The Touch of Spring

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.

"What was life back where you lived?"

"What's it like having

legs

instead of a tail?"

"Oooooh what's in your bag? What're these for?"

The questions he was asked were rather funny at first, but with such a genuine sincerity that he couldn't help but talk at length. No matter what story he told, they ate it up, leaning on every word and hearing his tales.

First he spoke of his works, of school growing up, then his memories, ranging from simple farm work, to fond memories of fishing with friends, trying to ice skate, swimming, and more. He spoke at length about his trips to theme parks, talking about foods and roller coasters alongside mascots and characters that he used to think were tall tales. The girls laughed as he expressed his shock when he found out that of all the things he had heard before, the one turned out to be true was far better than the stories said.

However, once the topic began to shift towards the lamia themselves......

"So....what do you think of us?" A cute blonde lamia sidled up next to him, rubbing her hand up his arm.

"Are we attractive?! Are we?!" A perky voice crept from his side as he felt his head being turned by a supple green tail.

"What's better, my tail, my ass, or boobs?" James' hand was wrapped up and immediately forced to grope a nearby lamia's busom. Oh god she was soft.

James felt his cheeks flare red as they pressed into his sides, begging for his attention.

Are they all like this? Where do I draw the line? And where is Selania and Illessi?

As much as he enjoyed his present company, he still missed Selania, even though they spent such a short time together. Illessi was direct, but there was a charm there that spoke volumes of sincerity that he truly appreciated.

To say he loved that about them was an understatement. They were doing so much for him, and he still knew so little about them.

I really hope they're ok. But, Illessi wanted me to stay here, so I think I can wait a bit longer....

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"Selania?" Illessi slipped by the draped doorway, spying her sister's tail dancing back and forth out of her room.

"Yeeess?" A sing-song voice came from a seperate chamber. "Sooo, did he pass the test?"

"Well..." Illessi bit her lip, considering how best to answer. "Listen, just because he is nice doesn't make him

not

dangerous. But, you already should know the answer given your connection with him now."

"Ahh, well.... Heehee, maybe I did know. I just wanted to hear you say so!" Selania's voice rang out with glee as she slid out into view. Dressed in a crimson red dancer's bedlah, she swayed back and forth, putting on a mock show for her sister.

Illessi arched her brow as she scanned her sister's attire, whistling her approval. "Well well, someone you're trying to impress? Cuz I'll admit, it's working."

"Hah, I don't have to try ya know." Selania giggled "But thanks sis. And not just for the vote of confidence."

"Yeah well, he was good company. And I think he fancies you. Espeeeecially you. Just what on earth did you do to that poor boy?"

Selania smirked, tracing a circle around one of several runes etched lightly on her soft skin. "Not as much as I plan on doing to him tonight."

"Well then, you'd better hurry. I don't think he's gonna last much longer out there." Illessi peeked behind the curtain door, laughing to herself as she pointed. "Nope, he's got about five minutes left I'd say. Better get out there sis, or you're not gonna see him for a week minimum."

"Oh gods you're right, ok ok, -phew- alright. I've got this." Selania closed her eyes, focusing on the night ahead of her.

"Oh I'm gonna love this."

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Out at the camp, Jame's situation became almost comical as he tried to juggle several 'conversations' at the same time, while concealing his ever growing arousal, much to his aggressors glee.

Still, as welcome as his company was, he could feel more than just these lamia around him watching and gauging him. A bit uneasy, despite his heavenly position, he looked behind him, unable to shake the feeling of being watched.

To his surprise, he found one particular lamia hiding behind a hut. She stuck out from the crowd in a way, as she was the only one not participating in the merry making. He couldn't make out what she looked like from afar, but he locked eyes for but a brief instant. She brought her hand up to her mouth as she quickly retreated behind the hut, revealing her tail as she left. A soft red and black pattern shimmered as she left, seemingly shifting and changing as she moved.

"Wait...." James muttered under his breath. Right as he was about to excuse himself, he saw Illessi exit a nearby hut alongside a familiar face. He felt his heart skip a beat as Selania exited alongside her sister dressed in tight red leather with gaudy dancer's ribbons draped from her wrists.

The camp seemed to pick up on this change in James' demeanor immediately as the girls whispered to each other.

"Selania..." James felt his voice barely croak a whisper as he was awestruck at her sight.

"H-hi James." Selania blushed as she stammered, much to her sister's amusment. Illessi ribbed her a bit as she slithered by, making Selania regain her stride again as she found her way to him through the crowd. "Sooo.... how do you like everything here so far?" Gently she glided to him, kissing him as she lay next to his side.

A dopey smile crossed his face as she made contact. James nodded absent-mindedly before quickly registering she asked a question. "Uh yes! Yes I think uh... yes this place is great and I love it here so far. Just trying to get acquainted, and so far everyone has been very welcoming!"

"That's great! You seem to, ah, be a bit overwhelmed. Something on your mind?"

James couldn't hold back his ever broadening smile as Selania coiled closer and closer to him. However, he noticed a distinct change in atmosphere, though he couldn't quite peg how.

A murmer echoed through the crowd of lamia. A feeling of anticipation lingered that was almost palpable.

A red scaled and yellow scaled lamia pulled closer, one laying her head on James' leg and the other practically draping over his back. Selania smiled as she gazed into her lover's eyes, wrapping her tail around his taut stomach lazily. James reached forward to pull her to him, but she coyly kept him at a distance.

Not yet... You must be prepared first before tonight's true celebration.

A voice echoed in his mind.

