Crimson Coils (The Snake Men Book 2)

Chapter 17

Rezran was absolutely ravenous, Mari had no doubt about that. His stamina and appetite were impressive, especially when it came to her. By the time she had woken up, it was close to noon. After their little ceremony in the springs, he had snuck her into his home, and continued to mate with her until the sun rose. When they were finished, his tail had curled around her protectively, and provided another comfortable place to sleep. He had held her all night long, and he was still sleeping next to her by the time she had woken up.

This was how she wanted to wake up in the morning. Next to the male she loved dearly, and here he was. He seemed so peaceful as he slept, she couldn't help but watch him. The morning light seemed to give him a bit of a glow. She reached forward and began to trace the tattoos on his shoulder. Her handsome, tattooed Naga, sleeping peacefully on a lovely morning. She believed that this was bliss.

Rezran slowly opened his eyes, meeting hers and giving a small smile. "Good morning." He murmured groggily, slowly sitting up and moving closer to her. He gave her a slow, gentle kiss, before gently pulling her down and holding her close. "Stay with me, like this, all day." He muttered, resting his head on her chest and nuzzling his nose into it. 

She laughed. "I would, but I don't want Madam Savari to have your head on a platter." She gently ran her hand through his hair, petting him. She looked to the window. "Looks like noon already." she remarked.

"You're right, I would like my head to remain attached." Rezran moved away from her and helped her sit up. He nuzzled her neck and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Then back here again tonight?" he purred.

Mari chuckled. "What's wrong with my home?" she asked playfully.

"Well your bed is too small, not to mention Madam Savari enjoys her beauty rest."

Mari playfully shoved him, and he fell over, pretending to be mortally wounded, while also dragging her on top of him. After a few more minutes of this playful banter, she dressed and left his home. 

Naturally she got quite the earful from Madam Savari by the time she got back, but she felt it was less severe than her normal scolding. Perhaps she knew of what had transpired the night before, and although she was embarrassed with her knowing about it, she was also extremely happy. She was mated to the most wonderful male in the world, after all.

"Mari are you listening?"

Mari shook her head as she looked at Madam Savari before her. "I'm sorry Madam, could you please repeat that?" Heat crept up her neck as she realized the woman had been speaking to her, and she hadn't heard a word.

The older snake sighed, and spoke again. "I need you to go out into the wilds today to gather some ash crystals." she said. "Our stock is low and I couldn't get any the day before. Not to mention the trader just left this morning." she explained. "So I am tasking you with going out and getting more."

Mari beamed. "Yes, I can do that Madam! I'll be back before you know it. I'll be sure to get plenty to last us until the trader comes back!" she said giddily, running off to her room to get her bag and tools.

"See that you do, and try not to stay out for too long!" Madam Savari called as Mari came back and nearly ran out the door. She sighed, shaking her head but giving a hint of the slightest smile, before turning around and going back to work.

~/~

The pickaxe struck the vent with a crack, causing some of the hardened ash to fall away. Mari peered down into the vent to see some of the crystals glittering inside. They were small, no bigger that her thumbnail. They would be perfect for small accessories. Slipping on her glove, specially made from a type of dragon hide, she reached in and plucked them out with skill, placing them in her bag. 

As she did this, her mind raced back to Rezran. Among her people, it was custom to give each other a type of jewelry made by their own hands to each other to signify their marriage. She didn't want Rezran to make anything for her, but would he appreciate something like that? As she cleaned out that vent, she spotted another in the distance, and made her way towards that one, climbing up some ledges to do so. Thankfully it wasn't high off the ground.

Brandishing her pickaxe again, she broke into the vent. If he did want one, what would he like? Perhaps a chain, or an ear cuff? He did seem fond of those. Would a chain for his waist work? She didn't see him wear any bracers normally, and wouldn't jewelry in his armor be a bit silly anyway? She would have to ask Ziva to see what he would prefer.

When the vent fell away, she found a crystal about the size of her hand inside of it. Her eyes widened. A larger crystal was good for making decor for homes, or mass products of the same kind of jewelry. There was no way she would not pass this opportunity up. With the help of the pickaxe yet again, she broke the crystal free from the wall of the vent. As she placed it in her bag, a voice suddenly spoke behind her.

"M-Mari...?"

She froze, instantly recognizing that voice. Slowly, she stood up, putting her pickaxe away and turning to face the man standing behind her. She said nothing as she looked at him, at his weathered features and black beard, now turning gray in the middle. Crow's feet gathered around the corners of his eyes, which were a duller brown color. He wore the typical Noduin garb, grey and white wraps made from various skins to protect against heat, and to blend in with the ash. 

Mari gulped as she stared at him, her throat going dry. "Father...I..." she began, only for him to surge forward and pull her into a crushing hug. 

"Oh my sweet daughter! We thought we lost you!" he cried, pulling away to look at her to reveal he had tears streaming down his cheeks. "Where have you been? We have been searching for you for days! We couldn't find you, and then we...we thought..." he couldn't finish that sentence as he continued to cry.

Mari's heart broke. She hadn't really wanted them to worry. She just had to escape. She wanted to be free, not just of Kavesh, but of her families strict way of life. She hugged him back. "I'm completely fine father, truly I am." she spoke softly, hoping to bring comfort to him. Though it was good to see him in good health, now she had to wonder: How in Hells Gate, was she going to convince him to let her go?

As soon as she thought that, her father spoke: "We need to go back, to the caravan. Your mother...everyone, will be so happy to see you!" He said, already grabbing her hand and practically dragging her down the side of the vent. 

"Father wait, I need to-"

"Kavesh! Come! Come you must see this!"

Her blood chilled as Kavesh rounded a corner and gave her a slow grin. "Ah wife, it is good to see you alive."