THE CRIMES, MISDEMEANOURS AND SEDUCTIONS OF SAL'YASHE

You're not sure why the pamphlet caught your eye in the first place. It's on cheap paper, barely better than tissue paper, and it's sold at a significant markup. The ink looks like it barely had the chance to dry. But you looked past that and focused on the etching on the front.

It's a drawing of a Yuan-Ti, with a cobra's hood that is unfurled towards the viewer. There's a smile on his face, a comely look in his eyes. There's something threatening, yet enticing about him..

Sou bought it - balking very slightly at the cost, 5 silver, seriously?! - and took it back to your room to properly peruse. You kept it hidden away in your pocket, making sure no one else saw it. Not out of shame for purchasing such lewd erotica, moreso to keep anyone else from seeing it. Or specifically, the snake on the cover.

You take in the details of his face a little more when you're sitting alone in the inn. It's a strangely lifelike drawing, expertly done, and that carries across even in the cheaply printed reproduction. His eyes seem to move, always keeping fixed on yours.

You shouldn't just stare at the cover though - there's pages and pages to read through after all. You might as well learn more about this dashing, presumably fictional rogue. It might give you some vivid fantasies of him to keep you warm for the evening.

ACTS OF SEMI-PUBLIC INDECENCY

(Story for Orodoggo/Ungoliant)

Oro really needed to get that door's hinge oiled. The sound was useful for letting him know that someone was entering his store - like at this particular moment - but it had gotten so loud and harsh that it felt like it was scraping the inside of his skull. It made him wince and hiss through his teeth. The dog rubbed at his temples, leaning back from the beaker of bubbling violet liquid, and blew out the flame underneath it. It would keep simmering for a while.

"Just a moment!"

He wondered who it was - Maribel usually wouldn't come by till closer to noon for her usual tincture. While Privia was the largest settlement for miles, it didn't tend to get a lot of out-of-towners, so he could usually anticipate when a local would stop in. When there was an unexpected arrival, it was usually some band of adventurers or wandering troubadour, usually seeking potions or other provisions. He was low on materials for healing potions - hopefully his new customers wouldn't need any.

Taking off his apron, the dog inspected himself in his mirror, mostly to make sure there wasn't any soot or stains on his green tunic and shorts, or his frilly white shirt. He inspected his face as well - walnut coloured fur with a white muzzle and face, blue-grey eyes behind small wire glasses, long shaggy curls of jet black hair - and confirmed that he looked just fine. First impressions were important.

Peering out through the crack in his door, he listened, his pierced ear flicking slightly. He couldn't hear footsteps on the floorboards. Rather, he heard a soft dragging sound. A serpentfolk perhaps? They didn't get many of those.

He hadn't heard any response from whoever was out there.

"You still there?"

"Yesss, yesss!" the response came, a low, silken voice with a slight sibilant lisp. Definitely a serpent-folk.

Time to introduce himself, give the usual spiel. He stepped through the door, striding with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome to the Privia Alchemist's Atelier. The alchemist being me, of course. My name's Oro, very nice to meet you, uh..."

As he walked in and took in the sight of the serpent before him, Oro's heart fluttered and he stopped dead. The reticulated blue serpent, with a currently-folded hood, spines on his forehead and arms, and deep yellow eyes was... beautiful. He was dressed in beautiful silken drapes, his neck, wrists and hips adorned with glittering jewellery. It was an exotic look - Oro wondered how a cold-blooded creature such as him managed in the admittedly chilly climate around Maribel. A violet loincloth was draped over the 'seam', the point where the snake's more anthropomorphic upper half turned into long, muscular coils that were tipped off with a violet chitinous tip.

"I don't mind your ssstaring," the snake said. "I doubt you ever had sssomeone like me in your essstablishment, yesss?"

"Oh, no, I've had a couple over the years," Oro said quickly, his smile widening a little past the point of natural comfort. Plenty of handsome travellers had passed by in the past, but it wasn't often that he instantly found himself smitten. He willed himself not to blush too hard, willed his curled tail not to wag so rapidly, and rested his paws on the counter as he swallowed imperceptibly.

"So, how can I help you?"

"Well," the snake said, leaning back slightly and rearing up, "I'm travelling with a few... friendsss, we'll sssay. No, no, acquaintanccces. Sssomething like that. Yesss.

He chuckled softly. Oro liked the sound of his chuckles.

"Now, thisss climate is not to my liking, I'll be honessst," the snake continued.

"Oh yeah, I was thinking you might be chilly."

"How do you mean?" the snake smirked.

"Oh, just.. Y-you're cold blooded." Oro said, simply. "No offence."

"None taken," the snake continued. "I would rather not bundle myssself up, as it makesss my magic a little bit difficult to use. Ssso, perhaps you have something for me? Sssomething that will warm my blood for a while?"

"A-absolutely!" Oro barked. "I do have to take payment up front, though..."

"Of course, of courssse. You sssaid your name was Oro, yesss?"

"That's it, yeah. And you are?"

It was difficult to understand the name at first. There were so many deliciously sibilant tones to it that it made Oro's mind feel a little foggy. Speaking to some old primal part of him. A sense of danger, a sense that he should keep a close watch and be ready to react at a moment's notice.

"S-sorry, one more time?"

"Sssal'yashhe..." Sal'yashe said with a smile. "And yesss, money will not be an object."

Oro felt something on his paw. He looked down. A slender blue-scaled hand with well manicured violet claws was resting on it, the claws kneading into his fur. His heart skipped a beat. When had that happened? When had he -

He looked back to Sal'yashe to make a comment, just in time for the snake's lips to meet his. The hood flared, blocking out his vision. Something shimmered in them. But he didn't catch it, his eyes falling closed as his surprise melted into bliss. The snake smelled great. His mouth was strangely warm and inviting, and his tongue was dextrous and delicate against his larger, thicker one. He felt himself leaning forward into the kiss, and felt the snake's hand slide up his arm to his shoulder. Another kiss. And another. And another.

Eventually, Sal'yashe pulled back, leaving Oro gasping softly and blushing wildly.

"Wh-what was that?" Oro half-sputtered, half-giggled. He was accepting this far more easily than he expected...

"Oh, a Yuan-ti greeting," Sal'yashe said. The snake looked confused as well, perhaps slightly embarrassed. "I'm sssorry, I thought you had haggled with a sssnake before, ssso I thought you'd be prepared for -"

"No, nono." Oro said, wiping his lips with his arm. "Yeah, I forgot the whole 'starting a deal with a kiss' thing, yeah..."

He had heard rumours of that custom before, in passing, but had never experienced it first hand. Truth be told he thought it was made-up nonsense. Turns out it wasn't.

He wasn't expecting it to be that deep, though. Or for his heart to be pumping so rapidly now. It did feel so strangely intimate. Sal'yashe kissed him as though he was a lover. It certainly put Oro on the back foot, and it took him a moment to catch his breath and get back to business. His mouth felt very dry all of a sudden.

"So, uhm... for a portion of warmth that'll last you uhm... a day, that'll be about 30 gold each. I know that's a lot..."

"It is." Sal'yashe leaned in closer, rising up on his coils slightly.. His hand was still on Oro's shoulder. The dog didn't shrug it off. "But perhapsss I could earn the money through some sssserviccce?"

Oro gulped, looking up at the snake as he fairly towered over him.

"L-like, uh, assisting me with things?" Oro stammered.

"Sssomething like that." Sal'yashe's eyes changed. Imperceptible and yet impossible to miss. Something made them look even more beautiful - made him look more beautiful. And Oro couldn't help but stare. Sal'yashe was saying something else. It was a little hard to process - he was hissing so much that it made Oro feel very fuzzy. He smiled. He blinked. When Sal'yashe nodded, he nodded too.

Several long moments passed by.

Sal'yashe was making his way out the door, as it let out that loud whining creak once again. It made Oro flinch and start, as though he was woken from a nice long nap by a sudden noise.

"Ssso, sssee you tomorrow!" the yuan-ti waved over his shoulder, his fingers fluttering. Then, he was out of sight.

"Y-yes, see you..." Oro was wiping at his mouth again. His tongue was exploring the inside of his mouth. Still savouring what remained of the taste of the serpent's tongue. Had they kissed some more? He was having trouble remembering. It was hard to focus. So hard. He gasped and stumbled back into the back of the shop. His legs felt as though they were about to crumble. His face burned. His throat felt dry. His tail could not stop wagging.

He had never felt anything like this before. An attraction this intense. What was happening to him?

Had he just fallen in love?

What an insane conclusion to jump to. Oro had only just met that snake, and exchanged a few brief words. And a kiss. A very nice kiss to be fair. And a pleasant bit of conversation. Surely that love at first sight nonsense wasn't real. Or at least, he assumed it would never happen to him. It made this sudden blind-siding all the more shocking to him.

Maybe it was love. Or maybe he was misreading things.

He'd ask Sal'yashe tomorrow.

The day seemed to go by at a glacial pace. It was hard to concentrate or think of anything other than the morning's meeting. What would happen? What would he even say? As the day progressed, the thoughts continued to roll through his mind.

He wanted to see Sal'yashe again. He wanted to see Sal'yashe again. He wanted to see Sal'yashe again. He wanted to-

"Oro, darling, you've given me too much!"

"Hm?" Oro was broken out of his distant reverie. He looked at the thin owl, once-tall, but now cowed with an arthritic curve to her posture. "What?"

"You're very sweet to offer," Maribel said, "But you know I only need 3 bottles of your tincture to last me the week."

"Oh, how many did I-" looking down, Oro saw he'd placed 6 bottles of the clear liquid on the counter. "Ahhh, I'm sorry. I was miles away."

"I can see that," Maribel said, the hints of a knowing smile at the edges of her small beak. "I would know a look like that anywhere."

"Ahahaha, what're you talking about?" Oro could feel his face burning, and his cheeks aching from the width of his bashful smile.

"Say no more, Oro. Say no more." the owl gave him a wink as she placed three of the jars into her basket and slowly made her way to the door with slow, measured steps.

"Let me get that for you!" Oro practically leapt over the counter to open it wide, still grinning. He didn't look behind him, though he did hear the shatter of glass and the fizz of the pressurised tinctures spilling out.

"Whoops! I'll get that, don't you worry, G-Great to see you as usual, heh... have a lovely day and I'll see you soon!"

"Good luck!" she gave another wink, adding a little half-laugh, half-cackle to it.

As soon as she was out the door, Oro fumbled into his pocket, almost dropping the key as he moved to lock himself inside. He couldn't let himself get embarrassed like that again. He stared down at the slowly spreading puddles of strong-smelling medicine, and the curls of shattered glass surrounding it. He needed to clean that up.

But there was something far more pressing he had to deal with.

He hurried out to the back, leaning against the brick wall as he reached under his tunic. His paws wrapped around his shaft, already a little bit slick with pre and sweat. It felt electric. It was a touch he had spent the better part of the day craving. He shuddered, pressing his forehead against the wall, gasping out loud.

He saw Sal'yashe's face, his eyes. Beautiful. Deep. He tried to remember the subtly-perfumed scent of his scales. He imagined what those scales would feel like, wrapped around him and keeping him in place. He could almost feel Sal'yashe's hands roving along his body, groping at his butt and keeping him on task. Another hand on his wrist to guide him along. His tongue tickling the dog's ear. The hissed musicality of his voice making him melt, burst with love.

"Sal'yashe..." Oro moaned softly.

"Yesss...?" he heard in his mind. "Sssomething to sssay to me?"

"J-just..." Oro whined. "S-stay with me..."

"Of courssse, my Treat. I'm right here. You'll never be alone. You'll alwaysss be with me, your thoughtsss will alwaysss fixsss on me. And those thoughtsss, they warm you, don't they?"

"Y-yesss..."

--

"Yesss..." Oro's eyes were slowly rippling with pink and blue rings of colour as he smiled and drooled. He swayed back and forth at his counter as Sal'yashe guided him along. His purple claws scratched at the dog's neck, behind his ears.

"I'll ssstop by tomorrow," Sal'yashe said. "And you won't be able to get me out of that little head of yoursss, will you Treat?"

"No..." Oro shook his head slowly, the ripples quickening slightly with his heartbeat.

