Author's note. This one is a bit of a slow burner, but I think it is well worth the read! That said, if you'd prefer to get to the good stuff, you'll need to scroll a bit. Otherwise, enjoy!
Chapter 3: A place to belong
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James and Illessi made their way back through the brush as the smell of meat hit James' nose like a truck. His eyes narrowed and he licked his lips unintentionally. Trying to keep his mind off of the delicious aroma, James conferred with the clan's guardian.
"You mentioned earlier that your tribe's safety is a priority to you. I take it I'm not the only one that's come close?"
Illessi stopped as she put a hand out to James' chest. She inhaled deeply, contemplating how to answer as she swished her tail at the thought.
"That is one way to put it. Others have come before, yes, but none have seen the village for long.
I
made sure of that." She noted demurely as James bit his tongue. "Selania has recently been in charge of scouting about, thanks to her constant pestering. Tch, she's never really been out of the village until recently, so I maaaay have embellished a few stories to keep her on edge." Illessi chuckled, but her stoic expression returned. "But her magic has also helped keep our tribe hidden from the world. A necessary action, sadly. She's quite handy with her powers after all, but I'm sure you've noticed that yourself."
Turning now, eyes now intently focused on James with a fire he wasn't sure he liked being on the receiving end of.
"I meant what I said James, I take my family's safety seriously. You are different, that much is certain, but well..... I've made the mistake of being too trusting before, and others have paid the price for that. You standing here is testament to how much my sister cares for you, and how much I care for her."
James swallowed audibly as he returned her gaze.
Shit, what happened here? Who hurt these girls?
James clenched his fist at the thought.
People can be bastards, that makes sense, but still.... they really put themselves out there for me. Not to mention even Illessi went THAT far with me, despite having doubts?
James looked back to the village, seeing the simple houses and the bustle from everyone there. He grit his teeth, furrowing his brows in anger at the idea of someone suffering so much at the hands of someone who didn't understand, or worse yet, did understand and didn't care.
The way they talk, that guy must've been a right bastard. I can't let that be how they see us.
"Illessi, I don't want to hurt any of you, but coming from me that probably doesn't mean much, given that I'm a human. If there's anything I can do-"
"You've done enough so far, sweet meat." Illessi quickly interrupted as she cupped his face. "My sister trusts you. The tribe seems to trust you, and I know some were more than a bit curious to get to know you from what I've seen from my perch. Just, forgive me if I'm a bit distant at times. I'm sure I'll come around fully, but old wounds can heal a bit slow...." She stared back towards the woods, a small pained half smile trying to hold back something. James put his hand on her shoulder, snapping her back to the present, as she shook her head. "But I'm sure you know a thing or two about that too. No sense in thinking about it now."
"Well..... I think mine is a bit lightweight in comparison. I won't pry, but if it helps, I'd like to help right whatever wrong happened here. If I can anyways."
Illessi paused as he spoke, stewing on what he said. She opened her mouth to speak, when James' stomach grumbled audibly, much to his embarassment.
"Hmm, you really are hungry. We will have to fix that soon. After all, the celebration won't be the same if the guest of honor isn't
satisfied
."
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Illessi motioned for the others in the camp to come out and set the banquet. In the center of their camp was a large circle of stones and wood, prepared for a large bonfire, surrounded by succulent fruits and pleasant flowers of varying color and alure, producing such a lovely smell throughout the camp. A large stack of meat was being carried out by a yellow tailed lamia with a much larger and much more muscular body than the rest, with a few scars marring her frame adding a certain feral beauty to her disposition. She flexed her tail and winked at James coyly before setting down the bountiful feast before them as some of the girls in the camp cheered for their hunter's success.
"You're staring there handsome, and I wouldn't recommend that. She might just take that as an invitation."
James blinked a few times, regaining his focus. "Oh, sorry, should I just uhm, not... look?"
"Oh sweetheart, they're going to eat you alive out here...."
Illessi muttered under her breath as she led him to the center of the village.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, just a bit hungry myself is all."
Illessi motioned for him to sit at the front of the fire, where a large knitted hide lay with several lamia lounging on it already, basking in the heat of the flame and coiling together for more warmth. Chatting quietly amongst themselves, they caught sight of their guest sitting down looking back and forth amongst them. The change in mood was immediate, as they excitedly drew closer to James.
Illessi however, had other matters to attend to. Her sister was preparing for the celebration tonight, and it needed to be discussed.....
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James set himself down, taking off his boots and laying his pack to the side as he tried his best to see beyond the flames in search of Selania, yet to no avail. His search wouldn't last long as it was interrupted by soft hands and gentle voices from behind, begging for his attention.
And who was he to say no at this point?
Turning around, he noted that many of the lamia up close had distinctly different characteristics. Some had soft rounded faces, sun kissed and perky, so perfectly innocent and caring. Others had more foreign appeal, with tanned skin, dark colors matched with their scales that glistened and shone in the setting sun.
One thing they shared though, was their excitement at this unique guest that sat before them.
In no time whatsoever, they had completely surrounded their quarry.
