Crimson Coils (The Snake Men Book 2)

Chapter 16

(WARNING: We got some sexy times coming up people. If you don't like it, read through it reallyreallyreally fast and then go to the next chapter. For others...I hope you enjoy it! I tried -sob-)

A few days had passed since Mari had revealed her past to Rezran, and in doing so, she felt like she had an extra spring to her step. Like a great weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She continued her self-defense training with Ziva, who even gifted her own dagger for her to keep on her person. It was hidden and sheathed underneath her wrap now. It fit her snuggly, and it felt like an extra layer of protection for her as well. She adored the blade, made of silver with a black leather handle. The blade had also been etched with Naga writing, the curled characters spelling out the name "Aegis." 

She also crafted new pieces with the help of Madam Savari, and even made her own line for an upcoming festival. She was nervous of the female Nagas who would be purchasing from her, mainly because they were quite jealous over the fact that she had been having some personal time with Rezran. But when they saw her golden snake and dragon cuffs, decorated with ash crystals and gemstones, their jealousy melted away and they almost buried her in money. She tried to split some of it with Madam Savari, but she had insisted that since she had made all the pieces and sold them, that all the money should belong to her.

In her free time, she spent time with Rezran. Sometimes they would have their meals together, other times they would just enjoy themselves by walking around town and chatting. Her mind still wandered to the kiss she shared with him in the Clearstone Cavern. Each time she did, she would blush and try to distract herself. His reaction to her story and how she had felt about it always brought Ziva's words to mind. Just from his reaction alone proved that he had an interest in her, and he hadn't actually pushed her away or show displeasure at it. In fact he seemed to... enjoy it. Not that she hadn't either, though he seemed to be in a different state at the time and that could've influenced him.

Right now she was preparing for a festival with Ziva and some of the other women in the tribe. According to Ziva, this festival was known as the Festival of Flames and Embers; and it was a tribute to the dragons that lived in and around the volcanoes. The Kraugest Naga's both revered and feared the dragons. Rezran had explained that his tattoos had been in reverence to the dragons, to help his prowess in battle, and to keep him safe whenever he went hunting. This festival was going to be quite the spectacle.

And a spectacle it was. Large braziers were raised and lit to light up the sky, ribbons and flags were hung across streams tied to the sides of the homes and buildings. Vendors set up booths filled with food, clothing accessories, toys, masks, and strange sticks marked with magic runes that set of little sparks on the ground for the children to play with. There were performers on the side - Naga men in dragon masks breathing fire, and Naga women in silks of red, gold, orange, purple, and yellow dancing in groups in certain areas. Their movements with their tails were absolutely mesmerizing, glittering gold bangles hung off of them and jingled as they danced. 

Mari had never been to a festival before. The Noduin didn't have too many traditions or festivities. It was always work or travel for them. The only "festivity" they had was the Night of Stories, which was a time where stories, new and old, were traded amongst the caravans to preserve the legacy of the Noduin. 

Naturally, she was excited to participate in this. Rezran had naturally asked her to join him in the festival, and she wholeheartedly agreed. They had spent most of the evening eating food and her using some of her money to buy some of her own accessories. She stayed and listened to some of the Elder-Scales tell stories of the dragons in their lands. Although she had spent most of her life listening to stories, at least they made them exciting. Among the Elder-Scales, she spotted Rezran's father, who met her gaze. He gaze seemed to warm, and he gave a nod in greeting before joining the others. She had nodded back, and his gaze seemed to warm her as well, as if she was being greeted by family.