"You're deeply, hopelesssly in love with me, after all. Aren't you? Sssay it."

"L-love you..." Oro moaned.

"You do~?" Sal'yashe chuckled. "Good. Of courssse you do."

Their tongues intertwined again, the hood enclosing over Oro's face. The tattoos on each side of the hood, twin filigree mirrors, shimmered and glittered like constellations. He got lost in them. His insides tingled, as though there were stars twinkling away in every fibre of him. He slumped forward. He sank. He fell. Deeper. Deeper. Deeply in love.

--

Oro looked down. An oozing trail of cum was slowly sliding down the wall. He was panting quite loudly, his whole body filling with that familiar post-orgasm heaviness. The remnants of a powerful climax swirled around his head, making him feel so deliciously dizzy. He didn't feel like he could even stand up right just yet. He might fall over. He stared down at himself, watching his cock slowly relax and recede. He was tired... but at least he was able to think straight again.

The rest of Oro's day was spent out in the nearby forest, seeking out some ingredients and re-agents. Primarily analgesics to re-make those ruined tinctures. As well as some strengthening herbs. After all, that was what Sal'yashe wanted from him. A potion of speed. It was hard to recall. So he gathered as much as he could to save some time and frustration.

He slept well that night, though his anticipation was running quite high. His excitement for seeing Sal'yashe again had rekindled, and he couldn't stop himself from bounding to the front door to see if Sal'yashe was waiting for him.

The morning passed with only a few mundane customers, a few travellers seeking the basics. Oro was not his usual self, though. A little more surly and curt. He was distracted, after all. More and more, he began to feel as though he'd been stood up. Had he just been played like a fiddle?

Grumbling to himself, he looked at the potion of strength he'd prepared, just for him. Bastard. After all the work he did, that wonderful kiss to seal the deal, he had nothing to show for it.

The thought that he should drink it himself came into his head. The impulse overtook him and he threw it back with one draught. The acrid, spicy scent burned all the way down, spreading into his muscles as he doubled over and growled. His rather average body sleekened and slimmed - at least his waist and his legs did. His hips widened, his rump pushing outwards, his lips growing just a little plumper. The sensation was painful at first, but was soon joined by an exhilarating rush, the release of endorphins after a thorough workout. He let out a rather effeminate groan, his hands sliding down his slimmer figure. That felt way better than he thought it would.

The door squeaked once again. He looked towards the door, and his heart leapt for joy... then sank when he remembered what he had just done.

"Hmm, you look a little bit different from when I lassst sssaw you." Sal'yashe's scales glided along, shifting side to side like waves. "Tesssting out a potion perhaps?"

"Oh, I, uh - I'm sorry, I-" Oro started to stammer.

"You don't need to sssay sssorry, sssilly Treat."

Treat.

It went right through his mind, piercing like an arrow. His eyes went wide. His jaw fell slack. His face warmed again. He groaned a little as Sal'yashe glided around the counter once again. His eyes had begun to ripple with colour once again, and Oro's gaze snapped to it almost immediately.

"Did you make my potion of warmth, Treat?" Sal'yashe asked, with a knowing grin.

"N...no..." Oro moaned softly, slumping forward as his mouth hung ajar.

"That'sss quite alright," Sal'yashe replied as he stroked the effete dog's face. "I sssuppossse I can ssstay with you for warmth, can't I? And you're quite warm, I've noticcced... you did do the other thing I asssked of you."

"Yes..." Oro nodded slowly, sluggishly as he remembered. He was asked to do this when Sal'yashe was whispering in his ear, when those starry mirrors were all he could see.

"Do you have more to drink? And is it ssssafe to do sssso?"

"Uh-huh..." Oro was giggling now, his mind filled with childish glee at the pretty eyes, at the pretty snake. "I love you!" he gurgled, apropos of nothing.

"Good. I know you do." Sal'yashe smiled knowingly. "Now, show me how much you love me. Have more of those drinksss you ssso dutifully prepared. You told me they might make your brain a bit foggy, but... well, you're already there, aren't you. Ssso ssstupid already."

"Uhuh..." Oro giggled again, sounding even more dopey than before.

"Now." Sal'yashe's slender hand lifted to Oro's lips, stroking along them and rubbing his tongue to open his mouth wide. The other hand held another bottle, the stopper already removed, the liquid fizzing from its exposure to the air. "Drink up..."

The door creaked open, the party of customers deep in conversation.

"I heard the local beer here is pretty good. Once we're done here we'll-"

Their train of thought was interrupted by a loud, violent smacking sound, mingled with what sounded like moans of pain.. Paws went for weapons, or twisted into somatic shapes. They froze and watched.

The alchemist was behind the counter - she was - no, he was - it was hard to tell, with that androgynous appearance. He had very curvy hips, wide thighs and an effeminate slenderness to his facial features. His cock, sandwiched between the counter and his smooth chest, made them fairly certain what sex he was at least. He was bent forward, squealing and drooling all over the wooden floor as his eyes span with rings of blue and pink, little eddies of magic twirling around his dizzy head. And just behind him, a Yuan-Ti was hissing contentedly, their hips surging forward to slap against the mesmerised pup's hindquarters. He opened one eye to see the new arrivals, and smirked.

"Pleassse, enjoy the show!" He said. "You're not interrupting a thing... He can deal with you onccce I've dealt with him."

Some of the adventuring party backed away, others hesitated just a little. They sensed how powerful this handsome serpentine warlock was. Some found themselves filled with revulsion. Others with curiosity, perhaps a hint of envy.

"I heard rumours about the apothecaries being a bit... lurid," a bookish wizard muttered.

"Nnnh..." Sal'yashe kept thrusting, feeling Oro's tight, curvaceous rump squeeze on his cock. He leant forward, his tail snaking up to rub the dog's muscles and give his cock a squeeze. Oro whimpered and whined like a puppy, his eyes looking right through his audience. Far too far gone to feel any embarrassment or uncertainty. Totally focused on his love. On pleasing his love. On being filled by his love. He changed so much for his love already, and would happily change even more. Anything he wanted.

"Treat, you ssshould greet them," Sal'yashe murmured as he thrust harder.

"Nnnhr...!" Oro groaned, trying to put on a smile as he slurred through his greeting. . "Wrrhhhhwelcome t'the Privia A-aaalchemisst's... at-atuhhhhlier.... The al...cmmh..... Al-cuh...cumming... me!"

He didn't even finish his groaned greeting as spurts of cum matted his fur and shot out onto the floor, almost as far as the group of customers. His eyes rolled up and his tongue hang out, his body quivering with ecstasy.

"We'll come back later," one of them muttered as they filed out quickly. Sal'yashe chuckled and watched them go, still thrusting himself. He had a ways to go.

"Lossst some more cussstomers, it ssseemsss... ah well. You have more than enough sssaved up to sssupport your love, don't you Treat?"

"Y...yesss, love." Oro groaned, eyes closed, tongue lolled out as he draped his frame over the creaking counter. Mind swimming, body slackening, he slipped into a slumber of blue and pink. A well earned rest after a hard morning's work.

"Oh, hang on~" Sal'yashe's voice met his ears as well. "Looksss like we have a hanger-on! Open your mouth, would you?"

Oro did so, and felt something warm, soft, and delicious throb on his tongue. He squeezed and suckled it in his mouth, and felt nice-smelling hips push into his face. There was more work to be done.

EXTENDED SQUATTING IN A PERSON'S ABODE

(Story for FelineSleepy)

Leif leaned in as close as he could. One of his eyes was shut, the other peered very closely at the small silver coin. It was framed by his index finger and his thumb, both covered in gold scales. His other hand was clutching a very small chisel. The engravings on this soon-to-be talisman had to be just so, just right. He was almost done though, one last little tap would complete the intricate vein-like patterns that combined to make a star. Just a little spiral in the middle was left.

His other hand picked up an equally-tiny hammer, and he gave the coin 3 soft, delicate taps. The coin hummed and glowed, giving off just the slightest hint of heat. Leif pulled the chisel back and smiled, stretching back with a groan. How long had he been hunched over? That wasn't good for him.

He scratched at the mane of red fuzz on his head, flanked on either side by horns that resembled thick branches of wood. Looking out his window, he could see it had gotten quite late. His perfectionism sometimes came back to bite him in his scaly ass. He already knew he wouldn't be able to sleep in, either - he could reset his sleep schedule tomorrow.

He blew out the candle lights in his workshop and locked it up, sealing it with his alarm rune as usual. Yawning loudly, he took in the cool night air as he made the short walk back to his home. At least it would be quite quiet in the house. It wouldn't take him too long to fall asleep.

The door's hinges creaked a complaint as he opened it, sighing to himself as he stepped into the darkness. His innate dark-vision made it easy enough to make his way to his bedroom. The room itself was almost entirely taken up by a queen-sized bed - Leif was relatively big for a kobold, and he liked to sprawl himself out.

As he climbed into bed, his hand rested on something scaly, slender and muscular. His body froze with shock, a surge of confusion coursed through him and coaxing out a gasp.

When the figure turned over in the bed and looked into his eyes, Leif remembered who this was. Who he was. Reminded, and contented, he sighed and slipped into his lover's arms and coils.

"Come clossser," his lover whispered, and Leif nestled in with him with a happy murmur. He stared into those beautiful eyes. Feeling them bathe him in their beautiful warmth. Smooth scales slid up his back and draped over him, weighing him down and wrapping him tightly. They squeezed, and he let out a soft sigh.

It took him no time at all to fall asleep. The last thing he felt was their lips meeting. A kiss that took his breath, his thoughts away.

When he woke in the morning, Leif's mouth felt dry. His body felt a little stiff as well. How late had he slept in? He groaned and stretched out, rolling over in his bed until he was able to swing his legs over onto the floor. He looked at his bed, seeing that it was empty.

...Was it supposed to be empty? Didn't he have -

It took another moment of groggy confusion for Leif to recollect. Perhaps he'd fallen asleep quicker than he imagined, and the line between his dreams and reality had gotten a little blurred.

"Next time, don't stay up so late," he said to himself. He didn't expect to have weird, intimate dreams involving him and his lodger, but delirium could do strange things to a person's head.

Stepping out of his bedroom, he walked down a small hallway to knock on another door.

"Sal'yashe? Are you up?"

"Nng." Leif heard a muffled moan come from the room, a complaint of some kind.

"Come on, you can't sleep in every day if you want to earn your keep!" Leif's voice took on a little bit of a harsh bark. Even if the naga-folk was twice his size and height, Leif had no trouble, or qualms, with bossing him around. This was his workshop, after all. His business. And if this prissy snake wanted to keep staying here, he would have to shape up and put in his fair share.

"Jussst a moment..." the snake whined. "Jusst... g-getting out of bed!!"

"That so? Do you need me to give ya a hand, is that it?"

"Waitwait, no, h-hang on-!"

His eyes went wide. Sal'yashe's tail was wrapped very tightly around the bed, and his hand was disappearing down his sheets to a very pronounced bulge. Sal'yashe's eyes were wide, and his smile was a nervous one.

"I was going to clean thisss up, I promissse..." he stammered.

Leif sighed. "You've got your needs, I guess."

"Y-yess..." Sal'yashe's hood closed as he looked down with a hint of shame. "I'll be right down."

"No." Leif stepped into the room, making his way towards the snake's bed. "We're dealing with this right now."

"What do you mean...?"

"Don't play dumb." Leif climbed into the bed. There was no foreplay or build-up. With his usual directness, the kobold pulled the sheets aside to see Sal'yashe's member, emerged from the slit just below the anthropomorphic stomach. He wrapped his tongue around it, then the rest of his mouth.

"Hhh...!" Sal'yashe gasped softly, reaching out to rest his hand on Leif's head. "May I..."

"Mmhm." Leif bobbed his head up and down, squeezing tightly around it. From its texture and the way it throbbed, Leif knew this snake was already quite close. It wouldn't take long to finish him off, then they could start the day's work proper.

Sal'yashe's tail wrapped around Leif's, squeezing it tightly as it snaked further up the kobold's body to hold him in place. Leif wasn't paying much attention to that. Nor did he notice that the Yuan-Ti's filigree-mirror tattoos were shimmering inside of his hood. Or that a wicked, knowing smile had crept along his features, the nervous facade dropping away the moment he had the kobold's head where he wanted it.

