FSE

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Xipilli slid away from his door and pocketed the key. The pit viper cast a quick glance up and down the street as he adjusted his hood. Not that the hood would do much. No matter how well made they were, they couldn't hide his long, serpentine body. Just stepping out of his house, he felt like there were dozens of eyes on him already. Which would be surprising since it wasn't even dawn yet.

"Don't tell me you're leaving town," the voice was gruff, barely more than a growl. Hans, the lynx hunter, flashed a toothy grin. "Would so hate to see you leave."

Hans had been rather outspoken on his opinion of Xipilli. If it had been up to the hunter, he would've likely been run off some time ago. Only the timely intervention of Lady Sikstas kept the villagers at bay. What the golden dragonborn had been doing in this part of town, he'd never know. He'd seen her on and off through the years, but never with any regularity. She'd always been polite to him and the other citizens. Even stopping by his shop to browse and buy wares from him.

Though it was when they were in private that he learned to fear her.

Xipilli shook his head and proffered the feline a smile. The naga's scales rasped off the ground as he lowered his head, staying just a touch lower than the lynx. "No, just need to gather a few things." He gave his satchel a pat and adjusted his glasses. "Maybe find a bit of something to eat."

The lynx gave him a curious once over. "Out hunting, hmm?" Most everyone in the village knew his diet tended towards medium game. Smaller deer, boar, a brace of rabbits, so on. Naturally, there were rumors aplenty about his eating habits. Plenty of mothers pulled their children away from him. Only coming to see him if it was an emergency or if it was obvious he'd fed. Wouldn't stop them from making signs at him to ward off evil.

He'd employed Hans to hunt for him during the winter months, though found the lynx distasteful. Something about the way he looked at people. He was giving Xipilli that look now. The slow, measured look of a predator judging another creature. "No bow?" the lynx mused after a very long moment.

Xipilli offered a friendly grin, keeping his fangs well tucked away. "Ah, just a small one." He gave the hand crossbow on his belt a pat. "More to ward off bigger things."

A laugh, the sound crawled across his scales. "Little prick like that? Be surprised if anything can feel it." He slung his own long bow, "More power to you, Healer. Don't get yourself killed out there. Would hate to be on the search party sent to rescue you."

Bet you would, Xipilli mused to himself. Watching the lynx for a long moment before he started out. While they were both headed for the forest, Xipilli headed North. There was a good batch of some herbs up there, not to mention plenty of game. Curiously, Hans had gone East. That was mostly fields and the road that way. Who knew, maybe the huntsman knew of some good secluded spots.

Whatever secrets the huntsman might have, he wasn't willing to share. So the Naga went on his own way. He offered the few people he saw a smile and wave. They returned the gesture, but he could feel the unease radiating off them. Nothing new, nothing of note.

Just as he was leaving the city gate, another stopped him. A rather plump bovine waved, "Healer!" as she trundle towards him. "Up quite early, aren't ya?" her smile was easy and infectious. While she had been exceptionally wary of him at first, Helen had warmed up a couple winters ago. Her whole family had come down with a nasty cough. Without his syrups, most might not have survived.

He smiled a little," Gotta get some herbs, and I was up early already."

"Well, got ya a little something, Dear." Out came a wrapped bundle. The taste of fresh bread and smoked meat washing over his tongue. "Had a bit extra so thought you might like some."

She always had a bit extra for him. The villagers outside the wall didn't have much in the way of wealth, so they bartered and traded. He regularly made up medicine for her, and she made sure he had little treats. Which, while he only ate once every few weeks, he wasn't about to turn down fresh bread, butter, and bacon.

"Oh you really didn't have to."

"Now, Healer, I insist." Ah, all part of the social dance.

Xipilli sighed, smiled, and took the bundle, "It would be rude to refuse." He flicked his tongue at her with a smile. "Let me know if you need any more of the cough syrups."

She waved her hand dismissively, "Haying season is nearly over, but thank you, Dear. I'll leave you be though. Harold will be needing my help soon." They parted ways, her wandering back to the farm and him going further afield.

Out in the forests, he went about to his favored spots. While he had a garden for most of his needs, there were some things one just couldn't grow. Perhaps in one of those greened houses he'd heard rumors of. Though how would he get one of those built? The construction alone would be a task beyond most here. Not to mention the amount of glass he'd need. Lords and Ladies could afford such things, not he.

Besides, there was something nice about gathering in the forests. Getting away from the city, stretching his limbs, and enjoying nature. Xipilli stretched and flicked his tongue about. Yes, few things were better than a walk on a crisp summer morning.

Now, if it were winter, he'd welcome a hot house.

It was easy to lose track of time while out in the woods. As the sun rose his hood came down, letting the day's warmth soak into his scaled hide. He started to feel delightfully lazy. The desire to strip and bask competing with his need to gather. Though not with his growing hunger. It gnawed at his backbone, not letting his rest. Feed me, his gut demanded, I hunger. "Calm down," he gave his stomach a swat. Suppose it was start looking for some food.

As if appeased by him starting the hunt, his stomach settled. Back to the hunt for medical supplies though. Just keep his eye out for anything tasty.

Though his luck for hunting wasn't the best. Any trails he found were cold, dens long abandoned, and the every source of water was quiet. Xipilli hated days like this. Come out to do something and just didn't work out. Granted, the walk was nice. Sun started to feel good on his scales too. The viper humming and stretching out as the clouds parted. Oh that felt so good on his hide. Made him want to just curl up for a nap. Could always talk to the farmers and get something to eat. Though few were willing to part with something that wasn't past it's prime.

