I scuttled quickly down the hallway between the private rooms of the bathhouse. Boots thundered behind me, and my heart raced in my chest. I had perhaps only minutes before my pursuers rounded the corner and spotted me. If that happened, there would be almost no chance of escape. I jerked to a sudden halt as the sounds suddenly came from ahead, further down the hall. Damn it! They must have gone around the back as well to cut me off.
I darted to the nearest door, trying the handle. But it was locked. I didn’t linger, moving to the next. The voices were growing louder; I didn’t even hesitate as the bolt slid back on my first try and the door popped open, slipping quickly inside and closing it behind me. I pressed my ear to the wood, listening intently.
“You lost, hotblood?” Came a thick voice over my shoulder, and I jumped, spinning sharply, “This is a private room.”
The flickering red coals warming the stones in its center bathed the room’s occupant in their soft light, his form partially obscured by the steam that filled the air. But even so, what I could see had my eyes widening slightly as I took him in.
He sat in one of the deep wooden bench seats lining the center of the sauna floor, one leg extended and the other propped against the cool base of the black iron brazier in its center. The man had no clothes to speak of, which was not unexpected in a private sauna room, but instead of bare skin he boasted dark, rough looking green scales. His eyes were a glittering yellow in the low light, and four dark grey horns curled out from the back of his head. As I stared, he leaned back, stretching one large, scaled green arm up to rest languidly on the wide back of the bench behind him. A thick tail draped lazily over the seat next to him, dangling off the edge, and his long, dark red tongue flicked out at me.
“A-apologies for the intrusion, sir!” I stammered quickly, straightening my back and offering him a smile, “I was just making sure you had enough towels.”
His scaly brow arched, and his elongated mouth opened slightly to let his tongue snake back out. Inadvertently baring sharp teeth as well. My breath caught in my throat at the sight, and I swallowed hard. He ran his opposite big hand over the smooth top of his head, flexing his large bicep in the process. Drawing my eye over his muscular torso. Forcing my smile to remain fixed in place despite the sight of the reptilian man before me, I bustled over to the small pile of white linens set by the changing screen in the corner. I tsked as I looked at them.
“Oh no, these will not do!” I exclaimed dramatically, making a point not to look at him as I gathered them up, “Let me bring you a fresh set.” I hugged them to my chest. “Is there anything else I can get you, sir?”
I heard the footsteps in the hall behind me, and had to work hard not to flinch as I slowly straightened. Just a few moments more, then perhaps I could sneak out past them.
“You don’t work here.” The reptilian man intoned simply.
I jumped before I could catch myself, then gave him an apologetic smile. His voice didn’t sound accusing, or upset. In fact, it sounded almost curious.
“Oh, I usually work in the back-”
“I’m sure you do.” He interrupted, sounding a little amused now. Then he waved one clawed hand at me. “But I’m not looking for company so I’ll have to ask you to leave now.”
A sudden resounding knock had me jumping again and my eyes shot wide. I spun, quick as a wink, and darted behind the changing screen. Ducking low as if that would make any difference. The heat of the room and steam already had plastered my tunic to me with sweat, but the beads that dripped down the back of my neck had nothing to do with the temperature.
I had reacted just in time, and the door slowly opened in the room beyond. “Good evening… sir,” Came the voice, suddenly tight as the speaker was greeted by the same strange sight that had assaulted me moments before. “...Apologies, but we are looking for someone.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, sensing my impending doom like the rope was already tied around my neck. Just knowing this was my last few moments of freedom. I waited with bated breath for the boots to cross the wooden floor. For my hiding spot to be smashed aside and grabbing hands to snatch at me.
“...Well, as you can see, I am alone.” Growled the reptilian man after the longest minute of my life, and I drew in a sharp breath of surprise, both at his words and the feral tone with which he spoke them. “And this is a private room. So if you don’t mind.”
There was a pause, and I thought I heard feet shuffling. As if deciding whether or not to take the green scaled man at his word. Then I heard a soft huff, and a final mumbled apology. The door slowly creaked, then clicked shut.
A few more painfully quiet moments slipped by, and I didn’t dare breath for a single one.
“You can come out now.” Came the same thick voice, and I started at it. “They’re gone.”
Slowly, hesitantly, I came out from behind the screen, still clutching the towels to my chest. Sharp yellow eyes waited for me, studying me from head to toe as I stood before him. I looked down at the ground, unable to meet the fierce gaze. I heard him give a deep sigh, and when I chanced a glance at him, his eyes were closed, his head leaned back.
“... Thank you…” I mumbled sheepishly, unsure what else to say as I rubbed my toe against the worn floor.
He snorted, a deep, billowing sound, shaking his head and reclining back. Stretching out further. “Do you know how I knew you didn’t work here?” He asked.
“... No sir.”
“Because you acted as though I was just another guest. Not a racist bigot like the rest of the staff.” His heavy tail twitched, and one yellow eye slitted open to consider me again. “Keep that in mind the next time you’re looking to hide in a customer’s room.”
I opened my mouth in surprise, then closed it. “I’ll… keep that in mind.” I breathed, then glanced back at the door. The sound of boots marching up and down the hall was still quite apparent, and I swallowed nervously. “Not that I wish to impose upon your goodwill further… But perhaps you might allow me to facilitate your room just a bit longer?”
He snorted again. “Very well. But as payment, come and share your warmth with me, hotblood. Those bastards always sit me in the draftiest room they have, and I’m getting chills.”
