Desperate Measures

Part 2

It's a good thing I've such an impressive memory, otherwise I'd be taking down notes." Tayend declared smugly.

Mayrie smiled as she too sat back, and gave her brother a steady stare. "First of all, it's vital that you and Dannyl can communicate openly and without awkwardness. But I know for Dannyl that is proving difficult. Seeing as you are more forward than him, you need to work on helping him feel at ease. To let him know he can talk to you about anything without embarrassment; without being judged."

Mayrie paused for a moment, before continuing. "Encourage him to ask questions about whatever he's unsure about. I presume there aren't many books with information about relationships between two men; so Dannyl's primary source of information is from you. You need to work on erasing any negative preconceptions he has about intimacy. Emphasise that being intimate isn't all about lust; it's an expression of your love for each other. That should help him relax, and take some pressure off his mind."

Tayend couldn't help but interrupt her at this point. "Pressure? Dannyl knows there's no pressure!"

Mayrie stared intently at her brother. "Are you sure? Because I believe his lack of experience may be making him feel inadequate. And the fact he has been repressing himself for so long certainly doesn't help. He might be uncertain how to express his feelings to you. He knows you are more experienced than him, and maybe worries you have certain… expectations of him. You need to make it clear to him that you won't be disappointed with his unskilled efforts, because that could very well be a huge concern for him."

"But Mayrie!" Tayend spluttered indignantly. "I don't have ridiculously high expectations of Dannyl! I know very well he's inexperienced and nervous. I'm not demanding him to be an expert in bed or anything!" Tayend paused to catch his breath, and all of a sudden he grinned sheepishly. "It just struck me as strange how open we are with each other. I'm sure not many men discuss this sort of topic with their sister!"

Mayrie's eyebrows rose in surprise, but her expression was humorous. "To be honest, I'm equally certain that few women talk about their marital issues with their younger brother!"

They both laughed at their peculiar sibling relationship. "Ah but Mayrie!" Tayend exclaimed mirthfully. "I don't know what I'd do without our conversations to keep me sane. But please do continue imparting you're wisdom."

Trying and failing to adopt a serious demeanour, his sister continued. "As I said before, assure him that his lack of experience isn't a problem. Let him know that you're honoured to be his first (and let's hope) last lover, and you're excited to be the one to help him explore this new part of his life."

From the sudden wild look Tayend was wearing on his face, Mayrie knew that something crazy was passing through his mind. "What is it?" She asked impatiently.

"Now I know exactly how to seduce Dannyl!" The scholar cried enthusiastically. "I'll whisper to him some day when we're out in public: "You're denying me a great honour by not letting me sleep with you… So unless you want to be ravished in front of this crowd of people, I'd suggest you find us a bed and some privacy!" Tayend cackled when he saw Mayrie's disbelieving expression. "I bet he'd faint with horror if I told him that. Not that I ever would say it to him!" Tayend added hurriedly. "Unless of course I was drunk…"

"In which case there is a very big possibility that you would do or say something inappropriate to Lord Dannyl."

Tayend looked mildly affronted. "I'm more careful with Dannyl than you give me credit for. Otherwise he'd have run away to Vin by now to escape my wild desire and intentions for him."

"At any rate, I truly pity the man. He has to endure the attentions of an obsessive scholar, who's liable to pounce on him at any moment."

"Dear sister, aren't we going off topic just a little? You're supposed to be telling me how to seduce the man; not telling me how much you feel sorry for him."

Mayrie nodded good-naturedly. "Yes. But it was you who got me off the point. Anyway, you need to ensure that Dannyl trusts you enough to let you take control; and that you will take things at a pace he is comfortable with. Perhaps he could suggest some boundaries, and you would promise to stick within these. Only when he is ready with going beyond these limits, will you do so. Assure him that if he ever wants to stop, you'll stop. So that puts you predominantly in control, but Dannyl still gets an important say in matters. Essentially, the best way to develop your relationship is to establish a powerful trust between yourself and Dannyl."

Tayend had an awed look on his face. "Wow Mayrie… you should write a book! Your astounding understanding of the mind is wasted on your life as a housewife!"