Xipilli sat up a bit and blinked, realizing he didn't quite know where he was. Ah that was just great wasn't it? Getting lost on top of it all. He reared back and cast a long look around. There had to be something around here he could see.

As he climbed a hill, he heard a rustle, angry voices, and a cry that made his skin crawl. "HEY! Getoff!"

The viper dropped low to the ground and took off. Scales rasping off dirt and rock as he raced towards the sound. There was no question about why he was going there. He was a healer, it was his mission in life to help others. If someone was in danger, then he'd do what he could to help.

Xipilli slowed as the noises grew louder. Didn't sound like a person fighting with an animal. It sounded like two sets of voices. He slowed as he approached, not wanting to interrupt someone's tryst. There were a few villagers with questionable tastes. More than a few that had come to him in private, seeking cure for what ails. Even with his knowledge, there was some things he couldn't fix.

Pushing his nose through the brush, he decided he could fix this.

Hans was on top of someone. The lynx's cheek was bleeding from where it had been clawed, and several quills stuck out of his shoulder. His target was a porcupine, her lip bleeding and top torn. Hans had her wrists pinned, but the stranger wasn't above fighting dirty. Her forehead cracked into his face, making the lynx reel back and snarl. They twisted, the stranger almost getting on top. A hard lurch threw her off the lynx. Her head hit a rock with a hard crack. Eyes rolling back as her form went limp.

The hunter lay on the ground for a second, breathing and collecting himself. "Fuckin bitch," he bubbled through a bloody nose. "Better not be dead..." he put a hand near her face. "Good, still breathing." His muzzle split into a wicked grin. Tongue rolled over his bloody lip as he started to loose his belt."We're gonna have some fun, you and me. Good news, you don't even... YOW!"

Hans leapt as something stuck his neck. A bare prick. Hardly more than an insect bite. Without thinking, he slapped his hand over the stinging spot. It was a slender metal tube with an impossibly thin tip and a tuft of fur at the end. "What the..." he started, words already slurring as his mouth grew numb. A growl tried to crawl up his throat as the lynx sat up. Only to stumble then fall on his side. Chest heaving as he tried to bring air in through a tightening chest.

The barest whisper reached his honed ears. A silent shadow slid over him, blocking the sun. Even with his vision starting to blur, it was easy to recognize Xipilli. He reached for the snake's cloak, limb shaking as he huffed.

"Shhh," came a low hiss. "You got a good dose, enough to bring down a large boar." The naga's usually kind gaze was hard, cold. "Fitting then." He turned from the lynx. Scales hissing off the ground as he leaned over the porcupine. "I wonder. How many like her have you taken?" Xipilli's touch was light as he applied a poultice. "How many have you caught off guard in the woods?"

Hans had been bitten by snakes before. Each time he'd had more than enough time to get the venom out. Was this some sort of concoction the healer cooked up? Was his venom that much stronger? It had taken mere seconds to immobilize him. He couldn't even more his head without feeling like the entire world was falling. He wanted to retch, but his throat was frozen. It was all he could do to just draw the merest breath.

Xipilli glanced at the hunter as a voice echoed from his memory.

"How many?" Sikstas voice was deathly calm. The golden dragonborn fixed him with a cool, even gaze. Xipilli had just come home to find her sitting at his kitchen table, drinking some tea. "And don't even think of playing coy. We both know that's not a deer in your gut." Her gaze was hard, practically freezing him in place. Only the movement of her hands drew his attention from those eyes. Even then he was certain it was only cause she willed it.

Sikstas casually laid several parchments out on the table. "These are some of my citizens who have gone missing since you arrived. How many?" He didn't look at the writing, couldn't look at it, his eyes locked onto each hand-drawn portrait. His fingers twitched...

The porcupine shot up with a shouted, "Ahh!" wincing as her head bounced off... something soft.

"Careful," the voice came from above, "you took a nasty fall." She looked around, then drew back when she saw the naga looming over her. "Normally wouldn't use smelling salts," he showed the vial, "but I was worried when you didn't wake."

It took her a moment to piece together where she was. She was stretched out on a forest path, her head lay on one of the serpent's coils, with a heavy cloak pillowing her head. Not just her head. It had been draped over her body as well. She could feel it rubbing against bare fur.

"Would explain my cheeks," she offered a smile. "Ma always said I slept like the dead."

Tongue flicked as he returned with a smile of his own. "You were pretty out of it. Barely twitched when I wrapped your head." She reached to touch her forehead, finding a bandage there. "Though slapping isn't my usual method."

Her tone was cautious, questioning, "What happened?"

Xipilli rolled his shoulders, "I don't know. I heard some shouting, came over the hill," he waved up the path, "saw someone leaning over you. When I called out, he bolted." He offered a slightly shy smile. "Guess he didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea about what might be happening."

"Like chase me through woods then try to rape me? Hope the bastard gets eaten by a bear," she sat up slowly and felt her head. "Thank you, Mister..." she trailed off.

"Xipilli," he offered another smile.

One she returned happily, "Juniper." The porcupine started to stand, wobbled just a little, then steadied herself. "Um..." she looked at the heavy cloak, something clearly made for the larger naga. "Here, you should have this back before I wander off with it."

