Page 64 of Monsters in Love: Lost in the Stars

Seeing Neamhaí in the tavern was, Dorin observed, the most comical sight she had ever seen.

Their blue skin made them stand out, but there were other non-human creatures in Domhan na Rùin so no one gave them a hard time. They were, however, very visibly happy and had no qualms about chatting with anyone and everyone in the place. Dorin had always kept to herself, so this degree of socializing with the locals was new to her.

At first, it had made her frustration from earlier come back full-force. As she watched, though, her anger faded enough for her to realize what the emotion actually was underneath. She was… envious. She found she wanted to know people too, talk with them easily like Neamhaí did.

Neamhaí, to their credit, tried their very best to include Dorin in the conversations with the locals. She just… didn't know what to say. What could she, someone who had spent all their long life alone on the moon, have to say to interest these people? They lived rich lives with community and joy and sorrow. She felt overwhelmed, so she slipped over to the bar to order drinks.

Dorin had never had alcohol, so, after a brief inquiry with the barkeep, she decided on mulled wine. She ordered two mugs, and took a sip of hers, savoring the spicy tang.

"Ah, thank you!" Neamhaí said when Dorin put the mug into his hands. "What is it?" he asked, sniffing.

"Mulled wine! I've never had any either, but… may as well, right?" Dorin raised her mug to him, and they both took long sips.

It wasn't long until a small band of musicians appeared and began to play lively rustic dances. A few tables were cleared away, and the townsfolk began to pair off, joining the dance with laughter and smiles all around.

Dorin wasn't sure what had come over her, but she wanted to dance, too, though she didn't know how.

Three years of seclusion and anger were melting away faster than she could fathom. Neamhaí's optimism was contagious. She was a bit annoyed at him for it, she thought with a smile.

"You're beautiful all of the time, but most of all when you smile. You know that, right?" Neamhaí asked, and she turned to find him studying her. The warm lights of the tavern and the tingling of the wine in her veins had Dorin's head filled with all sorts of indecent thoughts.

In her time here in Domhan na Rùin, Dorin had learned about what the mortals did with lovers, but she had yet to try it herself. She wanted to now, however, with Neamhaí.

Dorin leaned toward them, and their features remained soft.

"Neamhaí, sometimes the mortals kiss when they want to be closer to someone. Could I… kiss you?" Dorin asked.

"I'm all yours, goddess. Show me." The thrill of being closer to her was overwhelming.

Dorin brought her lips to theirs. It felt exhilarating and foreign at first. Soon Neamhaí had caught on, though, and they deepened the kiss, pulling her closer and turning their face to fit more closely with hers. Dorin's whole body flushed with pleasure, sensations she'd never experienced overwhelming her.

She was just about to start exploring Neamhaí with her hands when the sound of cheering began to sound all around them. The townspeople were whooping and clapping their hands and laughing, all eyes on Dorin and Neamhaí.

Dorin pulled back, feeling herself blushing furiously. Neamhaí only smiled his horrifying, beautiful dragon smile at her, and she tipped her head back and laughed.

Neamhaí leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Dance with me?"

She nodded, slipping her hand into his.

The cheers continued as they stepped out onto the small dance floor.

"I don't know what I'm doing," Dorin said, feeling a jolt of nerves.

"Neither do I, but I'm with you, so it can't be wrong."

The music started, and Dorin and Neamhaí eyed the other couples, mimicking their position and movements. Within a few minutes, they were twirling and bouncing along, and Dorin had never felt more free.