Selania bit her lip in anticipation as she felt his muscles begin to flex under their combined efforts. "Soooo.... James, would you like to be introduced properly? The lovely lady on your back is Sashelle, and she looooves to work out the tribe's muscles and cramps with her massages. She's second to none." James immediately felt her hands gently roll down his neck and stop at his shoulder muscles, kneeding into them as she pressed her voluptuous chest into his back. A soft moan escaped his lips as he blushed in embrassment.

"Oho, seems like you're warming up to her already. Good good. And the beautiful girl on your lap is Visseth. She's our resident fishing expert, as she can hold her breath for a looooooong long time. Of course, that ability has

alot

of applications, don't you think?"

James gasped as he felt Visseth loop her tongue around his finger and pull it into her mouth, locking her mouth and sucking his fingertip. Selania cooed as Visseth winked at her. Sashelle curled around James shoulder, locking eyes with James as she whispered gently soft promises in her native tongue, drowning his mind and heart in a peace that begged him to shut his weary eyes.

It would be so easy to shut his eyes too. So easy to just let himself fall back...

But wait.... he wanted to... do something right?

"Mmm.... Sela...nia" James felt Sashelle's hands press deep into his back, turning his will to maleable putty. Visseth contented herself with wrapping herself around his legs, laying her head in his lap and caressing his stomach. Selania cupped his head gently as she brought her lips to his, kissing him lightly, then blowing a pleasant mist of sweet smelling perfume that drowned his mind into sweet sweet submission.

Relaaaax. You're going to need some strength for tonight... Just trust ussss.... Ssssleeeeeeep....

Within seconds James' will buckled as he slumped between his seductresses. Smiling contentedly, Selania nuzzled into his side, wrapping herself loop after loop around her lovers in a soft blanket of coils, soaking in the fire's heat and enveloping them safely within.

Selania leaned over on James' right while Sashelle took his left, as they laid their heads on his shoulders, watching the fire rise and rise. Other lamia interlocked their coils, caressing each other, while some others even began to kiss and intertwine in a lovers embrace, ignoring all else but their partners. The sun had begun to set.....

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James nose twitched as he felt a warmth be set before him. Yawning, he opened his eyes to see a large platter of varied meats steaming in front of him, masterfully cooked, and deliciously seasoned.

Of course, he was almost completely immobile, being wrapped up from head to toe in multiple coils interwoven around him.

Heh, guess that's just something I'll have to look forward to every time I wake up.

James blinked a few times as he saw the lamia serving him flash a mischeivous smile. She had the same type of coils as that one lamia he saw earlier. Red and black patterns, shifting and changing in the fire light.

But that look in her eye.... it couldn't be her could it?

"Like what you see big guy?" She flit her tongue out and shut her eyes in satisfaction. "

Mmmm

, outdid myself once again. So, what do you think?" She wiggled back and forth, then looked to Selania, who was just beginning to wake herself, alongside the others. "Heya sis, this guy's kinda cute, but real quiet. He bashful?"

"

Mwaaah-

Oh of course. But you must understand, he's never seen our kind before. Not to mention he's sandwiched between some of the most beautiful women in the world."

"Hahah! Well, we're still missing a few ya know. What do you think Jamesy? Think you can handle being the center of attention for awhile?"

James swallowed as he tentatively squirmed a bit, releasing one of his hands from his prison. "Heh, well, I dunno about handle. I'm just happy to be here. Hoping to be as much of help to you guys as I can while I'm here, since you all were so nice to take care of me."

"Aww, he's such a sweetie too! Shame you got first dibs, I think I like this one. Don't wear him out too much, I want a swing at him later." She lifted herself upside down, letting her boobs bounce in front of James view and stealing a kiss, much to his surprise. She pressed her chest into his face, shook, then released and slithered back towards the fire, handing out more food to the others while keeping a knowing eye on her guest.

Selania mumbled under her breath"Geez, she's direct huh? Hehee, well, I guess that's what makes her so fun too."

Sashelle softly pushed her hands into James' shoulders once again, relishing his soft quivering as she felt his tense muscles respond to her. Visseth picked up on what her cohort was doing, and she gently lolled her tongue out, lapping at James' stomach, underneath his shirt. She wrapped her tail tip around a large slice of meat, dangling it over his head and slowly lowering it for him to eat.

Selania rose from her place, swaying her hips back and forth, raising her hands over her head as James moaned at their combined efforts on him.

"

Eat James, this was all done for you....."

"Let go James.... Let us take care of you...."

"Come James..... Join us. Let's feel each other...... love together."

James chewed into the meat that teased his senses and exploded in flavor as the girls pressed into him. He saw Visseth grab another piece of meat and bring it to his lips, as he eagerly leaned into it, taking yet another bite as he felt his body begin to wake up and rejoice in the meal presented. Their coils pulsed and tightened around him in such a way that he could swear were in time with Selania's movements.

Selania lowered her hands as she undid her braces, lightly passing them gently underneath James' cheek. The girls on his sides loosened their grip, exposing James' bare muscular chest to her. Caressing his jawline as she traced her finger down to his heart, murmering an unknowable chant. Her finger tips glowed red as she traced a few symbols onto his chest, then pressing in, those same symbols appeared onto him, pulsing and sinking deep into his chest.

She gasped in time with James as they felt a warmth flow in their bodies that started to grow. Her scales glowed the same red hue as James, turning a bright shade of pink as warmth enveloped him and her in totality.

Visseth fed James one last bite, then motioned for Illessi to move in as she wrapped her tail stealthily around James' legs, in complicated loops, ensuring his immobility within. Sashelle worked in tandem with her partner, reaching her arms around to his torso and softly gripping him in a lovers embrace, while pressing her ample chest into his back, and leaning him back onto her.