Leif wiped his muzzle with his forearm as he walked downstairs. Sal'yashe was getting properly dressed. For now, he could make the first preparations to open the workshop. The last few months had been quite busy and fruitful for him - a seam of gold had recently been discovered in a nearby mountain, which brought with it a small army of prospectors. They were eager to strike it rich. And plenty of them were willing to shell out extra for magically-enhanced digging implements. Business was good for an artisan like him.

Sal'yashe arrived during the same rush in fact. The poor guy seemed to be lost, very much out of place. He clearly wasn't the kind of person to go digging for gold, and yet for some strange reason he'd decided to make a try for it. But he had - has - a lovely charming confidence to him, and was a welcome and attractive sight. Leif took pity on him and offered him steady employment here in return for a bed. He took him in that very day and showed him the ropes of his business. And it was useful having him around - the snake had a way with words, and was quite a gifted salesperson. He was probably a more welcoming presence than Leif as well. That suited him fine though. Leif was more at home tinkering with his tools than he was talking to some rude out-of-towner who expected to be able to haggle him out of house and home.

He couldn't see any customers outside the shop just yet, so he took some time to make sure all of his items were arranged just-so behind the counter.

"Sal'yashe! Do I need to come up there again?"

"No, I'm coming~!" there was that smooth confidence that Leif expected. He was cute. No denying that. Leif couldn't help but wonder how long the snake would be staying for. Hopefully a good long while. He found him very pleasant to be around, laziness aside.

He listened to the familiar smooth scrape of Sal'yashe's scales against the wooden stairs. It soothed him. He leaned on his elbow, angling himself towards the doorway the snake was coming through.

"Has anyone arrived?" Sal'yashe asked, curiously looking around the shop. "Or do we have sssome time to ourssselvesss?"

"Mhm." Leif nodded. "So I'll head into the back room, finish off the enchantments on that set of pickaxes, and by then the customers should be here for their pick-up."

"Need any help?" Sal'yashe leaned over Leif, his hood opening, the filigree mirrors inside each half shimmering like pools of molten silver. Luxurious and beautiful.

"H-hey now," Leif said, putting his hand over his eyes. "Don't start doing that charming stuff on me again! It didn't work the first time, and it won't work now!"

"I wasss only trying to help..." Sal'yashe said. "You ssseem a little tenssse, that'sss all."

Sal'yashe's hand rested on Leif's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "And if I'm to be your asssissstant, sssurely you ssshould let me asssissst you."

"I g-gotta focus," Leif said, though he let the hand linger a little longer before shrugging it off. "And so do you, for that matter!" he pointed behind Sal'yashe. Someone was knocking on the door - some weedy human with a massive, scraggly beard. "Deal with him for me, would you?"

"Of courssse, sir." Sal'yashe gave him a little bow - Leif wasn't quite sure if it was a genuine bow of deference or if it was a mockery. Either way, he left him to it.

Even as his heart kept thumping, and even as he felt his pants bulge. He tried to keep himself from getting too worked up as he made his way into the darkness of his workshop.

Candlelight soon lit the room, accompanied sometimes by brief flashes of sparks as his hammer came down hard on the pick-axe heads. The sparks settled on them, sinking into the metal and gradually giving them a strange, beautiful sheen. It was basically automatic for Leif - he could do this with his eyes closed. It allowed his mind to wander, as it tended to do. Though on this particular day, it didn't do much of that. It was totally focused on one thing. Blue scales. That smile. Those eyes. The more he thought of them, the more vividly he imagined the colours, the glisten of his scales.... It was distracting. Disarming.

Keep yourself on task, Leif thought to himself.

"Keep yourssself on tasssk," the vision of the snake cooed to him. "Don't let me dissstract you..."

That was easier said than done. Especially when that voice made him shiver. Not that he would ever show that or admit that to Sal'yashe. He had to keep things as professional and simple as possible. There were boundaries to respect. He was certainly not going to act on those urges, or do anything sexual with him.

His mouth tasted funny for some reason.

--

The rush was showing no signs of dying down. Somehow, it was getting more intense. At least, it was getting more intense for Leif. More and more people were coming through his doors, seeking tools and supplies to strike it rich. It soon got to the point where prospectors were queuing outside his door to make orders.

And he knew exactly who was the cause of that.

The door was locked, as Leif sighed with delight. He was glad to see those last customers finally leaving.

"I thought we'd be here all night," Leif said with a laugh. "What time is it?"

"It'sss almossst 19 hours." Sal'yashe was leant against the counter, his arms crossed.

"A full hour after closing? Gods above!" Leif laughed. "Those prospectors are going to be the death of me. And so are you, friend."

"Happy to help! I'm a good sssalesssnake, what can I sssay~?" Sal'yashe smiled down at Leif. There was a tenderness to his gaze. As well as a sense of appraisal. Leif was being eyed up, he could feel it.

"You look exhausssted," Sal'yashe said. "Sssurely you could use a ressst, couldn't you?"

"Yeah... but I gotta prepare some new stock for tomorrow."

"Or... perhapsss it'll behoove you to take the evening off. Allow yourssself sssome ressst."

"Would it were that easy," Leif said, brushing past Sal'yashe to make for his workshop. A hand grasped his wrist and turned him to face the snake.

"You know, perhapsss I could at leassst try to help you relaxxx. I've got my methodsss..."

"That so?" Leif looked up at Sal'yashe with a curious, crooked eyebrow. "What sorta..m..."

His face slackened, and his jaw slipped open. His eyes went wide, pupils dilating, then shrinking to pinpricks. What was... happening to Sal'yashe's eyes? What were they doing...? He wanted to ask. But somehow, his jaw felt slack and sluggish. He couldn't lift it, try as he might. His eyes were tingling too - the rings of blue and pink that floated through Sal'yashe's felt like a strange massage for his mind, making it tingle and lurch.

"You should sssleep," Sal'yashe cooed, a smile creeping along his face.

Sleep sounded like the best idea in the world at that moment. Leif nodded slowly, his eyelids drooping as his whole body sagged. He felt the vague sensation of falling, stopped by a muscular embrace that took his weight and lifted him off his feet. He floated, weightless like a cloud. Perceiving little more than that gentle touch.

The last sensation he felt was his legs being lifted, and something hard prodding between the cheeks of his rump. Then pain and pleasure. Then deep, drowsy sleep that bloomed through him like a warm blanket.

Pure, unrelenting bliss.

"Leif... Leif? Leif!"

Leif smacked his lips and opened his eyes. He was sprawled in his bed, and his whole body felt so wonderfully heavy. He could not imagine being more comfortable than he was in that exact moment. He could hear Sal'yashe's voice, muffled by his bedroom door.

"I've already opened shop for the day! There are no cussstomersss yet, but I do not know how long you have."

"Mm." Leif slowly crawled out of bed with a groan, rubbing his eyes and making his way to the door to open it. "G'morning. Thanks for opening up, I'll head on down."

"Erm... Leif? Sssir?" Sal'yashe was smirking, his eyes wide, and flicking downwards.

Looking down, Leif noticed that he was completely nude. He always slept in the nude anyway, it was more comfortable that way, but he didn't exactly look decent, what with his morning wood sticking out. It wouldn't be the best look for his customers.

"Ah right. Gimme a sec, I'll get dressed then."

"You do have a niccce body, if you don't mind my sssaying ssso." Sal'yashe grinned.

"I don't mind, no." Leif looked back at Sal'yashe. His heart thumped a little. He felt a slight warmth in his loins. He was horny. "But you know what? Maybe you should help me deal with this."

He gripped the base of his cock and gave it a little squeeze. He swore he could see Sal'yashe salivate a little.

"You want it?" Leif chuckled. "Close up shop n' come back up here."

"Yess sssir!" Sal'yashe gave a mock salute, and turned to make his way down the stairs. He stopped. "Although... why wait?"

In one fluid motion, he turned right back around, his eyes filled with... strange, beautiful colours. Ripples of pink and blue pushed through them, and his head bobbed and swayed from side to side, dragging Leif's gaze with it. He let out a confused little croak. This was familiar somehow - strangely familiar... where did he recognize this feeling from? Had this... happened... before...?

"Enough playing around, Treat," Sal'yashe said, his voice taking on a lower, silkier tone. "I've enjoyed thisss pretenssse for quite a while, but I think it'sss time to take our relationship to a new level, don't you?"

"Uhnnn?" Leif groaned again, confused and fascinated by the colours. His cock was oozing pre-cum - those eyes, the shimmering hood, the sound of his voice, the shape of his body all mingled to fill Leif to the brim with well-conditioned pleasure. It felt incredible... how could he ever have forgotten how easy, how pleasurable it was to sink? How wonderful it was to fall into trance?

He giggled, amused at himself for being such a forgetful fool. It was the simplest concept in the world.

"Sssomething amuses you, hm~?" Sal'yashe asked, reaching down to wrap his fingers around Leif's shaft. "What'sss on your mind?"

"Nnnhuhuhuhuh..." Leif groaned and drooled over himself, unable to even form any words.

"Of courssse, nothing on your mind. Nothing except for what I want."

Perhaps once Leif would have been able to resist a little better, or articulate himself more. But he was so totally, helplessly conditioned by this point that his jaw and lips could not do what he willed them to.

Aside from one specific thing.

"Now, let'sss put your lipsss to good use, shall we?"

Sal'yashe's body undulated as he raised up a little higher. Brushing aside his purple loincloth to reveal his slit, and the long shaft emerging from it. It went right into Leif's mouth, and he suckled on it without a care in the world. The kobold was pushed back against the wall and the snake's body wound around him. The textured spines of Sal'yashe's tailtip rubbed up and down Leif's cock, and he bucked into it, still dazed, mind melting further and further.

"Now then," Sal'yashe continued with a soft hiss, "Let'sss move our relationship along, hm? You remember our lassst conversssationsss, yesss~?" He pushed his hips right against Leif's face, leaving him to respond with nothing more than a pleasured moan.

"Yesss. Now, I think it'sss time you properly ssstarted ssshowing me your appreciation. Paying your duesss to me as thanksss for my gracccing you with my presenccce... making me absolutely anything-"

There was a knock from somewhere downstairs. An insistent one. Leif paid it no notice, his eyes pointed straight up, his attentions on Sal'yashe's hood and the pretty shimmering mirrors within.

"We're having a little break!" Sal'yashe called downstairs. "Come back in a few minutesss~!"

There was more banging, and Sal'yashe sighed. "They can't hear me. Shame."

He pulled back, and as his cock exited Leif's mouth, the kobold leaned towards it with a needy whine. Sal'yashe slapped Leif's cheek very gently - it was a practiced tap, a tap that Leif had been conditioned to use as a way out of trance. A way to re-emerge, to compartmentalize his obedience once again.

"Ahh... yes, another customer!" Leif hopped up onto his feet, his eyes wide, with a big smile on his face. His blue-green eyes seemed a little bit brighter than usual. "Sal'yashe, shall we?"

"Yes. You get right down to work."

Sal'yashe pushed Leif along, patting him on the rump possessively. Leif pushed his rump back into those slender hands with the long nails, wiggling with excitement. He had a lot to do that day, after all. Besides, he was remembering that he had a secret surprise for Sal'yashe. A little token of his respect, his gratitude... and his love.

Sal'yashe let out a sharp gasp of delight.

"...How long have you been working on thisss?"

Sal'yashe's hands were clasped together, and his mouth was wide open with surprise. He reached out to take the little golden charm, feeling its glowing lustre in his hands. It was shaped like the head of a small bird with a little beak curving downwards. It was attached to a long loop of glittering silk - a sash, or a belt of some sort. He looked down at his servant. "It'sss gorgeousss, Leif."

"I thought you'd like it, my love," Leif said, with a dreamy smile on his face. He was kneeling, his palms pressed into the floor, giving him the vague appearance of a household pet. Loops of sapphire coils were wrapped tightly around his soft midsection, a sort of scaly corset. "It'll enhance your charm magic when you attune to it."

"Beautiful." Sal'yashe smiled, wrapping the sash around himself, just over the purple cloth that covered his slit. "I love it."

