring the taste of her on his lips. “Perhaps we should get some of the necessary details taken care of. If you take care of the initial report, I’ll go and speak with Captain Rell.” And see how Starfleet really handles such situations, he added silently.

He kissed her again. “I don’t want to leave you, but I’d like to see about securing those new quarters,” he grinned devilishly at her, thoughts of just how much fun they could have in such quarters entered his mind.

Tag Fau