He quickly lifted a hand to shield his eyes, "It's okay, you can return it later."

Juniper made a dismissive noise, "Nothing you hadn't seen before." Her ears flushed and pinned back, "Not implying you're a pervert or anything. Just that if you woke me up, then you saw them, and since you weren't feeling me up I'm sure you're not a pervert or..." she took a breath, "I am rambling. Should get back to my cart and get clothes." She hopped to her feet and looked around, "Where is the road."

Xipilli blinked, still trying to parse her rapid-fire ramble. "Um, this way I think." He scratched his chin. "City is that way... I came from there... Yeah, that way." He nodded in a direction.

"If you want to get your cloak back, come on!" Juniper took a step, wobbled, and shook her head, "If I can get back safely," she kept her voice low. Though not low enough.

He slipped up beside her, "If you're fine with me helping you down..."

She threw an arm around him, "Ah, big strong snake to help me down! How can a gal be so lucky?!" The porcupine threw him a wide grin. "So tell me all about yourself? Gets pretty lonely out on the road and I miss having folks to chat with. I love to chat, which is great when you're a master of sales like I am. Suppose it all started when I was a little pincushion."

Oh boy, what did he get into?

The walk wasn't that bad. Chatty as Juniper was, she didn't dominate the conversation nearly as much as he'd have though. Sure, she did the majority of the talking, but he found himself replying. When she told him about her three older brothers, he couldn't help but respond with stories of his siblings. Her story about being caught in a flood turned into his tale of an epidemic of grippe.

It was hard to describe just how charismatic she was. Suffice to say, he was a little disappointed when the road came into view. Quickly followed by the sight of a rather gayfully painted wagon. It wasn't the largest he'd seen, though certainly seemed larger than the single Juniper could handle. The wooden sides were simply stained, with the roof being a cool, minty green set of shingles. Brass hubs and fixtures shone in the sunlight. The words Cypress Curiosities was painted on the side in elegant script.

A pair of rather large horse perked up as the pair approached. "Easy Samson," Juniper waved off one of the beasts as it stepped close, "He's a friend." She grinned and stepped forward to rub the stallion's muzzle, "That fucker is lucky he didn't try to get me here. This fella would've stomped him into jam. Wouldn't you, big guy? Now, excuse me a moment."

Without a word, she threw open the rear door to her wagon and leapt into the darkness. The entire structure rocked and objects within rattled against each other. "I knew I wasn't far from town, so I stopped to take a little rest. Was gonna brush the fellas down, clean up, and change clothes. Make a good impression before I... FUCK!" the wagon shook, something loud banged inside. "I'm okay, forgot about that box."

Neither horse looked overly concerned. Though the one she'd greeted did keep an ear trained on Xipilli. It did look at him warily when he'd shifted towards the wagon, but settled as he backed up.

It was only a moment later when Juniper sprang from the wagon, wearing a whole new outfit. "Ah, much better." She grinned and handed the folded cloak back to Xipilli. "Thank you so much, Xip." Juniper paused, looked him over slowly, "Need a ride into town?"

Their fingers brushed as he took the cloak back. "Ah," he started, mouth suddenly dry, "thank you, but I have a couple more patches I need to get." He gave his satchel a pat, "I am running a little low on fresh peppermint, and there's a nice little patch back there." he waved back up the path they'd come down.

The barest hint of disappointment danced across her face. It was so fleeting he must have imagined it, "Of course!" she grinned widely, "I'll see you in town then. I owe you dinner for saving me." He started to protest, but a touch silenced him, "No arguments. You're a healer, you rendered a service, I'm going to render payment. Keep us even keel." The finger on his lips tapped, "I don't like being in debt. So you are going to get dinner," she pushed his snout just a little. Barely enough to expose his teeth, "Agreed?"

It was really hard to say no. "Agreed."

"Good!" she leaned forward and kissed the other side of her finger. Xipilli's cheeks went red hot, but he dared not move. There was that smile of hers as she danced away, "Okay boys, let's hitch back up and get going!"

Juniper had the horses hitched up and was down the road in a matter of minutes. He'd offered to help, but she knew what she was doing. The naga twitched his tail and flicked his tongue. Watching her go down the road for a moment before turning back. He watched her from the corner of his eye as he leaned over to check some plants. Digging through a few before picking some. Nothing he didn't already have in abundance, but, well he wanted to delay for a moment.

As she was rounding a bend, he ventured back up the trail. Keeping up his search. Few minutes more, he ventured further and further back up the trail. Past where he'd tended to Juniper. He nudged his way through a heavy bush and stared down at Hans.

The lynx had managed to drag himself away from the hallow. Not too far though, he'd gotten tangled in the undergrowth. The feline's chest barely moved, his breathing shallow. His head rolled loosely as Xipilli drug him back. The paralytics in his venom were strong. The lynx must have had a mild resistance. Xipilli had given him some anti-venom for other snake bites before. Mayhap they gave him some resistance? Interesting.

Hans' eyes locked hard onto his as the naga flipped him around. Glaring at him. Wordlessly, the pit viper began to strip off the lynx's clothing. No need to be careful. Let the vest rip, a bit of blood stained the shirt as he cut it away. If someone found the clothes, it'd look like an animal got the hunter.

"So that's it?" Sikstas' tone was matter-of-fact, calm even.

Xipilli nodded, surprised at how calm he was. He'd thought his heart would be pounding away at least. "I don't know about the others."

