Thread: The Great Serpent (M2) Dreamie~Middie

At 'Raan's inquiry, Irvine quickly redirected his gaze towards the desert serpent. His eyes suddenly softened and muscles fell loose. There is one. A child that Ammon saved two years ago - Taz'evra. His parents were murdered by their captors and Ammon has since blamed herself for his loss. She acts as his mother now, feeding him, nurturing him, loving him. He has an undying affection for her and undoubtedly, it's mutual. He heaved a sigh and rolled his shoulders then pressed his waterskin to his parched lips and let the smooth, untainted water flow down his barren throat. At that very instant Ammon appeared, toting about her trademark salmon-skin satchel. Clutched in her hands was a parcel wrapped in waxy brown paper and bound with frayed burlap string. She approached the regal desert serpent 'Raan and prudently showcased the package to him. Raw, salted venison, she explained, A gift. I understand that Evra enjoys them so ... maybe you will too. She shot the naga a reassuring glance as if to promise we'll have the chance to talk soon and proceeded to a dune of potato-filled sacks where she took a seat. With her carrier bag rested neatly in her lap she skillfully unfastened the latch and began archiving the items within. This was a satchel that Ammon fashioned with her bare hands, insuring its quality was far past grade A. She lined the inside with salmon scales so if they were to venture through a moist or water oriented passage the satchel's contents would not spoil or be destroyed. The material itself that forged the entire tote was a thick durable, tanned hide belonging to a bovine of some sort. Irvine would ask but often was given a vague answer by Ammon who wasn't too enthused to respond. Whatcha got there, Ammon? Irvine questioned. He scooted close to her and watched the tattered piece of parchment she had curled in her hands as well as the thin piece of brittle charcoal. Immediately he learned she was counting their inventory, packing vital things like medicinal herbs, hardy foods and currency. While she continued to strategically - and neatly - pack away important items, she peered downward and heard a familiar rattling sound and lastly, a pair of big, striking blue eyes leering her dead in her own. I smell meat! The child's voice was playful and innocent, as if he were crying for the attention of his guardian who was none other them Ammon. His emerald coils lay resting on Ammon's soles while she placed her bag aside to greet her 'child', so to speak. Not for you, she chided in a motherly tone, running her long, elegant fingers through his shaggy flaxen locks. She then motioned to 'Raan, the adult naga, who had hopefully been feasting on the meal Ammon provided for him. Is he your husband? The naga child, Evra, questioned. He knew Ammon had a strong adoration for naga, he wouldn't be surprised if she married one. An old companion, she replied, simply entertaining the child's nautical antics. He watched 'Raan with wide sky blue eyes then back to Ammon who fastened her tote back up and strapped it on her backside where she had usually positioned it. Ezra's coils wound up around his mother, smothering her with affectionate cuddling by rubbing his cheek against hers. Are we sharing a yurt tonight? Will you tell me more stories about the goddess of the harvest? You told me she can make all of these big fruits, like watermelon, appear just by wriggling her nose! Ammon could do nothing but smile. She ran her hand through the child's shaggy mop once more and tilted his chin up to meet her beryl gaze. Listen to me, Evra. I will be escorting this naga to Haven personally ... Deacon has asked me to. Evra's face went white. He was a child, guillable even, but not daft. But that means ... those slavers'll come after you! Why can't you travel with us? And the big naga too! Because it's too dangerous. I cannot protect you if slavers attack. Deacon will watch over you and act as I have. I promise when I come back, I'll finish your story and bring you the biggest, fattest, juiciest fruit from the most lush oasis I can find and we'll eat it together ... and I'll tell you that story as many times as you want. She planted a tiny kiss on the child's head as he began to sob, wrapping both arms and coils around the woman. Irvine was taken aback by the scene but Ammon felt perfectly comfortable. I want you to go in Deacon's yurt now. We'll be leaving shortly. Evra left sobbing, watching his guardian through teary eyes, said his last goodbye and slithered off. Ammon was left purely heart-broken but subdued her emotion and kept a stern, hard face with equally as stony eyes. She advanced towards 'Raan and patted him on the shoulder just as Irvine stood. Gather anything you need. We'll leave now. The path we're taking is longer ... the main group will wind up ahead of us within twenty-four hours.listulistu