‘We were . . . I mean . . . I only meant to show Deborah about the . . . how to share in the Joining . . . you know . . . ?’
Deborah could feel her cheeks burning as Theuli considered her. To Deborah she said, ‘I see. And did you?’
Deborah said nothing, watched by both Theuli and Éha for some reaction, her mind blank with fear and shame.
‘I see.’ Considering the two girls, Theuli was suddenly struck by how young both of them were. Deborah was obviously uncomfortable with what she had done. Éha was as innocent as a child when it came to something like the Joining, and it was obvious that she and Deborah had done more than merely talk about it.
Almost dreading the answer, Theuli asked, ‘Deborah, did you share yourself in the Joining with Éha?’
Trying to keep the hot tears at bay, she nodded.
‘Deborah, how old are you?’
Cringing inside, Deborah thought, here it comes. ‘I’m eighteen.’
But the condemnation she expected didn’t come. Instead, Theuli sighed and said quietly, ‘Well, I doubt the experience has done you any harm. Elf women have been known to have done this with Pixies from time to time.’ The two girls looked up in surprise. Theuli nodded. ‘Yes, and with Nymphs and Sprites as well. It is not deemed . . . acceptable behaviour, exactly . . . but it is not unknown. However, there are risks. And there are consequences. Do you know why?’