Bramblepoint medusa and hemlock

"it was not against my will. he had the years i have now, and a silver tongue to match. i went willingly, and though at the end of us it was bitter, i shall not ever forget julien." the panther spoke again; taltos' eyes gleamed teasingly. "aha, peregrine! shall i describe him to you?" the strong legs, the arrogance of julien's very bearing.

and yet there was no comparision -- lasher did not do such with his lovers. and yet ... "he did not have your rich dark fur, nor your strength ... the gemlike quality of your eyes. and he was not kind, as you are." perhaps the other had spoken in jest but lasher did not, though his eyes danced with good humour. "surely you have had other lovers since we were last together, some more beautiful than i?"