The gold dragonborn looked over the files he'd picked. "Suspected murderer." The file hit the table, "Slum lord, meant to pick him up some time ago. The orders were getting... lost." His joined the first. "Thief." Thump. "Snake oil salesman," this one she held for a moment.

His tongue flicked, "Their medicines were poison." An elegant arch of her brow, "They were purposefully mixing medicines that'd give an energy boost. Make people feel better for a couple days, then..."

"I see," the file landed atop the pile. "So, in short, you have been picking out the worst of the worst." She leaned in and Xipilli felt his throat constrict. Her presence bore down on him, both freezing him in place and threatening to drive him to the ground. "And then," she trailed off, eyes sweeping over his form, "taking care of them." He could feel her eyes bore into his body. Dissecting him with her gaze. He found himself very keenly aware of the swell of his stomach. "Crime boss." It wasn't a question, but he nodded.

Sikstas leaned back and gave him a long look. "I will have to see to that." She stood, looming over him. Xipilli leaned back, cowering before her aura.

Then she was past him. "Stay with those that deserve it, or animals." The room seemed to darken and something crackled, "Anyone else and I will be less forgiving." In a flash, the moment passed and she stood up. There was the barest hint of a smile. "Thank you for the tea and conversation. It was delightful."

Xipilli worked his jaws slowly. The viper rolled his head as he felt his meal slide further down. He'd filled the darts that morning with the intent to hunt. His venom was pretty potent, and Hans was a tough bastard. Honestly, he'd been surprised that the lynx was still breathing when he came back. Even now, the hunter squirmed a little. Not for long though, he could feel the motions slowing.

Tongue flicked as he looked over the hunter's gear. It'd be easy enough to hide it. The tears and bloodstains would hint at a creature having found the hunter. Hans was known for challenging things larger than he should. Thinking back, Xipilli found himself wondering what else the cat had hunted. Other city dwellers? No, someone would have likely reported it. Other travelers? Well, they'd be easy, possibly not even missed. Wonder if Sikstas had her eye on the hunter. She seemed to know everything that happened for countless miles around her territory.

A yawn prompted the naga to move. He was more than ready for a post-meal nap. Easy as it'd be to do out here in the wilds, he'd rather be home. Should also write up a letter for the Lady before she came for another visit.

Getting back into the city was easy. The guards barely looked at him twice.Other than a brief exchange with one of the guards, he made it in without issue. Then it was just a matter of weaving through the bustling city streets. A part of him worried someone would ask about his meal. Another keenly aware of the castle looming over the town. He swore he could feel Siktas' gaze on him already.

Pulling his hood up, the viper slithered to his shop. Thankfully, not getting stopped by anyone. Folks weren't overly chatty with him on the best of days. Put on his busy face and most would ignore him. Head half-down, peering in his bag, mutter to himself, and tada. Recipe for being left alone.

Back in his store, the naga could feel himself starting to wane. His heavy meal had settled in his belly. Moving so fast hadn't helped matters either. It was all he could do to not simply pass out as soon as he got inside. Now that wouldn't be good for him. Some helpful citizen come around and find him sprawled out in his store? Was embarrassing the last time it had happened. A simple sign saying he was busy solved the issue of people coming to see him. He always tried to arrange for people to get their medicines before or after he ate. Barring an emergency, he should be fine.

As things were, he barely made it to his bed before sleep claimed him.

All told, he slept for the rest of the day, waking some time before daybreak again. The day found him busy at work. Dutifully bundling herbs to dry while concoctions bubbled away. He had a bundle already on the table. A new herb mixture for the Lady to try. She'd confided in him some time ago that she longed for children, but couldn't bear them herself. He'd had success with some mixtures, had heard of success with others.

He was writing up the instructions on their use when a bell chimed. "I'll have the package ready in a moment." Xipilli leaned in to carefully blow the ink.

"I just got here and already got a package for me? That is some exemplary service!" That was not Henry's voice. Though he did recognize it readily enough. Xipilli poked his head around the corner and was greeted by a smiling Juniper. "Hello there, Healer. Came by to take you to dinner yesterday, but your store was closed." She nodded her head, "Neighbor said you often took a day off after going out."

Oh no. He felt his cheeks redden a bit, "Uh yeah, gets a little complicated." He ducked back around the doorway and rattled some equipment. Make it sound like he was in the middle of something.

"It's cause you got a big meal, yeah?"

That gave him pause. Xipilli slowly peered around the door frame, "Pardon?"

Juniper was fiddling with a little pouch he'd left on the counter. Nothing more than a trinket really, something that smelled nice. She looked up and blinked, "Well... I mean I travel around a lot. Met some other snake folk out there. Generally decent people, like anyone else out there. Anyway, I know how they get when they eat something." He'd started out from the backroom as she spoke. There was that easy smile of hers again. "So what is it?" She gestured with the sachet, "Meal or are you pregnant?" Her eyes darted over him, "Wow, that must be at least triplets."

"I don't eat kids." He'd blurted the words before thinking. Cheeks went red-hot as his eyes widened. "I mean... I don't..." he started to stammer, "it was a boar."

Silence.

The porcupine just stared at him. Then blinked. "Wow." She leaned into the counter slowly, looming towards him, "You're cute as fuck when you're awkward, you know that?"

Now that made his cheeks flare with a different sort of heat. "W-what?"

