have never before met a male who knew nothing at all about females.” He chuckles with a shake of his head. “Listen, you are looking at it wrong. It is not about what she can do for herself. It is about what effort you’re willing to make. The females in my clan can provide for most of their own wants and rise to their positions with single minded determination, and yet males woo them with love tokens that they can easily acquire anywhere else with their own coin. It’s about letting her know that you are interested in her happiness.”
“A symbolic gesture,” I say slowly.
This makes a peculiar sort of sense. Unicorns are fond of symbols, whether it is in the art we collect or in quests that we formulate for those who seek our magic. A gesture promising happiness doesn’t sound out of place, although it is strange that it is not something we have ever done with our mates as far as I know. I can’t recall a single time when my father offered a symbolic love-token to my mother. Though my mother was an elf prior to their mating, so it’s possible that she had no interest in such things. While their passions run hot, they are not always the most expressive beings.
“Females love to be wooed, and happily reciprocate affection for males who give theirs freely,” Eral adds, his expression thoughtful and filled with something that looks much like longing. “You are a lucky male to have found yours.”
I feel genuine sympathy for him. It is clear that, while he does not say so, this is a male who longs to find a mate of his own. A situation I understand all too well. He stinks of despair, loneliness, and anger, all of which he seems to ignore as he mutters something under his breath and takes another gulp of his beer. I need to go to my mate, but I’m uncomfortable just abandoning him at the table alone. As if sensing my concern, he glances over at me as he drops his cup again, smacking it once more against the table, his lips quirking in self-deprecation.
“Don’t look so worried. A few drinks is hardly enough to harm me. I haven’t hit my limit yet and, despite all appearances, have no desire to be one of those males who drink themselves into a stupor. I will be fine,” he says as he waves me off. “Go find your mate.”
“It’s not a matter of finding,” I reply, relieved that I can leave without grave consequence. “A unicorn can always find his mate once his magic has entwined with her essence. As long as she is above ground and in the same realm, I always know where she is.”
Eral stares at me quietly, as if he’s uncertain whether or not to believe me. After a long, drawn-out moment, he snorts and lifts his cup again.
“That’s useful,” he mutters.
I give him an understanding smile as I push to my feet.
“I wish you the best of luck in finding a mate and thank you for your assistance. Do not worry about the bill for the drinks you’ve enjoyed in my company. I will cover the bill.”
He looks over at me, surprised, but doesn’t protest. His eyes only narrow on me before he shrugs and decides to let it go. I suspect he’s thinking about unicorn magic and the likelihood that I don’t have human money on me from one moment to the next. I am equally certain that, rather than feeling obligated to lecture me as he was tempted to, he has decided to just leave me to it.
Fine with me. I have no interest in hearing another confusing lecture, nor in being held up any longer now that I understand what my mate requires.
A symbolic gift of my devotion and care.
I still think sweets and flowers are a bit lackluster as far as symbolic gifts for something so deeply personal, but I admit it’s practical to listen to the werewolf. He understands the matter far better than I do.
A fairy working behind the counter pauses, as they are as mischievous and troublesome as goblins, but the male smiles jovially at me as he accepts my cash and coin. If he can detect that they are spun of magic, he gives no indication, or just simply doesn’t care. He drops them into the register and acknowledges my request for a cab with a cheerful nod before turning to his next