"I spent so many long nights making it for you, I'm so glad you love it so much!" Leif was beaming from ear to ear - a month ago you'd have barely seen him crack more than a slight knowing smirk. His eyes were wide - slowly rippling with slight hints of pink and blue as always - and filled with adoration and love. Sal'yashe scratched under Leif's chin, along his beard, and he moaned with delight, his tail thumping against the wooden floor.

"For thisss," Sal'yashe said with a smile, "I'll allow you to buy me an even more exxxtravagant dinner than usual. I feel I should treat myssself tonight. Or rather..."

He leaned down to Leif, giving him a soft kiss on the lips as his coils gave his Treat's soft middle a nice firm squeeze. He gazed into the kobold's eyes, his own gaze relaxed, yet wicked. "You will treat me, won't you, Treat?"

The mere sound of being called that made Leif almost climax on the spot. He moaned, his hips bucking as his knees shifted. "Yes, Sal'yashe, anything for you Sal'yashe!"

"Good." Sal'yashe gave him another little kiss. "Get me a banquet from the tavern, have it brought here, and ssspare no expenssse for me, would you?"

"Yes, my love...!"

Leif was tugged to his feet. Smiling supplicantly, he began to make his way out of the bedroom.

"Ah ah ah! Servant! Don't forget your clothes."

"Oh... sorry, Sal'yashe!" Leif laughed nervously, quickly and sloppily dressing himself. He didn't want to waste any more time than was necessary. His love was hungry. He needed to feed his love. And he needed to figure out what sort of gift he would make for his love next. He had given so much already - his bed, his home, his workshop, all the profits... but it wasn't enough to show the depths of his love. He would not give up trying - someday he'd make Sal'yashe understand just how much his Treat adored him. Any day now, he would finally hear Sal'yashe tell him he loved his Treat. And when he did... his life would be complete.

BLACKMAIL OF A FIGURE OF INFLUENCE

(Story for Nightveilnocturne55)

"Please, I swear I'm gonna pay, I just n-need a couple more days... no, no nononono-!"

With a hollow thunk, the hand-axe met its target, buried in deeply, stuck fast. There was a moment of silence, of absolute stillness.

Cici's arm was outstretched, and she smiled. Waited. She could wait as long as was needed for her debtor to catch up..

The shivering, lanky bull took a sharp breath in and looked up, just where the blade of the axe had embedded itself. It was lodged into the stone wall behind him, the curve of the head just centimetres from his scalp. It was only now that he noticed numerous other notches in the wall from countless other throws. A crimson glow encircled the axe's handle, forming into a disembodied hand and effortlessly tugging it free from the stone. A fine puff of dust rained down, making the cow cough. He didn't move an inch, ramrod still.

The rabbit was beckoning with a long, slender, white-furred finger, as the axe slowly floated back to her. To fill the time, she took a drag from her death-stick, attached to a long obsidian holder. Just as the axe alighted in her hand, she exhaled a long, swirling curl of smoke up into the air.

"Tomorrow, if you please." Cici didn't look the bovine in the eyes. "Reimbursement in full. Then maybe I'll give you back those muscles I so graciously bequeathed you. Thank you."

"Y-yes Ma'am sorry Ma'am goodbye Ma'am!"

She smiled to herself as the bull stumbled out of the room quickly. She slipped the hand-axe back into her desk and sat back, putting her feet up on the table with a soft hum. She lifted the large tome on it with her foot and slid it down her leg to open it in her lap. She pored over the spell she'd cast on him one more time. She gave that weedy bull a charm to boost his physique and his confidence - clearly too much confidence, since he thought he could get away with shorting her. So she took that charm away and then some - an enfeebling spell that would keep him scrawny for the rest of his days, if she was so inclined. And perhaps she was.

Cici did not exactly have the look of an underworld crime boss. She was petite and pretty, with dark freckled fur on her cheeks, a red dress with black trim and a white collar that evoked a look somewhere between a sailor and a school girl, and a little bowler hat that matched it perched on her dark hair. There was also a mark on her forehead - an almost-full moon of grey with a little red dot nestled at the top, just where a small chunk was missing.

That was the chief hint that trifling with her was not smart - it was the mark of a powerful warlock. Rumours swirled about who she had made a pact with - some demon from the infernal plane, a lich, or even something darker and more unknowable. She never told a soul, nor would she. It was something she had no interest in discussing.

Her nose fluttered a little as she brought her feet down and stood up. She felt oddly restless. She had been in her office all evening, and the music, muffled by the thick door, was getting good by the sounds of it. Perhaps she could mingle a while.

"Rufus, mind my things will you?" She stepped around the desk, speaking to the large figure of steel who stood in the corner - at a glance, you might think it was just an ornate suit of armor, albeit one whose joints had been fused together. But with a creak, it slowly lurched to life, stepping into position behind the desk to stand sentry.

A burst of heat and revelry met Cici as she stepped out into the lounge. A smoky-voiced raven was strumming on a guitar as they sang a sad, regretful love song that suffused the room, mingling with the chatter and laughter in the amber candle-light.

Everyone made room for her - after all, this was her establishment. She had pride of place wherever she wanted. She felt like having a seat towards the front of the stage, to listen to this singer up close. She didn't feel particularly interested in conversation at that moment. She snapped her fingers as she made her way towards the front, towards a felt-covered table that always remained empty just for her.

Except... this time it wasn't empty. There was someone there. Clearly from out of town, considering their blue scales and long tail that was curled around the stem of the table. They were dressed like a dancer, too, with those golden bangles and skimpy garments. Plenty of the other patrons were staring. There weren't many snakes in this part of the world, and they tended to run roughshod over any customs. She made a few examples in the past, docked a bit off their tails and sent them packing. But she was feeling generous, and they were an attractive sort. She would give this one an opportunity to apologise and leave. And after that, she'd see if she could deduce why none of her staff had bothered to tell this snake to move.

"Welcome to my establishment, stranger," she said, leaning forward over the table to get a good look at the snake. "Are you having a nice night?"

The serpent turned their gaze towards her, pale eyes in two seas of yellow. They smiled. And the most deliciously decadent voice she had ever heard met her ears.

"Indeed I am, madame. Thisss is by far the nicccessst placcce I have been to ssso far."

"I'm delighted to hear that," Cici said, reaching out to the side as one of her staff brought her customary glass of dark red wine. She took a long sip, her eyes not wavering from his. The snake had a hood, and she could sense something from inside them. A slight hint of magic. Hard to pinpoint. But it piqued her curiosity. "You are in my seat, though, so I will kindly have to ask you to move."

"Oh, this is yoursss? I beg your pardon."

Cici knew he was bluffing. He had been told. But why had he not been forced to move? Perhaps it was a hint of threat he gave off, a hint of danger. Perhaps they were too afraid. She couldn't blame them.

"I'll forgive you, as long as you take up space somewhere else." Cici smiled down at him, not deigning to lean forward.

"Sssurely I could ssstay with you a while?" the snake leaned back a little, and the tail unwound from underneath the table to coil into a little stool of sorts. "I assure you, my ssscales would feel far niccer than thisss seat I'm in right now."

"Hm." Cici's smile thinned. "A tempting offer. But I'm a prey animal. I know better than to let myself fall right into the clutches of a predator."

"You're an assstute woman," the snake said, offering his hand. "Sssal'yashe is my name."

"Charmed." Cici did not move. "You may call me Cici. And you may move out of my seat."

"Very well." Sal'yashe slowly raised himself up from the seat and took a conciliatory bow as he moved back. "But if you wish to ssspeak with me further, I shall be over there. I did wish to make a little arrangement with you."

"Mhm." she sat down. "Perhaps I'll take you up on that. Good evening, Sal'yashe."

She watched him slither off, moving to a table towards the back. His eyes seemed to glimmer in the darkness of that corner - it wasn't as well lit back there. She found herself looking towards him every so often, making brief, furtive eye contact. Her prey instincts were telling her to keep an eye on him. And perhaps there was an element of attraction to it too. Because he was very attractive. Very easy on the eyes, and he had an air about him that suggested he was probably a half-decent lover. When they made eye contact, she would give him the slightest hint of a smile, which he would return more broadly with a glimmer in his eye.

Not only was she interested in his proposition, she was idly wondering whether or not she might get to sample him. Better not to get her hopes up too much, though. She'd been disappointed by a few exotic lovers before, but that was hardly reason to pass up on a nice opportunity. Once the singer had concluded her set, Cici would check in. As long as he didn't leave before then.

Sure enough, by the time the songbird-of-sorts took her bow, Sal'yashe was still there. Good. He clearly cared enough to stick around. He was growing more and more intriguing by the second. There was a fascinating, dangerous quality to him. She could detect a magical aura about him - those brands on his hood were a very clear giveaway as well. She appreciated a warlock who openly flaunted their brand, like her. Anyone who was so ashamed of their pact as to hide it away under clothing, or blend it in with other tattoos, was a coward.

She turned her seat a little, angling it so it was easier to look him in the eye. She wasn't going to get up and go to him, of course. The ball was still in his court. He made eye contact with her, still clapping for the songstress. He smiled and nodded in her direction. This time, she didn't turn back towards the stage, though. She waited patiently, keeping her eyes on the snake's. Then all that was left to do was wait. Her nose wiggled. Her toes tapped on the floor very softly. And the time slowly passed.

There were two reasons for him not getting up and going to her - either he was too stupid to take the hint, or he was being a bit presumptuous, assuming that she would come to him. Either way, it was a mistake. She made a mental note to give him just ten more seconds. If he didn't make a move, she'd return to the office and that would be that.

Ten. Nine. Eight. His expression didn't change. He remained unblinking, not unlike his more feral kin.

Seven. Six. Five. Not the slightest hint of a move. His hood opened a little, and she could see the shimmering filigree mirrors inside them. A little rush of magical energy filled the air. She didn't let it rattle her.

Four. She noticed a server close to Sal'yashe stiffen. A cute young cheetah.

Three. The boy's body slackened. Sal'yashe's eyes were on him.

Two. He whispered into the cheetah's ear and gestured towards her.

As she watched the server walk to her with a subtly intoxicated step, she paused the mental timer in her head. She looked into the young feline's eyes. He was smiling, placidly, the way one would after getting a pleasant alcohol-induced buzz. His eyes were spinning with little rings of magical energy. He looked smitten. Entranced, in fact.

"Miss," the cheetah murmured, sounding as though he was in a dream, "the lovely snake wanted to ask if he has permission to come over..."

"He did, hm?" Ceci crossed one leg over the other, and leaned back. "Well, go on, tell him he's welcome to stop by. But...do tell him to keep his paws off my staff's bodies. And their minds."

"Yes..." the cheetah sighed dreamily, and turned, slowly sleepwalking back across the lounge.

Charm magic. Of course he would use charm magic. How very predictable. Still, she didn't see men like him often, she could use the entertainment. She was well protected against those kinds of enchantments. The look on his face when he realised he was outmatched would be delicious.

As Ceci watched, her server returned to the snake. She couldn't tell what he was saying from that distance, of course, but she was sure her message was relayed. Sal'yashe reared up, his coils pouring out behind him from beneath the table. As he passed by the feline, Sal'yashe's mouth pressed to his ear.

Ceci could feel the hiss from where she was. The cheetah boy's body stiffened and spasmed, an involuntary moan echoing out from him, and he collapsed into the booth that Sal'yashe had just left, a squirming puddle of pleasure. It drew more than a few eyes. Those eyes followed the blue naga as he slowly slithered his way towards the front table. Ceci was leaning on her elbow, looking up at him with a slight sneer.

"You seem dead-set on making a scene," she drawled, tapping a bit of ash off the end of her cigarette. "Do you break hearts like that wherever you go?"

"When the mood ssstrikesss, yesss." Sal'yashe glided down to her level, his coils curled underneath him to make a seat.

"So." Ceci said. "Tell me exactly what you are after. You seem to be able to take what you like, so what, pray tell, do you need that only my patron and I can give you?"

"Well," Sal'yashe said as he stretched out a little, "For one thing, I find it a little difficult to defend myssself sssometimesss, if the ssseduction doesn't... pan out the way I exssspect."

"A lover, not a fighter?" Ceci smirked.

"Sssomething like that, yesss."