Her smile only widened, "Don't get to see people get this flustered this often. Think it's pretty cute." Juniper planted both hands on the counter and vaulted it. Colorful clothes swished as she sat herself on his side. Even the rattle of her quills seeming somewhat musical. "Guessing you won't be hungry for a week?"

Xipilli was tempted to retreat. That instinct to put some distance between himself and others flaring up. "Ah..." he felt behind him with his tail. Wall, no escape there. "A week." He shifted closer to the door. The bulge made by the former hunter drug on the ground, "Maybe two." Juniper kept watching him, something odd in her gaze. "I mean..." he started, "I still nibble on things now and then. Some good buttered toast, maybe a bacon sandwich." He gestured towards the back room, "In fact, had just gotten some bacon and bu..."

"Great!" The crack of her hands on the counter made him jump. "I can still treat you to something for saving me." She hopped down and gave his cheek a kiss as she ventured past. If any more blood rushed to his cheeks, he was certain he'd pass out. "Let me just..."

Now it was her turn to go silent. Xipilli knew his kitchen was a mess. Well, it was barely even a kitchen anymore. Granted, the store was also his house, but he'd long since turned the kitchen into a workshop. Herbs hung from the rafters. Bags and jars vied for space in the corner, spilling out of aged crates. All waiting for meds to be mixed and added to them. He didn't like to keep a lot of stock out front, at least not anything that could go bad. The kitchen table was a war zone of ointments and powders. Not like he needed it that often. At least the stove was still in working condition, though had a range of crockery atop it. A single, empty frying pan fought a bubbling pot and a large crock for space.

"Sorry about the mess." He stood in the door. The kitchen had always been small. Jam packed as it was with his work, it was hardly big enough for him.

Juniper spun with a wide grin, "Are you kidding? This is ten times the space I've got in my cart. Wait right here and I'll be back with things for a meal and a snakey snacky." The porcupine ducked past him, barely even brushing him with her clothes. She vaulted the counter in a smooth motion and was out the door before he could turn.

A confused courier stood in the door, looking from Xipilli to the retreating Juniper. "Hello, Tumas." He slid into the work room to quickly finish what he was working on before Juniper showed up. "Just need a moment to wrap up the package." The naga hunched over the desk and began to quickly scribe out the rest of the letter.

The fox nodded, his eyes still on the retreating porcupine. More accurately, on her partially exposed back and clattering quills. "Who was that?" He leaned against the counter and began to toy with the abandoned sachet.

"Juniper. She's a traveling merchant. Ran into her out on the road yesterday."

Tumas almost purred her name, "Juniper, huh? Cute name for a cute gal. Though you should look out, she might be a bit prickly." The fox clicked his tongue, "So what was she here? Looking for some healing or somehealing?"

There was something about his tone that made Xipilli's tail twitch. Though he wasn't entirely sure why. "No, she didn't want medicine." Bundling up everything, he slithered into the main room. Which meant that he had to come face-to-face with the grinning fox. "What? Looking like the cat that ate the canary."

Which only made the fox's grin widen that much, "So she didn't want medicine? Must be here for that _healing_then." He broke into a smooth, sing-song, "That sexual healing."

Xipilli nearly dropped his package. He did fumbled with it for a moment, which only drove Tumas into more elaborate motions. "I mean, that's what you give to the Lady isn't it? Why else would she come down here on a regular basis?"

"Tea, talk, and medicine." Xipilli set the wrapped package on the counter. Perhaps a bit too hard as something in the bundle rattled. He stopped, then drooped a little, "Are those the rumors that are going on?" His tongue flicked slightly, not entirely sure how to take it. It was one thing if people poked fun at him. So long as he could do his job he'd be happy. Others though? If they were spreading tales about him and Sikstas, then what of the others who came to him for help?

Tumas waved his hand with a dismissive noise, "Folks say a lot of things. Mostly about you spiriting away children in the dead of night." He made a spooky noise and held his hands up, "scary things like that. Hells, for a short time there was a rumor that you were a demon who was only just kept in check by the Golden Lady." The todd flashed a grin and laughed, "If you were really eating people, especially children, I doubt you'd be around long." Xipilli felt that nervous flash, but kept it from going beyond a slight ripple of his hide. Naturally, Tumas failed to notice. Instead leaning in close to stage-whisper, "I hear she has spies everywhere. Perhaps in this very room."

His tongue flicked, "Perhaps. Now, if you wouldn't mind taking this pack of medicine and secret messages... I mean..." Xipilli flicked his tongue and looked about nervously, "tax forms. Yes, tax forms, up to the Keep."

For the first time, he saw surprise in the fox's eyes. "My dear healer, was that a joke?" He flashed a wider grin, "Think I'm rubbing off on you."

Ears perked as the bell rang, their attention shifting to the door. "Speaking of," Tumas snapped a slight salute to Juniper, "I should get going before guard change." He swept the package up, "Lady," he bowed a bit towards the porcupine, "Healer."

"Rake," Juniper stepped out of his way. "Friend of yours?" she hummed, choosing to walk around the counter this time.

Xipilli started back without thinking, "Courier. The Lady Sikstas asked me for some medicine. He takes it to her."

Juniper was a step behind, mindful of his tail, "Flirting with everything in his way." The naga uttered a curious hiss and curled about on himself. Making a comfortable, if tight, coil about his worktable. "He bought a few trinkets from me yesterday. All while half-joking that he," she tried to adopt Tumas' tone, "had a full coin purse." She snorted, "As if I hadn't heard that line before."

