Arelenne thought for a moment and then decided to ask Tristan about his previous lovers. She wasn't interested in the details but in the extent of Tristan's experience. She didn't want to frighten Tristan away by her own exuberance and she certainly wanted more than a warm body on a cold night. She wanted Tristan to embrace their love and to be an equal in bed as well as the battlefield.

"Tristan have you ever been with a woman before"

"No" Tristan shyly answered, as his eyes looked everywhere but at Arelenne.

"So you prefer men"

"No."

Arelenne was confused at first but then realized what Tristan wasn't saying. It was an overwhelming moment, as Arelenne tried to comprehend the fact that Tristan had never been with anyone before. That she had never known the satisfaction of joining with another, of giving and receiving pleasure, of loving and being loved. It was unbelievable that this man, with all his abilities and confidence, was so innocent in the ways lovemaking.

"Why have you not taken lovers? There are many who would wish to lie with you."

"I never wanted just anyone" Tristan confessed.

"Oh" was all could think of to say, as she tried to come to terms with what Tristan had just implied.

Finally, she understood what Tristan was trying to tell her. She looked at Tristan and, with eyes clouded with emotion, pressed their lips together and tenderly kissed her new lover. Tomorrow was the first day of the rest of their lives and she intended to make every day a new experience for both of them. Moreover, when they finally consummated their union, she would make it a most pleasurable and memorable occasion for both of them.

However, all that would have to wait; right now they needed to get up. Arelenne rose from the bed and with an outstretched hand to Tristan, said…

"Now, if you are up to it my friend, we should meet Arthur and see if Germanius has our discharge papers."