"Are you one of those rare Warlocks who doesn't know how to do a good Eldritch Blast?"

Sal'yashe shrugged. "Oh, well, I jussst don't have good aim with it."

Ceci laughed. "Now that's a surprise! If you're trying to impress me, you really shouldn't be volunteering information like that."

"Well, I prefer honesssty." Sal'yashe raised himself a little higher. "Trussst is an important part of any sssort of business deal, yesss?"

"So you do want something from me." Ceci nodded. "Well then. I don't want to keep you. Or to be more precise, I don't want you to keep me. What do you want?"

"Could we..." Sal'yashe glanced around. If he was nervous, it was hard to tell. His movements were as sinuous, measured and laconic as ever. "Go sssomewhere a little more private? It'sss a little sssensssitive."

She peered at him, nibbling on her lip slightly. "We can use my office."

"Even that might be a little too conssspicuousss." Sal'yashe seemed a little more serious.

"Mhm. You're in some trouble, aren't you?" Ceci sat back, taking another long drag. She looked straight up at the ceiling. She'd let him twist in the wind for a moment. She exhaled a subtle grey cloud into the air, twirling it with her holder. "Sounds like something I don't want to get involved with... but us warlocks need to have some solidarity, don't we.

"Meet me on the street on the other side of the club. Fifteen minutes exactly. Don't be late. Or early."

She didn't look at him. But she heard him unfurl and slither along the wooden floor towards the door. Good. He got the hint. He understood how to be discreet. So he was attractive and smart. But she still got the sense that he was going to try and seduce her. That he had an inflated sense of his own seduction abilities, and that he thought he could take advantage of her.

Good luck to him.

Fifteen minutes gave her enough time to finish what was her third glass of wine for the evening. With the pleasant sensation of very mild intoxication settling over her, she stepped back into the office.

"Move aside please, Rufus."

The golem moved slowly and deliberately, revealing the slight outline of a secret passage hidden behind the striped wallpaper. She slipped through it, feeling the slight movement of cool night air ahead of her, and stepped outside. Sure enough, Sal'yashe was just arriving as she emerged from the darkness.

"Fifteen minutes on the dot." Ceci said with a smile. "Good."

"Thank you again," Sal'yashe said, weaving in closer. "Now, to businesss, yesss?"

"To business." the sigil on Cici's forehead glowed with a wicked flame, illuminating her face. "Your patron sent you after me, didn't she?"

"What?" Sal'yashe laughed. "Oh, no, you mussst be missstaken, I'm not here on that sssort of businesss. I simply wanted your help getting into -"

"Sal'yashe, darling, you're a very good liar. But I'm better at spotting lies. My eyes see all."

The flame grew brighter, an angry red light crackling between the fingertips of her free hand as she took one last long drag.

"Verenestra doesn't like that I spurned her. Bit unlike a Fey like her to send one of her lackeys to have me killed. It's too straight-forward for her."

Sal'yashe's eyes were wide - he seemed to be doing a good job of feigning ignorance, even as his own brands were shimmering with that familiar Fey glamour, like liquid metal. He was going to try something.

"I didn't know anything about that," Sal'yashe protested. "Lady Verenessstra told me absolutely nothing!"

"Well, I don't find that difficult to believe. But why else would you try to approach me?"

"I jussst find you fassscinating, nothing more than that. And I would like to... to know you."

"Know me?" Ceci did not let her guard down - she was ready to obliterate him with a mere gesture. "You are brave. And presumptuous."

"And yet, you wouldn't have met with me if you didn't have sssome interessst..." Sal'yashe was smiling again. He was turning on the charm. "You mussst have wondered what it'd feel like to have my ssscalesss on your ssskin."

"Perhaps, but I don't see- glk!"

There was a sudden, tight squeeze around her neck, her arms, her thighs. His tail was firmly wrapped around her neck, and a lazy spiral of coils was similarly holding her tight. She couldn't move. The lightning dissipated from her fingertips and her eyes went wide.

And that made it harder to resist the beautiful blossoming rings of pink and blue that pulsed through Sal'yashe's eyes as he smiled wide, his hood fluttering open as the mirror sigils shone.

Ceci had dealt with attempts to invade her mind before, but none that felt quite so strange and pleasant as this. She felt more inebriated - was the wine enhancing the hypnotism, or was it vice versa?

She tried to struggle, baring her teeth as she writhed and flailed. She wanted to yell for help, but the tight squeeze around her throat kept that from happening.

"Shh shh shh..." Sal'yashe crooned. "You don't need to worry. I honessstly mean you no harm."

"Nnngh...?" Ceci felt more inclined to believe him. His voice was so nice, and his eyes were so nice, and she felt so nice. The coils were too strong to escape, and she was becoming less and less inclined to struggle regardless. They felt less like restraints and more like a hug.

"Sssee," Sal'yashe said, "I know you mussstn't be too againssst what'sss happening right now. You could have blown me apart by now. But you didn't. Because you don't want to. Am I correct?"

He nodded his head. Ceci nodded with him. She found herself smiling a little. His ridged purple tailtip rubbed and massaged her throat, and she let out a choked moan. Her hips were spreading a little, a muscular length of coils sliding under them.

"Now, don't worry," Sal'yashe cooed. "Verenessstra doesn't really care about you. It'sss just a happy coincccidenccce. This is jusssst a little tryssst, nothing more."

The tail relaxed a little. Ceci gasped loudly, shuddering. She wanted to say something but couldn't think of what. Her eyes were swirling with his, her mouth hanging open in a dopey expression.

She watched his head dip low, down between her spread thighs. The warmth of his maw enclosed over her nethers, his fangs prodding at her flesh. His tongue buried into her, and she moaned quite more loudly than she would have allowed herself too. She would have counted herself lucky that no one was around to see this indecent display, were she able to think of anything but those pulsing colours that even now held all her attention. Her hands were still bound tightly, and she writhed, lost in that moment of mind-melting pleasure.

When he pulled away with a wet smack, he returned to eye level with her, his tongue flitting out to touch her nose as he wiped his mouth. "You tassste divine, Treat. Let me show you."

His snout pressed to hers, and a tang met her tongue as she tasted herself on his lips. Her hips widened a little more. Something warm pressed to her slit. Hard. She knew what it was. She let him plunge in. She let him fill her. Each time he thrust, the momentum seemed to ripple through his coils, giving her a long massaging squeeze. It was overwhelming - she would have thrown her head back if she could have taken her eyes off those beautiful colours. She smiled widely, stupidly, lost in him. The pinks and blues became her entire world, as she fell into a deep, entranced fugue. A fugue where every moment felt like a new climax.

She heard a snapping sound. She knew it sounded familiar. But she didn't care. Pink and Blue was all she cared for. Sal'yashe was all she cared for. Cumming was all she cared for.

*

Ceci stared down at the photos. Every curve of her on display, with those coils draped over her. Her tongue hanging out and drooling, her eyes swirling and rolling upwards. Her lips wrapped around a cock. Her hips spread wide to display her netherlips. It was positively pornographic - perfect material for blackmail.

She bit her lip. She tensed. The wooden cigarette-holder snapped in half in her grasp. She looked up at Sal'yashe with fury, the sigil on her head glowing.

"I wouldn't do that, Treat," Sal'yashe chided as he leaned over her desk. "I've plenty of copies, ready to be dissstributed to every paper in thisss cccity."

Treat. Fuck. That made her melt and shudder. It was hard to keep focus on her fury.

"And what exactly do you want from me to keep these from getting out? Money?"

"Money, yesss. I'm going to be travelling again sssoon, and could use sssome resssourccces."

"Fine. I'll cut you a bank cheque. And then you can get out of this city."

She scribbled her name and a rather hefty sum on a small slip of paper. She could feel Sal'yashe's presence looming over her. The scent of his body. The shimmer of his scales. She felt herself burn. She didn't look up at him as she handed him the paper.

"Take it and go."

"Thank you kindly," Sal'yashe hissed, turning to glide his way out of her office.

"Wait."

The snake stopped, but didn't turn around. She unbuttoned her top and moved from around the desk towards him. Just as he turned, she grabbed him by the throat and pulled him into a kiss that was just as possessive - if not more so - than the one he'd given her only a few nights ago. She didn't relent on the kiss. She pulled him with her, pulled him back towards her desk. She was going to give him one for the road. Considering he'd left her with such a good impression that she'd be pining after him for weeks on end, the least she could do was give him a send-off he wouldn't forget.

Perhaps it'd tempt him back some time.

PARTICIPATION IN AN ILLICIT DUEL

(Story for Zyfire/Hypnohype)

Saikaku had a sense that something was amiss when he started talking to the corgi girl in the boarding house. She had a far off look about her, for one thing, and he could sense a strange aura around her. The white-furred lion was a superlative empath - one of the perks of being a demi-god. His mother, the goddess of love and life, had gifted him with an innate understanding of mortals, of their auras and their desires. He could sense that this girl was very much in love with someone - that telltale glow in her head and her thumping heart gave that away. It was an intense glow, too - he had never seen someone with such a desperate infatuation. The most logical explanation, in his mind, was that she was enchanted.

Though if she was, she wasn't showing it. She was checking him in for a night's stay in the sleepy little inn. He had spent the whole day travelling - an uneventful but arduous trek - and was eager to find a place to rest without carrying all his equipment on his back. She herself was pleasant, welcoming, with well-practised hospitality. She seemed passionate about her job.

But as it turned out, Saikaku's hunch was correct. There was something - or someone - she was even more passionate about.

"So, once the rooms are ready, we can offer you-!"

She gasped, eyes wide, looking over Saikaku's shoulder. The white-furred lion turned his head to get a better look - though he could feel an intense aura of pure aphrodisiac magic emanating from that being already.

A rather exotic-looking snakeman with bright blue scales and an imposing hood was gliding through the doors, his pale eyes fixated entirely on the girl behind the counter. The snake gave Saikaku a little nod as he passed, but otherwise didn't acknowledge his presence as he moved to the counter and leaned forward. The dog girl met him halfway, and kissed him hungrily. The lion was far too polite, not really eager for a fight - he stepped to the side with a soft apology.

"Sal'yashe!" the corgi moaned with desperate delight as they ended the kiss. "Hi..."

"Afternoon, Treat. Do you have a moment?" the snake was pawing at her chest, his fingers squeezing just a little. Saikaku felt extremely awkward. He coughed and shuffled back.

"I have all the time in the world for you..." the dog's eyes shimmered. Or at least, Saikaku swore they were. They looked as though they were turning a bright blue. Another tip-off.

"Let'sss go into the back," the snake hissed, and the corgi nodded in response.

The naga slipped behind the desk with the innkeeper- she was practically undressing herself as they went. The snake didn't need much undressing himself, dressed as he was in sheer strips of cloth. It was like Saikaku didn't even exist. So much for getting his room booked. He stepped outside just in time to hear the first groans from the back room.

He rubbed the back of his head, trying not to look over his shoulder. He knew it wasn't his place to make a scene right then and there. Even if something was clearly amiss. The way she dropped everything, the way she looked at him, it was more than just a crush. She was infatuated with him, almost certainly bewitched. It prodded at his innate sense of justice and righteousness... he would have to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, and free that lady from his grasp. What good was he as a travelling do-gooder if he didn't follow through and put a stop to such lechery? He was sure she'd thank him for freeing her from that debased snake's grasp.

But first, he had to wait to check in. He was still exhausted, after all, and all his provisions weighed heavily on his back. He shrugged it off and sat down near the building with a groan. Thankfully, he couldn't hear whatever was going on inside - it made it marginally less awkward, and allowed him to relax for a while. He was aware that he probably looked like a drifter - which he was, sort of - but his snow-white fur and handsome face would hopefully put the nerves of those around him to rest. He did get the odd look from people passing by, but it was mostly smiles and nods. Though he did catch the odd glance toward the inn itself, and a strange look in the eyes of those who did so.

Eventually, an older gentleman came towards him directly, walking with purpose and a mirthless expression on his face. He was a hawk - he had the look of someone who was long past his peak, yet with a quiet calm strength to him. A former guardsman or protector, perhaps.

"We don't like having itinerants here," he said in a low, clipped growl.

"Greetings to you, sir," Saikaku said, humbly bowing his head. "I'm only waiting to check in to a room here. But they're a little, uh... busy at the moment."