She stopped in the kitchen and looked, "Tighter than I thought." Even with Xipilli doing his best to take up as little room as he could, there wasn't a great deal of room.

He realized this and stopped, "I can leave while you warm you dinner."

"Nah, I can work with this, so long as you don't mind." She stepped over and around a few crates, "I'm used to cramped quarters. So long as you don't mind, I can just..." She let a hand rest on his tail. Edging around him to the stove.

Xipilli tried to distract himself with another batch of common ointments. "I don't mind," he uttered, tail starting to shift further from the cook top.

Juniper promptly sat down on his thickly muscled body, "Good." She breathed a sigh of relief, "I know some naga get real touchy about this." She shifted a little, trying a couple different positions. All while Xipilli was frozen. Eyes-wide as this woman he barely knew straddled his form. Her warmth soaking into his scales in a way that threatened to make him shudder. Not to mention the way her legs were scraping off his scales. Light, but insistent touches, made his body shift a bit. The viper finding himself in the role of living furniture.

Having settled on a rather awkward looking side-saddle, her warm thighs pressed on either side of his trunk. Juniper opened a bottle of wine and poured two cups. "So tell me about yourself. Why so far from your home?" The porcupine coaxed his story out of him. Asking the right questions and offering her own stories. It was enough of a distraction that he was able to calm himself. Which the wine did help.

It was a strange thing to be sitting in his house, happily chatting with a near-stranger. Though less of one as the night went on and the bottle grew ever emptier. Large as he was, and having just fed the day before, it didn't hit Xipilli nearly as hard as it did Juniper. Long before her meal was over, she was leaning rather heavily into him.

"Yanno," she murmured, leaning back into his chest, "wouldn't have been the first time someone cornered me like that." Juniper pressed her finger to the plate. Picking up the last bits of her meal, looking at the jam and bread crumbs, then licked her fingers clean. "Just get me when I stepped off the path. Drive me a bit deeper into the woods, then..." she trailed off.

Silence fell over them. He didn't know what to say, and she was lost in thought. Xipilli shifted, carefully though, since she was still atop his tail. It was quiet enough that he couldn't help but focus on her breathing. The taste of wine that lingered after every breath. The soft rattle of her quills.

Her fingers brushed his jawline, "Though never been rescued before." Shifting, she moved to face him. He froze as her hands cupped his cheeks and stroked. Soft, greasy fingers traced the very edges of his maw. "Pretty cute too..." she grinned and it took every scrap of willpower he had not to bolt backwards. Cheeks grew hotter under her touch. His heart pounded so hard he was certain that it was shaking the building. His tongue flicked involuntarily, only just brushing her lips.

As his tongue drew back, she followed in its wake. The world stopped as her lips met his. A quiet, purr-like grunt whispered from her. She took advantage of his surprise to let her tongue invader his maw. The muscle pried between his lips and rolled slowly. Juniper leaned in ever closer. Her warmth pressing to his body. One hand drifted down his neck, across his tunic, and lower.

Then slipped past.

Juniper's grunt turned into a slow exhale. Her body slumped into his and breathing softened. Worry shot through his spine for a moment. Had her tongue touched his fangs? He hadn't felt any pulse of venom, but he'd been distracted. His hand was already on the anti-venom necklace he had before he heard her snore. Ah, must have been a long day. His tongue flicked a little, the viper trying to calm himself. With Juniper laying atop him, he become only too aware of how long it had been since he'd been with anyone.

It took him a good few moments to calm enough that nothing would be dragging the ground. Shifting to carry her was easier. He was a fair bit larger than her overall. Trouble was, much like the rest of his house, the upstairs wasn't guest ready. The house was made for a small family and shop. While he hadn't turned the spare bedroom into a storage room, there wasn't a bed in it. Well, not entirely true. There was a bed. Just not one he'd put someone in. Especially since he'd near sealed that room up and all but ignored it.

Which meant she'd have to sleep in his bed.

Now that made him all kinds of nervous. His tongue flicked and flickered as he looked at Juniper. His mind racing to places where it really shouldn't tread. Admiring her warmth, her soft breathing, those curve...

He shook his head quickly and started to uncoil. Couldn't think about those things. He could, but really he shouldn't. Still wouldn't stop his mind from gleefully producing images of her in naked glory. Imagining what she'd look like under the layers of clothing. How her fur would feel against his hide. Or how she'd feel around his...

Xipilli was beyond thrilled when he got to his bedroom. It was certainly tempting to toss Juniper onto his nest-like bed and then let her sleep. Just as it was tempting to lay her on it and take a peek. Could readily justify it with the old saying, 'Words of the drunk are thoughts of the sober.' but no.

Xipilli lay Juniper into his bed and pulled the covers up over her shoulder. The naga hesitated a moment. Then snuck a quick kiss on her forehead. He smiled and slipped out of the room. Not noticing how Juniper opened an eye to watch him go.

"Good Evening, Xip!" Juniper called over the bell. His coils were already shifting as she vaulted the counter. It'd been nearly a week since their first dinner together and this had become routine. Neither had mentioned the drunken night, nor the kiss. He'd treated Juniper's hangover with a bacon and fried egg sandwich. Which lead to some more talking. At which point she'd showed up the next day with more food, and then set about cleaning up the guest room. All while offering to pay him to rent it. "Better than an inn," she'd explained with a grin.

