Summary:
Va'hsss, a serpentine bandit queen, finds her intimate needs going unfulfilled. The small settlement she lords over has no suitable mates, as most would flee or tremble underneath her gaze. However, idle chatter from her subordinates gives her a clue as to where a fresh partner might be found.
Va'hsss watched the sun sink into the distant ocean behind rolling dunes, casting its bright oranges and purples along the sky. There was a restlessness in her mind that wanted to spur her to action. She looked back to her room, eyes grazing across her armaments, trophies, and landing on her large empty bed. Her tongue flicked out, tasting the vaguely salty air. Most prominent among the smells was her own vague arousal.
It was almost pathetic, Va'hsss had to admit. Perhaps a spar or even a raid to clear her mind. It would be temporary, certainly, but a distraction from the unease burrowing into her thoughts would be more than a relief. She moved to the mirror next to her wardrobe. Was she so imposing that no one would attempt, or even express interest in her body? Sharp serpentine eyes stared back at her, with a large hood complimenting the long neck and head that held those orange daggers. Horns sprouted at her brow, only adding to the aggression she exuded.
Cobras such as her demanded subservience by their mere presence, as deemed by her society. Yes, she had abandoned her post as a proper general, giving the proud title in exchange for the new brand of "bandit queen", but even now, those that followed her maintained those cultural staples. That left Va'hsss with no equals, none to express any interest in her body without fear. She ran a hand over her bound chest, claw playing along the wrappings. Almost a shame, wasn't it? Va'hsss gave herself a small smile, quickly dropping it. She shook her head and dressed herself in her regular garb. Something would have to occupy her mind.
Va'hsss stepped out into the settlement. Activity had been winding down, with only a sparse few wandering around outside. Perhaps she could simply be more upfront? Anyone would be eager, if not honored to lay with her, surely. Many of the reptilian folk had caught her eye, and while they might not have matched her height or even muscle, they would still bring relief. Yet, anything other than her hand would bring relief now.
All of the settlement dwellers gave Va'hsss quick bows as she strode by. She gave them firm nods in turn, allowing them to go about their business. While frustration grappled with her mind, she realized then that some sense of duty clung to her militaristic mind. A stubborn sense of honor wouldn't let her lay with any of the males here. They looked to her for guidance, and support. Treating them to any sort of sexual touch would only corrupt what they thought of her.
The walk had managed to occupy some of her mind. It wasn't an impressive city or kingdom, but it was a settlement Va'hsss had managed to cobble together with those that had placed enough trust in her to flee a false god. Modest buildings had taken root, with stone paths laid between them. Candlelights flickered in the windows, letting her take note of those not on the streets.
Before long, her trek had brought her to the outskirts. Slightly more ramshackle. More tents. A little more foot traffic. The people there still bowed all the same. The occasional human cropped up, always on some sort of business. There, she came across a pair of reptilian guards chatting away in their scaled tongue near a tent, sharing swigs of something that was hopefully not alcoholic.
"Did you hear what the humans are doing?" one said. Shala, if Va'hsss recalled.
"Which ones?" the other asked. Pirinhi, certainly.
"The settlement nearby, dolt, what other ones?"
"Fine, get to the point."
"They're having some sort of mating ritual. You know, for lonely types."
Va'hsss stopped her stride, perking up at those words.
"Mating ritual? What, all of them at once? That's a little gross."
"No, no. It's a thing where those without a partner meet others without partners. Like a celebration."
"A celebration of loneliness?"
"They don't want to be lonely by the end of it."
"Maybe I should go."
"Don't be silly, they--"
Va'hsss took a step toward them, tail swaying. "Shala, Prinihi. How is your patrol?"
The two snapped to attention and spun around to face Va'hsss. Some worry plagued their faces, hidden underneath forced stoicism.
"Nothing to report, queen," they replied in unison.
Queen. That title still didn't sit well on her mind, least of all from her subordinates. Va'hsss had to admit that it at least struck fear into others that would seek to snuff out this place.
"Good," Va'hsss said. She reached over and nabbed the canteen from one of them, taking a sip. Water. Surprising. "Thank you for the treat." She handed it back. "What was the idle chatter about?"
"Human affairs," Shala said. "They've... Well, it was an amusing thought. Men and women without partners, joining together in some sort of grand party."
"Hedonistic, really," Prinihi replied.
"Very hedonistic indeed." Va'hsss raised her head, spotting a distant carriage loading up. "I trust you won't be partaking in it?"
"No," they both said.
"Excellent. Return to your work."
They both bowed and fled down an open path as confidently as they could. Va'hsss nodded and made her way for the carriage. The reptilian villager loading it stopped mid-placing to bow at her, nearly falling over in the process.
"Would it be fair to assume you are heading toward the human settlement?" she asked.
"Yes, queen. Trade, you see," he replied.
"I understand. How much to be taken there?"
"Pardon?"
"I would like to make use of your carriage to head to the human settlement. What would you require in trade?"
His eyes widened. "Nothing. Nothing at all. I would be honored."
"Are you certain?"
"Absolutely." He turned to the carriage, pushing aside some objects to reveal a bench. "As you wish. We will be off soon enough."