He wasn't going to rat out the girl's tryst, even if it was one done under charmed duress. However, the hawk's gaze was a knowing one.

"Rielle. She has not taken her eyes off that snake-man since he arrived. Neither have most of the young people in this town. He's got them bewitched - and I'm positive that it's not just regular charisma. He's enchanted them."

"I know," Saikaku said. "I can sense it too!"

"You can?"

Saikaku stood up, standing a little bit above the hawk. From here, he looked a lot smaller, and a good deal less imposing. Not that he wasn't going to treat him with respect and deference regardless.

"I'm a scion of life," the lion said. It wasn't a brag, more of a simple statement of fact. "I'm well attuned to the magical energies of the world, as well as the internal rhythms and auras of the body. For example..."

Saikaku fixed the hawk with a long look. Not that he needed to concentrate very hard - he could sense the man's entire life upon his approach.

"You used to be the strongest man in the town - I'm assuming you were their protector. Your strength has waned, but you're still capable. But there's a tension there, a frustration. You're not being allowed to fight or assist as much nowadays, I'm guessing."

The hawk smiled a little, a vague sadness in his eyes. "You're an impressive young man, very perceptive indeed... I had a good read on you."

"Well, I do have magical help to be fair," Saikaku said with a nervous laugh. "It makes things a lot easier, but it is kinda impressive I guess? Heh..."

"So, you must have been able to sense his hold over her?" The hawk's head moved closer to the lion's. He didn't have much sense of personal space. That or he didn't care. He seemed to be getting more and more agitated by the second. "You might be able to help her, then? And the others that villain's put under his sway?"

"I mean... I can try?" Saikaku said. "I could-"

"That girl in there was to become my daughter in law - until that fiend seduced her. Stole her away from my beloved son..."

"I'm so sorry to hear-"

"And what's more! What's more is my son has become just as infatuated with him. He should be feeling the anger I feel, but no, no! He dotes just as deeply on this snake! The only thing that makes sense is that they were bewitched by him..."

"Yes, yes, I understand!" Saikaku was backing away slightly. He got the sense that this old man would talk his ears off if he let him.

"Listen, I'll see what I can do, okay?" Saikaku continued. "I just need to figure how to handle him."

"Fight him! You must fight him..." the hawk grasped at Saikaku's clothes. "You can send him packing!"

"I mean..." Saikaku took another step away. "I don't like violence if I can avoid it..."

"You must! You must!" the old man seemed to be getting more and more crazed by the second. A desperation had come into his voice and his demeanour.

"Alright. Okay. Give me some space, pl-please... I'll see what I can d-"

The door to the bed and breakfast opened, and the naga glided his way out. What was his name again? He'd just heard it moments ago, but the aggressive old bird had caused him to forget it completely.

Saikaku's brow furrowed as he looked at the snake. He was simply trying to wrack his brains to remember the snake's name, but it looked more like a stand-offish glare. The snake looked at him with some confusion, then annoyance. He stopped his slithering, his slender arms crossing over his bare midriff.

"Can I help you with sssomething?" he hissed.

"No, sorry, I just, I heard-"

"He heard from me about what you've been up to!" the hawk interjected. "I've told him about your debauchery, what you've done to my son, his fiancee, and the others. And he's going to defeat you, and turf you out like the worm you are!"

Saikaku froze. The lion ran a hand through his hair and laughed, a little too loudly to his liking.

"Now, I didn't agree to do that," he said quickly, looking back at the snake. He crooked an eyebrow. His yellow eyes with pale green pupils stared right through him. Or right into him. It was hard to tell. A smile spread across his face. Wicked, and predatory.

"I sssee." the naga said. "Well, then, I sssupposse I'd better be on my guard for you, hero."

"You've got it all wrong!" Saikaku said, shooting a glare at the hawk. "Please, you're making things worse. Let me just talk with him."

The hawk stared back at him for a long moment. He glared at the snake, and scuttled off, muttering something. Saikaku was sure he heard the word 'coward' in there somewhere. He sighed.

"Look," Saikaku said, looking at the snake with a conciliatory smile, "I think we got off on the wrong foot. I'm Saikaku. I'm just a traveller really."

"Mhm." the snake nodded. "You ssseem a little more than jussst that to me. I can sssenssse sssomething about you. Sssomething powerful. Dangerousss perhapsss."

The snake moved into the lion's personal space. Strangely, Saikaku felt a lot more comfortable with him than with that old coot.

"But, then, you sssenssse the sssame from me, don't you?"

"I guess so." Saikaku still took a step back regardless, finding himself backed against the wall.

"It isss true that I've been weaving a ssspell over a few of the prettier villagersss," the snake said with a shrug. "But I don't mean them any harm, really. I'm no bandit or brigand, I sssimply am looking for a good time, and they ssseem to be having jussst as much fun."

"Well, g-good for you!" Saikaku said.

"But... I do need an excussse to move on sssoon." the snake tutted to himself. "Perhapsss... the two of usss could put on a show? A sssort of sssparring match?"

"Uh-huh?" Saikaku was confused and surprised by the Yuan-Ti's friendly charm, as well as the suggestion. "And you're going to throw the fight?"

"Exsssactly." the snake smiled. "I ssssupposse it'll do me well if I'm knocked down a peg or two, hm?"

Saikaku could feel his heart thumping. He wasn't being charmed, he knew exactly what that would feel like. And he was more attracted to women than anything else. But this snake... he was very attractive. Facing the full brunt of his charisma was a lot more overwhelming than expected. What's more, the snake's suggestion seemed genuine. Saikaku was pretty good at sniffing out ulterior, duplicitous motives, but he couldn't detect that in his words.

"Sounds good. So... when will we d-do this? Midday? A few hours from now?"

"Sssoundsss reasonable to me." the snake gave a nod. "And you may call me Sssal'yashe, by the by."

The snake turned and glided away, giving Saikaku a view of the androgynous curves of his body and coils. He tried not to let it rattle him too much. Instead, he let out a loud proclamation for everyone in the village to hear.

"You'd better be ready for me, Sal'yashe! Your lechery ends today!"

He swore he could hear a chuckle.

He checked into the lodging-house, noting how Rielle, the corgi-girl, had a tremendous blush and looked quite dishevelled. He didn't draw attention to it, and he was sure she appreciated it. Once his room was filled with his belongings, he withdrew his long, curved blade from his scabbard. It was a rather unassuming sword, of eastern design - though the blade had a diamond-like sheen to it, the only hint that there was something magical about it. He dragged his whetstone along it to keep it sharp - not that he intended on drawing blood. After setting it aside, he chanted softly, making sure he had a firm grip on all his incantations. He twirled a small ball of white light between his fingers as he whispered. With one tap, the bubble of light burst and coated his hand in a shining film like a glove. He let it dissipate quickly though - he had to save his energy. He idly wondered if it would have been worthwhile to pre-plan their encounter, perhaps choreograph it a bit. But then again, that might not end up coming off quite as authentic. He could wing it. They would both be winging it, after all.

A couple of hours later, the sun was at its peak in the sky. The appointed time came. Saikaku stepped out into the worn cobblestone path that snaked through the town. Word had travelled fast. Almost everyone was staring at him, either from the street or from their windows and doorways. Murmurs and whispers spread along. He could see Sal'yashe approaching too, slowly gliding his way along the stone. Some were staring at him with fear, others with sighing adoration. There were a few moaned cries of encouragement for their love. Sal'yashe gave a lazy wave to them as he continued along. He wasn't armed. That made sense, his magical abilities were probably more than enough to carry him through combat.

"Are you ready to get humiliated?" Saikaku called out, drawing his blade and bending his knees slightly as he slipped into a ready battle-stance.

The snake laughed - a deep, rolling cackle of a laugh. He was really playing up the evil angle... His hood opened wide, and the tattoos on each side of it - twin filigree mirrors that framed his face - glowed with a rippling silvery sheen.

"Come on, kitty. Show me what you can do!"

Sal'yashe had barely finished that sentence before his fingers shot out in front of him, and a crackling lance of pale silver leapt from it. Saikaku was barely able to duck it in time, and he kept low as he sprinted forward. Sal'yashe fired again, and the lion weaved out of the way, completing his own incantation. His left palm went out in front of him, and the milky white sheen from before spread along his palm and arm.

The third blast from Sal'yashe's hand came straight for Saikaku's face. It would have been a direct hit, if Saikaku hadn't snatched it clean out of the air and flung it right back at him.

The crowd gasped and recoiled as the eldritch lance struck Sal'yashe in the chest, making him reel back as Saikaku brought his blade tip right to the snake's neck. The point was barely a centimetre away from Sal'yashe's throat, and the naga tensed up with shock.

"Wh... well then..." Sal'yashe stammered, smiling a lot wider than before. He was breathing heavily, his voice strained with pain "You're... you're p-pretty good! I s-sssuppose thiss meansss I lose..."

"Really?" Saikaku seemed confused. "You're giving up that fast? I was expecting a lot more from you..."

"Well, what can I s-say..." Sal'yashe giggled nervously. "I'm not much of a fighter, I rely on my charms..."

Something was happening to Sal'yashe's eyes. They were shimmering. They seemed more colourful. Pink and blue rings...? Strange. That was the last thing Saikaku expected to see. But he felt compelled to keep looking. They were quite nice to look at, and he sensed a desire to surrender in Sal'yashe's aura. A desire to capitulate, to relax.

Caught completely off guard, Saikaku didn't even realize that he was not sensing Sal'yashe's thoughts and desires. He was sensing his own.

The sword lowered from Sal'yashe's neck, and he smoothly glided close, his hands sliding around the lion's lower back.

"Charmsss like these~" Sal'yashe said. "I find thingsss like thisss go sssome way towards ending a conflict. Far sssimpler and more pacccifissstic, yesss?"

"Uh...?" Saikaku's mouth was hanging open, his eyelids drooping over the swirling glow of his own eyes.

"I think you should follow me." Sal'yashe cooed. "I ssstill plan on leaving thisss little hovel, but perhapsss you could asssissst..."

"Uh-huh..." Saikaku nodded slowly. His mind was foggy, his will was weak. The blessings of empathy that his Goddess mother had given him could be a curse as well. It was too easy to get lost in someone's aura and charisma. As he was at this particular moment.

He didn't notice the murmurs of the crowd, the cheers from Sal'yashe's retinue. He simply followed Sal'yashe's eyes, and the way they shimmered. They were so very, very pretty... he couldn't imagine looking away from them. He couldn't fathom not being near them. He couldn't entertain any other thoughts. He simply followed, and swayed, and sank deeper. Not caring where he was going, whether he was in danger. It didn't seem important.

Sal'yashe's bedroom was covered with pillows and cushions, plenty of space for him to lounge.

"We have time before we need to pack," Sal'yashe mused. "Ssso, why don't you and I get to know each other a little better, Sssaikaku~?"

He beckoned with his finger to draw the lion towards him. His tail wound up Saikaku's trousers, and slid along his hips. This made him stiffen and hesitate slightly.

"Sssomething the matter?" Sal'yashe asked, resting his head on his free hand.

"Nn..." Saikaku was feeling fear bubble up inside him. Sal'yashe was handsome, those swirling eyes were so pretty, but he felt nervous. He didn't feel aroused. Things were going a way that he wasn't sure he was comfortable with. It threatened to wake him from his trance. Sal'yashe could sense that.

"Ah ah... no pressure, Treat," he said, unwinding his tail. "I take it you don't feel much attraction to the sssame sssex."

"Y-yes." Saikaku stammered woozily. "S-sorry."

"No no, no need to apologize." Sal'yashe smiled. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to... after all, the mossst important thing is that I make you happy."

The tail continued up to drape over Saikaku's shoulders in a hug. They pulled him closer to Sal'yashe's eyes. "Ssso, ssso happy..."

Sal'yashe pulled his Treat down to bring their lips together. As his tongue made the first moves, he was caught off guard by Saikaku's tongue. Warm and dextrous, it mingled with his, and sent shivers of pleasure down Sal'yashe's coils. Ones he hadn't felt in a long time. Sal'yashe let out an involuntary moan in spite of himself, and found his grip slackening just a little. His hypnotic gaze flickered and faltered and he had to remind himself to keep it going.

