The breakfast continued, only broken up by banter and general questions. As time moved on Marcus felt the need to open up a topic himself. Until now Shen had been the only one starting conversations. "Your health seems to be much better." Marcus said to Shen. The ginghi nodded and his face turned serious "Yes, thanks to your blood donations, I have been able to recover most of my strength. The horrible curse of the dragon continues to gnaw at my body, but at least I will be able to defend my people from harm." Marcus listened and watched the expression on Azaa's face change. She looked torn between various feelings.

Shen continued to talk and Azaa looked even more unhappy "With your increase in strength it might be possible to fully expel the curse from my body. Would you be willing to take part in the cleansing ritual?" Why does Azaa look so torn?

I can only guess but the ritual might not be risk free for you, but healing her father is a high priority for her too.

"Yes, I will do what I can to help. I took an oath to do so." Marcus said and Azaa translated which caused some back and forth between her and her father.

Azaa spoke again "This is too much of a burden for somebody as young as you. You do not need to feel bound by this oath, Azaa should not have bound you in such a way." Marcus studied the face of the mighty Shen and answered "Even without the oath, I feel bound by my honor to help you and to support Azaa." Azaa translated while her eyes expressed warmth for Marcus. "Then I will not smear your honor and accept your help gratefully. On your next visit, we shall perform the ritual, and once and for all get rid of the curse." Shen said and the decision was made.

Uela offered some drink to all on the table and it had an alcoholic smell to it. Marcus took a cup and Shen raised his cup to the occasion. It tasted like wine but not made from grapes but a different fruit. "Tell me Marcus, what are you goals for the future?" Shen asked and Marcus was not prepared.

Marcus tried to order his thoughts and Xeen stepped in.

Marcus, Shen wants to know what is important to you and if you intend to bond with his daughter.

Ohhhhkay, Marcus felt suddenly even more nervous. "I intend to improve my abilities as a Titan. I wish to lead my clan into a fruitful future and… I hope to be with Azaa." Was all he could say, Azaa was right in front of him! Azaa smiled and translated. Shen leaned back on his chair and watched Marcus for a few seconds "Do you wish to have a family with my daughter." he asked and Azaa translated without looking into Marcus' eyes. "I feel that is still some way in the future, but yes I wish to have a family with Azaa." Marcus felt like his body was made out of wood, his brain out of straw and his guts burned like a bonfire.

The man nodded and then got on his feet. He motioned Marcus to follow him and walked out of a backdoor. Marcus had to walk quickly to keep up with the giant, the strained look on Azaa's face did not help to quieten his nerves. She seemed to know where they were going. They followed a long hallway and eventually left the building through another backdoor. A large garden with tall trees, bushes and many flowers awaited Marcus. It was not an English garden, it was wild, dense and full with scent of nature. Shen led the small party down a small path until they came to a clearing that was filled with beautiful sculptures made out of various types of stone.

There was an elevated flat stone near the entrance and Shen sat down on it, looking at the sculptures around him. Marcus stood there and tried to understand what he saw and what he was meant to understand. These are graves Marcus. Xeen whispered into his mind and suddenly the cruel reality of the situation revealed itself to Marcus. He turned to Azaa and saw grief in her face and it was the same for Uela. Are this all….

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Most likely children of Shen and his bond.

There were at least twenty unique sculpture in this serene glade. How old was Shen? The tall man spoke and Azaa translated but, her voice was quiet and rough "This is what awaits you if you manage to outlive your children. This is what you must be willing to endure to have a family as someone who has taken on the burden. Can you do that Marcus?" Shen asked and now Marcus could truly see the ancient ginghi, the man who had endured centuries. Marcus felt small and weak in this moment, suddenly faced with the reality of death.

Azaa spoke up, her voice strong and her eyes focused on her father. Her words were fast and firm, her head held high and as she spoke her hand embraced Marcus' hand. Uela also joined her sister and Shen had to calm his daughters down. "It is not like you will be alone Marcus. Any pain will be shared with me and our family. But most importantly, the sadness of loss can never outweigh the joy, that the life of our children brings to us." Azaa focused Marcus with her strong eyes.

Marcus heard her very well but he also understood the real meaning of Shen's question. Marcus bowed to the ancient one and said "There is still much I have not considered. I am young and I need to learn." Marcus understood this was Shen's way to tell him that he was still young and did not understand many things. It was a test of a father to see Marcus' worth as a man. Fake confidence or a dismissive behavior, an uncaring attitude or a smart ass answer, all of this would prove to Shen that he was just a child.

Azaa translated his answer and Shen nodded "Good, you will become a good father and companion to my daughter." Shen said in English. Marcus jaw dropped, that cunning old man! Shen laughed and the sisters seemed to have cooled down too. "My English is still not good enough so Azaa speaks for me." The man said and asked Marcus to come closer. Shen looked into his eyes and said "Don't die and leave my Azaa alone. That is also the responsibility of a man." Marcus nodded.

Azaa walked with Marcus through the city, this time they walked to her home and Xeen was on mute for the time being. They were both silent, thinking of the events of the breakfast and the heavy words in the hidden garden. They were holding hands and Marcus felt closer to her than ever before. As the door closed behind them they still did not speak, but explored the concept of tongue kissing. They were both rather inexperienced in this art, but even more willing to learn. Their bodies pressed against each other and Marcus could feel every breath, every excitement that pulsed through her gorgeous form. He embraced her tightly and they leaned against the door.

Yearning howled inside his mind like a hungry wolf and he dared ask for more. He gently created some distance to Azaa and looked into her eyes as he slowly moved his right hand up from her hips. She watched his hand move and straighten her back, they both breathed heavily as he gently felt her breast. "Ahh" a small sound escaped her mouth and she smiled. Marcus smiled and gently moved his hand and she closed her eyes in pleasure. His other hand moved up to, not to neglect her other side.

He could see and feel the positive reaction of her body and leaned in to kiss her neck. Her scent and the softness under in his hands silenced any other thought in his head. She moaned and he could feel her hips rubbing against his own in a rhythmic motion. "Hrrr" came from her mouth and her head shot forward. A sudden pain from his neck made Marcus freeze up. Azaa was biting him in his lower neck. A few seconds later she leaned back again and her face was filled with elation and carnal pleasure. Her eyes were wide open and she gave him an apologetic look "Ginghi instinct. Need to bite mate." She said breathless. Marcus smiled and they kissed again. Once more she moved down his neck and a short pain told him she had given into her instincts again. More kissing followed and under her breath she whispered "You are my happiness. I want you so much, but it is not yet time."

To his disappointment she gently removed his hands from their new found happy place and kissed them instead "If anything, today has proven that we still need to learn much about each other. It is not good if our physical relationship moves so much faster than our mental one. We need to be patient." she said and Marcus knew she was right, but still! "If I remember correctly it was you who put your tongue into my mouth." he said with a smirk and she nodded and straightened her dress.

"Yes, I have never experienced such a craving before. It is hard to stay in control, biting you was not yet meant to happen." Azaa said and gently touched his neck. His body had removed all signs of her affection but she seemed happy enough. "Your breasts are wonderfully soft." he kind of wanted her to know, how much he liked them. "I also liked what your hands did." she said with a shy smile.

Following this, they purposefully increased the distance between each other. Right now they were like magnets, if they got too close physics would happen.

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