"Evening, Juni. Have a good day at the market?" He glanced at her as she found her usual seat. Thighs straddled his body and she set about making her dinner.

A hand wiggle, "Good enough. Traded a few things. Made some good money." She hesitated a moment. Thinking about something. "Probably be getting ready to leave in the next couple days. Never do stay in a place for long. Gotta get more stock and," she waved her hand, "the like."

He couldn't help but feel disappointed. "Oh," he let the word hiss out. A moment of silence. Juniper doing something at the stove while he idly rolled the pestle about his mortar. "Any idea on what you might do next?"

Juniper's answer came with a soft touch to his cheek. She caught him in a kiss when he looked at her. Her hands curling about his head to keep the larger viper in place. There was another one of those soft, pleased grunts as she pulled back with a smile. "I was thinking you." Her fingers found his lips before he could protest. Closing them with a gentle pinch, "Shush. I've been wanting this since the first night I came around. You not going for it only helped your case."

"Wai," he started around her fingers.

"Yeah, I was watching. Pretending to be drunk helps out. Think a half-bottle of wine would really take me down?" She blew a raspberry and grinned. Her expression dropped for a second, "Besides," she trailed off, "you not only saved me, but others too."

That only made him blink, "Save you?" he kept the tone confused.

She rapped his nose, "Don't give me that confused 'who me?' tone." Juniper moved closer to him and let her fingers trail over his chin and down his throat. "I've been working in the markets all week. Great place to pick up information if you know what to listen to."

Her gaze lowered as her hand trailed over his throat. "I heard tale of a hunter that when missing. All they could find was his clothes." She breathed out a sigh, "And don't forget that I spent time around nagas. Which helped me weed out rumors about you." Juniper leaned in until her nose bumped his snout, "Certainly don't look like a baby eater."She grinned and took his glasses off, "Well, maybe without these on," came the light tease as she laid them on the table.

It was really hard not to flick his tongue. "So, it doesn't bother you?"

Another hand wiggle, "I mean, it does a bit. From what I hear the guy was a fucking bastard though. Not many people are mourning him it seems. He'd probably have had his fun and then... So yeah, not much sympathy." Juniper shifted and moved in closer to him. Actually moving to drape her arms over his shoulders and lean in. "Though must say that I am personally grateful that you did save me." She leaned in and chuffed quietly. "So right here and now," a hand trailed over his chest. Feeling the build of his body through his tunic, "I want to rock your world. Not as repayment, not as any form of me feeling I have to, but because I want to." She let her fingers trail over the front of his tunic. Just a light little touch. "If you want it, that is."

"Oh heavens yes," he blurted without thinking. "I mean... ah... Um..." He flicked his tongue. Juniper caught it in her lips and grinned at him. Didn't take more than the barest of nudges from her to coax him into another kiss. Her tongue drew his into her mouth as she leaned in. Both her hands on his chest. His nervously slid over her legs, feeling the shape of them, before venturing to her back.

She broke the kiss with a breathless giggle. Which made him blush that much hotter, "S-sorry," he started.

Her breath was warm, flavored with the spices of her lunch. "It's okay." Her hips shifted, pressing against him in a slow, almost casual grind. "Can't imagine you've got a lot of call for this type of service." Juniper's hand slid lower. "Folks too scared about what you might do, they're not interested in what you can do. Or just how cute you are when you blush." She bit her bottom lip with a smile. The seeking hand readily delving past his belt and under his tunic. Without legs, he never wore any lower coverings. A long tunic more than enough to keep him warm, while staying out of the dirt.

The porcupine licked her lips and shifted. Breath coming faster as her hand explored under his tunic. Hand gleefully tracing the area under his tunic. Only to hesitate. Then tilt her head in confusion as she kept stroking.

Now it was his turn to laugh. "Never been with a naga?" Despite his blush, Xipilli found himself gaining a bit of confidence. He undid her belt and let it fall by the wayside, gaining him some space. Where her hand had failed to find anything, his own snaked under her tunic. Nails danced up her belly and higher, lifting the colorful shirt enough to let him tease the underside of her breast.

Juniper huffed and leaned back, gladly stripping her top off. "No, never found any of them I'd like to tryst with. Least until now." Her quills clattered as she tossed her own tunic aside, revealing her bare chest to him. Fork tongue flicked. His head following in its wake to nuzzle the breast. Lavishing each one with his attention and drawing a breathy gasp from his partner. "Getting curious," she moaned as his lips found her teat. The viper ever so careful about suckling at the nipple. "If it's not here," her fingers circled his lower belly, "where is your lad?"

Wordlessly, he rolled his body. Juniper moaned as his powerful muscles writhed under her. Her gaze falling further along his body until she spotted the bulging slit further down his tail. The viper's twin lengths were already poking out before he'd even brought them up for her to view.

"Oh," she breathed, reaching to cup his tail. Her nails gently brushed off his yellowed hide, traced one of his brown stripes. Following it around to the bulging slit and the rich purple of his hemipenis.

Eyes narrowed as she planted a kiss on the fine scales of his male slit. His breathing picked up as her lips trailed up. Soft tongue finding the bulging lips and then up. Juniper returning the oral attention with interest. Her eyes sparkling with joy as she traced one of his lengths. Tongue darting across the ridges and up to the pointed tip. "You taste..." she breathed, the warm air making his lengths twitch. Her tongue lingered on his tip a moment, "Sweet."