His claws raked down Saikaku's chest, pushing down his trousers to ease out his member. Sal'yashe's hips pressed to his, his own shaft revealed from his violet loincloth. Pulling back from the kiss, Sal'yashe gazed deep into Saikaku's eyes again. Something was bewitching about him as well. Not in a hypnotic sense - Sal'yashe could easily resist something like that - but his body felt more sensitive, particularly in the places where his coils were curled around the lion's form. Just his touch felt incredible. Even more so when their shafts pressed together.

"Gnnh...!" Saikaku groaned, one hand planting itself right next to Sal'yashe's head. His other paw reached down. "M-May I Sal'yashe?"

"Go right ahead, Treat," Sal'yashe whispered encouragingly. He let out an embarrassingly loud moan as that paw gripped their shafts together, and rubbed. That touch was electrifying. Intoxicating. He had to bite down on his lip to stem the tide of his pleasure - he was closer to climax than he would have wanted to admit.

Saikaku's mind was awash with colour, and as he gazed down at Sal'yashe, he could feel nothing but adoration and pleasure. Balancing over the snake, gazing into those eyes, Saikaku began to hump, rubbing his hips against the scales and the shaft. His heart thumped faster, his face burned with intense desire. He knew he was charmed. He was too susceptible to it, too easy to manipulate. But in that moment, he didn't care. He knew he was in love. That was all that mattered.

Over the course of what felt like hours, their bodies intertwined. Sal'yashe's coils roved and explored, finding pleasure in every little touch. Saikaku felt a sense of comfort and bliss that he had not even realized he was missing. Lying with someone and being enfolded with them - it had been so long. He could feel it rejuvenating him. Heightening his powers. Sal'yashe's aura enfolded him as well, the blues, the pinks, the silvery shimmer. A magical quilt, weaving itself over the two of them. Climax after climax came over them, and even then they continued to press themselves to each other.

Saikaku rested his head on Sal'yashe's chest, feeling those fingers play with his hair. He purred softly. He was so close to sleep, exhausted from their tryst.

"Sal'yashe?" he murmured.

"Mm?"

"Didn't you want to pack?"

"In a bit, Treat. Sssoon." Sal'yashe watched the lion drift off to slumber. He'd make a great travel companion for a few months. He seemed more deeply, passionately in love with him than most - the charm had really stuck. Poor thing would probably feel so downtrodden when they inevitably parted ways. Lady Verenestra would be happy though. Those feelings of heartbreak would feed her well.

INTERDIMENSIONAL MISCHIEF + CUCKOLDRY

(Story for Taiko)

The ground felt all wrong. It reminded Sal'yashe of stone, but it was rougher, more abrasive - he didn't care for how it felt against his scales, not one bit. As the reticulated blue naga reared back up and lifted himself off the ground, he felt a rush of air behind him, a sudden contraction, and turned just in time to see the last light from that portal fade away to nothing. He didn't even have time to lunge for it. He hissed a curse to himself, and looked around. On both sides of him were two large structures made of weathered brick, with ladders and walkways of steel leading up to windows covered with glass. That was new for him, for sure.

His tongue flicked out at the air - there was a very distinct stench of smoke and refuse, coming from some large containers nearby. He didn't deign to inspect them. Instead, he slithered to one end of the alley, out towards a more well lit street, perpendicular to this one. It was the middle of the day, and there were these strange, quick-moving carriages of glass and steel flying across a smooth, gray road. Walkways of a lighter colour flanked both sides of it, and he could see the most curiously dressed people he'd ever encountered. Animals of all shapes and sizes were making their languid way down the streets, lingering at shop windows, or hurrying to some unknown place. Some were dressed in fineries that he'd normally expect to see from royalty. Others were dressed in colourful tops, short pants that showed off their legs, and wore dark glasses on their faces. He couldn't see a single person who looked like a peasant or labourer... just where was he? Looking down at his own rather provocative garments - golden jewelry, deep purple lengths of silk, and that huge hood with two tattoos like mirrors adorned on each side of its interior - he knew he would stick out rather distinctly. So going out and asking strangers where he was would not be a smart thing to do.

Luckily, he could just ask his patron for help. Lady Verenestra was always happy to help one of her best warlocks. He reached out to her.

Lady Verenessstra, I am a little lossst. Might you be able to help your humble ssservant?

...Lady? Are you there?

There was no response. Sal'yashe kept trying to reach for her, but received nothing. More than that, he realised that he couldn't even feel her presence. He could feel that familiar magic inside him draining away, in fact. As though something inside him had sprung a leak. Like that feeling of fatigue he got when he exerted his powers and almost drained them away. But it was creeping up on him. Growing stronger and stronger. And it felt more permanent. Like he only had a little bit left.

That terrified him more than anything else.

He had to avoid people. He couldn't risk wasting his powers on just anyone. He had to be careful, and clever.

He was certain he would attract attention where he was - and undue attention would certainly force him to use magic - so he ducked back into the alley. Just as he did so, a door swung open almost right in front of him. He veered back and sucked in breath, freezing as he saw someone step out. How he wished he had the scales of a chameleon in that moment - he barely resisted the impulse to turn himself invisible, as who knows how much juice he had left in him...

It was a strange relief to see another person with scales in this world. They were slender and sleek, with bright green scales that reminded Sal'yashe of a nobleman's lawn. There were a series of long frills that travelled from the top of their head down the back of their neck, molded over to one side as though they were bangs. The lizard was dressed in a dazzlingly clean off-white apron with an apricot coloured trim - and absolutely nothing else, save for some sandals on their feet.

They were making popping noises with their mouth, something to fill the silence as they carried a large bag made of some shiny black material. They crossed the alley to the large metal box, and chucked it right in, before making their way back.

As they did so, Sal'yashe attempted to re-adjust... but it was too late. The lizard turned, and looked right at the naga.

In the space of a fraction of a second, Sal'yashe's mind raced through several calculations. He could overpower this person rather quickly if he closed the distance. Or he could flee. He could cast a spell of invisibility, or even attack, but both of those would almost certainly lead to a hunt, and the last thing he wanted was to start a body count from the moment he arrived.

Then Sal'yashe noticed the lizard's eyes. Wide. Cute. Guileless. And they had a very cute face, and a very appealing build... not to mention they were practically naked, which implied their morals and inhibitions were probably quite low as it was... Oh, it was perfectly obvious what the best course of action would be. That spell used so little of his energy as it was - there was no better time to use it.

Sal'yashe surged towards his quarry quickly, his hood flaring as the tattoos shimmered and shone. His eyes filled with blue and pink rings, and the masculine yelp that escaped the lizard's throat was cut off almost immediately, his train of thought interrupted by the two ripples of colour he found himself staring into. His eyes widened, one pupil turning pink, the other blue, and they expanded and rippled as his face fell slack, his arms fell to his sides.

"Yesss..." Sal'yashe cooed, baring his fangs in a big predatory smile, his hood blocking out everything but his eyes and the shimmering filigree mirrors on each side of his head. "Do you underssstand me, little friend~?"

"Yeah...?" It was a relief to hear this woozy reptile respond. To watch him sway, watch his eyes fill with rings, and watch a smile start to tug at his lips.

"Might I trouble you for sssome shelter...?" Sal'yashe leaned in closer, watching the ensnared boy lean back. He might have fallen over, but the blue naga's coils had curled up and around his thighs to rest on the lower back. Keeping him from toppling. But without stopping him from swaying to and fro, following the dancing lights in Sal'yashe's eyes. He nodded up and down. The lizard responded in kind.

"Thank you," Sal'yashe said. "You're a handsssome little Treat, you know that, yes?"

"Thank...you...?" it was hard to tell if the lizard was thanking Sal'yashe or simply repeating what had been said. The naga's hypnosis was working quite well, better than expected. Perhaps the people of this realm weren't used to magic and therefore far more susceptible to it. Perhaps this wasn't his first experience of being hypnotised. Either way, it suited him just fine. It meant he could conserve a little bit of what remained of his reservoir of magic.

"Well, then, lead the way if you please." Sal'yashe gestured towards the still-open door.

"Okay..." The anole remained perfectly still, his big eyes still swirling, staring with fascinated awe. There was a moment of awkward silence. He was cute like this, but clearly was in no state to do anything but stare.

"Ah, I sssuppossse I can do it then." Sal'yashe sighed and glided along, keeping his gaze locked on the woozy reptile's. His peripheral vision was more than enough to guide him as he lead his quarry inside."

"Close the door behind you, if you would, Treat."

"Uhuh..." the lizard's hand sluggishly groped for the handle and pulled it shut behind them.

Sal'yashe broke eye contact, certain by the placid smile on his Treat's face that he would not stir from his trance. He was awestruck by what he saw - he had never seen a place so clean in his life, and he'd spent a night or two in a palace before. Every surface was clean, either a pale white or a metallic sheen. Large metal boxes adorned the room, some open and still wafting a little heat. There were trays on the counters where beautiful pastries laid - some cooked, some waiting to go in. They were round, with a crevice in the middle for some stewed fruit or well-cooked cream, and each one decorated with drizzles of icing. The sweet scent of sugar filled the room. It was a decadence like nothing he'd ever seen.

"Ooh, a feassst for me?" Sal'yashe rubbed his fingers together. "Don't mind if I do."

His tail curled around the anole's shoulders and tugged him closer to make him survey the room. "Would I be correct in sssaying you're a baker, Treat?"

He looked down, noticing a little embroidered name on the linen apron. Sam. He briefly considered using that name. But he was already responding to Treat, so why change things?

"Yeah," Sam murmured, smiling. "I'm making danishes right now..."

"Danishes, hmm. I can't sssay I'm familiar... Tell me more about them."

He guided the woozy baker to the table and allowed him to explain. Truth be told, the main reason he did this was to keep Sam occupied. The more commands he gave, the less likely he would be able to start thinking again. It gave him time to decide what to do with them. The green-scaled rump was quite tantalising, too, and the way the anole's thin tail swung to and fro over it drew his eye quite handily. He could feel arousal stirring in him. Yes, he would do quite nicely. He may have had some bad luck finding himself in this world, but Sal'yashe certainly was very lucky with his first new acquisition.

As the new pet rambled, Sal'yashe meandered around the kitchen and peeked onwards into a sort of common area. A similar layout to a tavern, come to think of it, with a bar, tables and chairs, where people mingled and drank beverages. Nothing alcoholic by the looks of it. But there were too many of them to enthral. Even if he had a direct line to Verenestra right now, it was a gradual process; he'd have to work through them one at a time. Plus there were a fair few patrons who he simply didn't find that attractive. He'd rather not waste his magic on that.

There were a few that were easy on the eyes, however. There was a lion working behind the till and taking some orders from a young pair of birds. He looked handsome, muscular, and he, too, was naked aside from the apron he wore. It was an aesthetic that Sal'yashe could absolutely get behind. Perhaps once things died down a little he could get a taste of him as well... he couldn't see any other employees.

"Your essstablishment is quite niccce," Sal'yashe said softly, moving behind Sam to grope his slim body. Sam almost moaned out loud, but Sal'yashe hushed him with a finger that slid past his lips and kneaded his tongue. "But you'll need to keep me a secret for jussst a little while, won't you?"

"Mhmmm..." the anole nodded, his swirling eyes gazing lovingly into his new Master's.

"Good, Treat. Now then... work away, I'll jusst watch. And make sssure to ssset assside some of those... Danishes for me~"

He pulled his finger back to rest it on Sam's pursed lips. Instinctually, Sam kissed it. "Yes, Master..." he murmured, full of adoration.

Sal'yashe smiled and nodded smugly, delighted with his hypnotic conquest. Sam slipped the long tray of pastries into one of the fancy ovens, and then stood and waited in front of it. He stared

"How long will that take?" Sal'yashe asked.

"Not long, less than 10 minutes."

"Well then. We've got a little bit of time to kill, don't we?" Sal'yashe's eyes began to swirl again. He could do that without using much of his magic - it was a trait that came naturally to him, after all. Sam sighed softly as he stared, slumping forward and stumbling towards the snake's beckoning tail.

"Is there sssomeplaccce private we could ssslip for a while?"

"Uh..." Sam swayed a little, his brow furrowing. "We could, uh... go to the alley?"

"Hm. No secret closetsss, no?" "

"Out there," Sam said, lazily gesturing towards the main space of the cafe. "Oh, but there's the bathroom here..." his arm swept over to gesture down a short hallway that broke off from the kitchen.

"Perfect," Sal'yashe said. A room with a bath? How decadent! "Thisss time, I insssissst you lead the way." he snapped his fingers and pointed towards it. Sam stumbled along slowly, leading him along. Sal'yashe kept himself low. The lion had never looked towards him, still focused on serving customers. Those birds had a detailed order, luckily for him.

The 'bathroom' was more of a toilet, as it turned out - a cramped one at that, though that was always the case for someone packing several feet of coils. It didn't matter. It was easy to get Sam to open his and press himself against the wall. He groped and fondled at the anole's green backside, seeing him squirm and wriggle, and stared at his slit. Waiting for his cock to emerge. But it never did. His finger teased along the slit and slid inside - sure enough, it was slick, wet and gripped around it. He had a vulva.

"You are jussst full of sssurprises, hmm, Treat?" Sal'yashe leaned over Sam, hugging him close. His fingers dug into his Treat's stomach, dragging them along and making him shiver. The snake moved his head next to the anole's, his eyes still pulsating with those hypnotic ripples. Smiling and drooling, Sam stared right back, pressing his hips against the snake's as he started fucking him.

It wasn't Sal'yashe's usual style, sure, but it was nice to try out new things if nothing else. Sam's body was smooth and luxurious, and he clearly was having fun himself. He was moaning rather loudly, too, as Sal'yashe's thrusting pace built up in speed and ferocity. It was unlikely that they could be heard, but Sal'yashe would take no chances.His tail coiled around Sam's stomach and gave it a very tight squeeze. Not enough to force the air out of him, just enough to stifle the groans a little. Meanwhile, his other hand slid down to rub just above his vulva, some added pressure as he thrust over and over and over.

He had time to kill. He was going to take as long as he liked. Sam was pushed further and further forward, his hands scrabbling at the tiled wall. Sal'yashe began to lift him upwards, pushing Sam's head and chest against the wall until he was almost vertical, impaled on Sal'yashe's girth. Sam mewled with desire, tilting his head back to keep looking into the pretty swirls of colour, his spine bending with the flexibility of a dancer.

Time seemed to dilate as they enjoyed each others' bodies. Or more accurately, Sal'yashe enjoyed Sam's. The anole was mindless and empty after all, wanting nothing more than to serve and obey, to be used. Sal'yashe was enjoying himself far too much as well - his own arousal was getting the better of him as his speed and pace heightened. He didn't notice the beeping coming from outside the room, though he did taste some smoke on his tongue. He thought nothing of it. He heard some yells and cursing, and the beeping stopped. It was only then that he started to slow down.

"Sam! ...Sam? The danishes are burning! Where are you?"

The voice got closer. Sal'yashe froze for a moment.

"Darl...?" Sam murmured, confusion spreading along his face. "Oh..."

"Shh." Sal'yashe hushed him, his hood opening up to bathe him in the shimmering bliss of his marks once again. "Do not sssay a word. He won't find usss..."

The door opened behind them, and light poured in. It was only then that Sal'yashe noticed the lock on the door that he had neglected to set. Whoops. In the doorway stood that lion from earlier, tall and imposing. He stared with wide eyes, watching Sal'yashe hilt himself inside Sam.

"Sam...?!"

The anole was too ensnared in Sal'yashe's stare to notice or acknowledge him.

"What the fuck are you doing with my fiancé?!" the lion, who Sal'yashe could assume was Darl, looked like he was ready to strangle him.

"I'm showing him a good time, sssimple as that." Sal'yashe was undeterred - this was hardly the first time a cuckold caught him in the act. Unravelling from Sam's body, his tail shot out and slid behind Darl's apron and between his legs. He could feel the familiar distinct shape of a cock and balls, warm and soft. One upward press made the lion groan and stumble.

"H-Hey..." he was crumbling rather quickly.

"You don't mind." Sal'yashe had a hunch developing in his mind. He turned his hypnotic attentions upon the lion, pulling out from Sam and leaving him pinned to the wall. The swirls of pink and blue bloomed in the lion's eyes in no time at all. "You don't mind in the ssslightessst, do you?"

"I... n..." Darl's apron was tented already. He seemed to be just as weak-willed as his husband. Sal'yashe's tail slithered upwards, creating loop after loop of constricting muscle around that deliciously firm frame. As it travelled, his coils pressed into Darl's genitals, dragging the smooth scales along the mammal's sensitive flesh. It was doing wonders.

While Sal'yashe usually enjoyed a slow gradual induction, efficiency was the most important thing he had to keep in mind right now. His coils gave a tug and Darl stumbled forward, and pulled him into a deep kiss. Closing the bathroom door shut behind him, he brought the three of them back into total darkness, lit only by the shimmer of Sal'yashe's brands and the glow of his eyes. His tongue pressed to Darl's - his lips tasted sweet, his tongue was deliciously textured - and he rotated his hips to guide himself into Sam's cunt once again. When the kiss was broken, Darl simply stared down, watching as their intruder plunged into his partner over and over. A vague hint of sadness briefly flickered in his expression, but it was replaced with a mindless, placid smile as his shaft was squished and massaged by Sal'yashe's dextrous coils.

"Two Treatsss at onccce..." Sal'yashe hissed. "I apologize for allowing your productsss to burn, but I'm sssure thisss more than sssuits as an apology, does it not~?"

The two thralls merely moaned in response.

"Treat, please introduce me to your husband!"

"Thiss... is Darl..." Sam moaned, opening one swirling eye to stare back at the two of them. "Darl this.s.... Master..."

"Massster worksss, yesss." Sal'yashe smiled. "But my name is Sal'yashe... Sssay it, both of you."

The two moaned out his name, as though it was the most pleasurable combination of sounds they'd ever heard in their entire lives. Like merely saying it was enough to bring them to climax. It was music to Sal'yashe's ears.

"Good Treats," he growled, his hips still slapping against Sam's. "I won't keep the two of you m-much longer... ssso you can get back to work, make me sssome treatsss, and we can discuss my l-long term ssstay...!"

"Yes, Sal'yashe!" both cried out in unison, pressing themselves into their serpentine master, smothering him with their warmth and love. It caught Sal'yashe off guard, in fact, bringing him to an embarrassingly fast climax. He groaned loudly as his seed poured into Sam, filling him up and dribbling out in little white strands as he tried to pull out. But Darl still was smothering him with that warm body, and Sal'yashe couldn't help but giggle a little with embarrassment.

"I'm a little bit crushed here," Sal'yashe was able to croak. "Sssome sssspaccce, if you please?"

"Yes, Sal'yashe," Darn and Sam moaned once again - goodness, the two of them were a cute couple - and pulled away. Sal'yashe gasped and laughed as he re-combobulated himself. Looking to his left, he could see Sam turn to face him, his legs still spread, his eyes still swirling. To his right, Darn stared down at him, his expression loving and woozy.

"Now, then... hhoofh. Normally a fuck with me would lassst much longer, but... you'll have to wait to exxxperienccce that, you two." he reached over to stroke their faces. Sam squeaked a little, and Darl let out a low, growling purr.

"Back to work, and then you can show me where you two live..., and where you two sssleep~"

As Sal'yashe followed them out, he noticed something strange. It had been at the back of his mind for a while, a slight tingling sensation. And now it was starting to become more and more apparent. There was an aura over this bakery. A cloud of something. Something familiar. Not quite like the fey, but similar. A bewitching energy floated through the halls, and he could feel it pouring into him. He could feel his tattoos shimmering, his body tingling and filling with something. A power. A power similar to Verenestra's. Perhaps even... stronger?

These curious thoughts distracted Sal'yashe slightly as he found himself following Sam and Darl right out into the main space of the café. Suddenly he found himself surrounded on all sides, dozens of pairs of eyes staring at him with shock and confusion - as well as at Sam and Darl, who both were very clearly out of it.

That pair of exotic birds who Darl had served were mid sip, holding onto their cups as they froze in place - a fight or flight instinct. Some of the other wait staff, all male, all dressed in the same skimpy aprons, were primarily focused on what Sal'yashe now assumed were their employers.

"Shit..." he cursed under his breath. "Tell them not to worry."

"This is Sal'yashe..." Sam murmured with a woozy smile.

"He's our Master, don't worry..." Darl purred.

Worst possible answer. Okay. He could maybe get the one closest to him, the svelte siamese server. So he turned his hypnotic attentions towards that one first. His eyes swirling and his hood flaring with its shimmering influence.

"Yesss... let me show you how little you need to worry...?"

His confusion turned to delight. The cat's eyes began to swirl as he remained in place, fascinated... but so did the eyes of everyone else in the cafe. All of them found themselves looking. Still holding their trays or their mugs, they slowly, curiously moved to investigate further. To get closer to the pretty eyes. To understand why they felt so good.

Sal'yashe couldn't help but laugh with a twinge of wickedness. That aura around this place... it was giving him power. Not just the little drams that Verenestra allowed him to have, but a deep well of it. He no longer felt as though his power was draining away. He was drinking deeply of a new strength, just as these soon-to-be loyal Treats were drinking deeply of his hypnotic charisma. He wrapped his arms around Darn and Sam, pulling them close as his new cadre of lovers slowly stumbled nearer and nearer. The siamese cat had one of those 'Danishes' on his tray. Sal'yashe reached out and took it in his hand, feeling the delicately flaky pastry melt in his mouth as he took a big bite. He moaned with delight at the luxurious taste, looking to the approving, love-struck faces of Sam and Darl.

"I'd better be careful with myssself..." Sal'yashe said, to no one in particular. "I might gorge myssself a little too much on all these deliciousss Treatsss thisss place has to offer~"

**

You huff, looking at the back page. It's blank. There's nothing left to read through. You certainly haven't been left unsatisfied, but you have been left wanting more for sure. Your thighs are pressed together, and your breath feels thicker in your throat. You begin to wonder if it'd be possible to seek him out, to meet him firsthand. But that's ridiculous, these are just lurid fairytales written by some admittedly talented pervert.

What would it feel like, though, to fall into his gaze? The descriptions sounded very authentic, but it only made you want to experience the textures and sensations even more. You lie in your bed, wrapping the thin sheets around you. Hoping no one walks in, you roll them around you, trying to imagine an embrace of silky, muscular coils. Your thighs are throbbing with warmth and need, and you find yourself grinding a little. The little booklet is resting directly in front of you - to be more precise, Sal'yashe's face is looking back at you. You gaze into those sketched out pupils, trying your best to picture his beauty in person. Your mouth hangs open a little as you breathe heavily, your hand down between your legs.

It doesn't take you long to climax, having spent the last little while getting more pent up and aroused by the tales on the thin paper. You shudder as the afterglow settles over you, and take a moment to catch your breath. You feel comfortable - like you could drift off to sleep. You imagine being snuggled against him. Knowing that his intents are selfish and that you'd ultimately be hurt by him - but still being madly devoted to him anyway. What a wonderful experience that would be...

Shortly after checking out the next morning - having left quickly to escape their purview before they discover the mess you made with those sheets the previous night - you realise you left the booklet behind. Cursing yourself and your forgetfulness, you vacillate between going back to retrieve it, or going to see if that vendor has more copies. As your mind wanders, you almost bump into someone.

Your planned response - an apology or a complaint - melts away as the naga turns to look at you. His slight annoyance lingers on his face for a moment, then becomes bemusement.

"Do I know you from sssomewhere?" Sal'yashe asks. And your heart stops for a moment. Your tongue and lips start to babble, and he eventually raises a hand to slow you down.

"Wait, wait... you sssaid there'sss a book of ssstories about me?"

He laughs - hard to tell if he's amused or annoyed - and smiles at you.

"Well, perhapsss you could buy me a copy - I'd cccertainly like to find out how they portray me."

You can think of nothing better than to show him. Maybe if you do, he'll show you how it all works... and in that moment, that's the only thing you desire.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my work, please consider sending a tip to https://ko-fi.com/limewah (please don't mention any NSFW terms if you do so!)