He nearly lost it as she engulfed him. The traveling merchant more than happy to slide her maw down his girth. Eagerly taking him right to the root with the first stroke. Her tongue curled against him and cheeks caved as she bobbed her head slightly. Xipilli rewarding her eagerness with a hearty drop of precum that she swallowed.

Juniper moaned at his taste and narrowed her eyes. Breath started to come in shallower huffs. The rich flavor of the herbalist so much nicer than others she'd been with. Clean, fresh, that hint of salt with the undeniable sweetness. It was intoxicating.

She cradled his tail with one hand and let her other travel lower. A tug loosed her breeches, letting them fall away. Xipilli's body rolled, helping her undress. The naked porcupine gladly straddling his body, sharing her warmth. Especially the growing heat between her legs. Each grind and shift made his fine scales whisper across her nethers. Teasing her in ways she'd only dreamt of.

Not that he was idle either. The viper let his hands and body explore hers. Coils draped over and around her thighs. Hands cupped and combed through quills. They even joined hers between her legs. Letting the porcupine guide him in how to play with her. Her moan shaking through his length as they explored her arousal together.

"Oh heavens," she gasped as her maw came off his length. Her free hand replacing her maw so she could lavish it with kisses. Diving to his other length, so as not to leave it wanting.

Only to find his maw already there. Juniper blinked, looked at Xipilli's maw, and realized that he was suckling on his other length. He blushed. She grinned. "Yanno, I know many fellas that'd kill to be able to do that." She wedged her muzzle in and kissed his base. Happily tending to what wasn't in his maw before returning to the other hemipenis. "But know what I want now, Lover?"

That word sent shivers down his spine. Xipilli pulled back, tongue lingering on his length. "What?"

Her only response was to grin and extract herself from his grasp. With the very tip of a finger, she cupped his chin and moved to the stairs. The viper's form arched into the touch, happily letting her guide him. Upstairs, then to his bedroom. She only released him to crawl into the low, bowl-like bed. Legs spread in an invitation as she lay back. "I'm not going to apologize if I leave quills in the bedding."

Xipilli flicked his tongue, tasting her on the air, "Wouldn't dream of asking." He flowed over the bed. She reached down to line him up. One tip eased between the warm folds. His other nestled between her cheeks. The viper met her gaze as she nodded. Her eyes asking him to take it slow.

He hissed and she gasped as the larger male pressed forward. One tip readily easing into her ready folds. The other strained against her backside a moment. She pushed, groaning as the saliva-treated length eased past her ring. "Ohhhh," came the sigh, her body arching into his. "That... that's very new." Juniper huffed and draped her arms around his neck, drawing him into another kiss. Moaning into his maw as he pressed deeper. Soft grunts and groans encouraging the naga deeper. His entire form shuddered with delight at just how warm and welcoming she was.

"Tell me if I should," he swallowed, eyes rolling back as his slit nudged hers, "stop."

She draped her arms around him and stared into his green eyes. "Don't you dare." Her fingers trailed over his tail, then pressed against it. Hugging his length to her front as she arched and bucked. "Oh that feels...mmmmph!" Juniper bit her lip and squirmed against him.

It had been a long time since he'd been with someone. Too long. The viper tried to tell her to slow. To warn her of what was coming. All he could manage was a gasp and a rattling hiss. His entire body thrashed against hers and shuddered. The twin lengths jumped within her as he unleashed untold weeks of pent up lusts.

Embarrassment shot through him. Before he could hiss an apology, she giggled. "I thought vipers could go for hours." A light touch drew him down, "or am I that good?"

Her smile was infectious. "You are that good, L... Juni."

"Tsk," she clicked her teeth. "I'll get you to say it yet. Now," she draped her arms around his neck, "thrill me, Lover. We have all night."

Xipilli was more than happy to redeem himself. Yet, a part of him wondered if Juniper knew that his people could last for an hour, or even go a whole day, when they were mating. Though with someone as warm and eager as she? Well, with his embarrassment out of the way, it was time to thrill her.

Three days later, Xipilli found himself helping Juniper into her wagon. "So you think you'll be back around in a couple months?"

She grinned, "Sooner if I can manage it. Hey," she stroked his chin just how she knew he loved it, "no sad hissy. I'll be back to annoy you before you know it." The porcupine leaned down to whisper, "Can't wait to go for another tryst, Lover."

"Pfft," he hid the blush as he drew back, "Who was it that couldn't walk the morning after?"

"No regrets! Besides, you never walk, so how good was I?" She grinned widely at him.

That made his cheeks go fiery red, "Certainly the best." He hesitated a moment, "Lover."

She pushed his hood back and drew him up to plant a kiss on his nose. "There you go, was that so painful? You keep yourself safe until I'm back."

As she pulled away, Xipilli pressed his necklace into her hand. Juniper perked up and looked at the vial of anti-venom. In the time she'd known him, the viper had never taken it off. Not even in bed with her. Especially not in bed, out of fear for her safety. "You stay safe," he kept his voice low.

"I will, I promise." She brushed her hand over his with a smile. "Now get back inside before you panic, Silly Snake." Juniper clicked her tongue and flicked the reins. Her horses pulling the cart down the road as Xipilli pulled back. Watching as she rumbled down the road. He waited until she was out of view before turning back to his store.