I stammered something incoherent, trying to manage some excuse. But then he set one of his fierce yellow eyes upon me, and my last excuse died on my lips. What choice did I have, after all? If I raised his ire, a simple shout would alert my hunters to my presence. I was at his mercy, at least for the time being.
Numbly, I placed the towels back in their place and slowly paced over to him. He reached out as I drew closer, and I resisted the urge to jerk away from his hand. But he didn’t grab me as I thought he intended, instead plucking a cup of water from the waiting bucket and pouring it over the hot stones. Rejuvenating the steam of the room with a loud hiss. I watched with surprise, then glanced back at him. He reclined back, a deep sigh expanding his broad chest and the large plate scales that ran down his middle.
Hesitantly, I eased myself onto the bench next to him. His arm did come out then, scooping me closer to him gently. I stiffened as he pulled me halfway onto his lap, curling one arm around me. It was long enough to wrap the full length from one shoulder to the other, and I found myself with my face next to his thick neck. The hairs on the back of my own prickled, and sweat rolled town my temples. With my torso pressed to his scaled chest, I realized just how big he really was. Perhaps only a head taller than me, but wide set, with thick, knotted muscles beneath his tough looking green scales. His tail slid closer from the seat beside me, pinning against my thigh and encircling me with its girth, and he sighed deeply again, relaxing.
“That’s better.” He purred, and I felt his thick voice in his chest beneath my hand.
I was surprised to find him cool to the touch, as if the hot room had no affect on him in the least. I snuck a peek up at his face to see if he was watching me, but his eyes were closed. I used the opportunity to study him closer.
His scales were a mottled emerald, like moss on a forest floor, but became a lighter shade of pale green along his stomach, abdomen, and up the center of his neck beneath his chin. There was more of the same color between the barbs that extended from the crown of his head, following the curve of his skull in larger scales that seemed to trace down the back of his thick neck. Behind them, four dark grey curling horns created a crest to frame his square face. His jaw protruded out like a muzzle, long and pointed, with a small snout boasting tiny nostrils at either side of the tip. Several smaller spikes jutted out from the edge of the corner of his jaw, and every now and then a dark red tongue darted from his wide mouth to lick at the air.
I tensed as his big hand that was wrapped about my shoulders moved, sliding over my arm, tracing down to the bare skin beneath my sleeve. His fat tail lifted, then fell to drape heavily across my lap. I noticed the small, pale bone spikes there, the same color as the scales on his stomach, that followed in two lines on either side of the flat top of his tail.
“If you’re looking to make some coin,” He mused, his thick voice soft, and I felt it vibrate in his chest against me, “I believe I might have a job you would be interested in.”
I swallowed hard. “... I don’t think I would be.”
His long snout brushed near my cheek as he looked down to consider me. Then he laughed; a smoky, heavy sound that had my heart skipping a beat. “An interesting proposition, hotblood,” He replied, hard brow twitching, “But not exactly what I had in mind.” He cocked his head to the side. “However, if you change your stance on that, let me know. I would be foolish not to consider it,” His long tongue darted out, and I felt its forked tip brush lightly against my temple, “I have heard humans make delightful partners.”
My skin flushed even hotter at his words, and I quickly turned away. With nowhere else to go, and not wanting to meet his gaze, I rested my ear in the crook of his burly neck.
“...Then what did you have in mind?”
“I find myself in need of an assistant,” He continued, still sounding lightly amused, “An ambassador, if you will. To aid in the procurement of goods and services, to help set camp and tend my mount when we travel.” I started to pull back to look at him, but his arm tightened. “Stay there for now, you feel quite nice.”
My heart leaped, and I clenched my muscles to keep from shaking. “Why offer this to me?” I asked suspiciously. Beginning to believe that it would be much harder to leave this room than I had initially thought. Especially with his strong arm wrapped so insistently around me.
He gave a thoughtful ‘hmm’ at that before continuing. “Honestly, it just occurred to me. But I make enough coin now to afford to take on a dependent, and I am tired of receiving the short end of the stick in regards to supplies and treatment. Perhaps, if I had a human to do the bargaining for me, I might not end up in a drafty sauna.” I rolled my eyes up to look at him, and saw him bare his sharp teeth in what I hoped was just a grin. “And you seem to have fallen into my lap quite opportunely.”
I blushed again, and twisted in his grip. He loosened his hold, albeit regretfully, and I propped myself up to look at him more fully. The chance of a job? A real job? It sounded too good to be true. And the manner with which the opportunity presented itself was certainly suspect. There had to be some catch, or else he was lying to me. I tried to consider his face, but found the features too foreign to determine his truthfulness.
“You just met me. You know nothing about me!”
He shrugged, skimming his hand between my shoulder blades absent mindedly. “You didn’t run when you saw me, nor scream.” Again, that haunting grin. “Best recommendation you could receive in my book.” The teeth slipped back behind his scaled lips, and he tilted his horn head to the side. “Can you cook?”
I blinked at him stupidly. “Well enough, I suppose. But-”
“What’s a reasonable amount?” He pressed, “You’ll have to travel with me, but I’ll provide you the same food and shelter I procure for myself at my expense. I assume you have no attachments. And it’s probably too much to hope for that you have a horse, considering the circumstances of our meeting. Do you have any healing skills?”
“I-I know the basics. But-”
“One gold a day, fair?” He interrupted again before I could even start to protest. “And some spending money whenever we go into town.”
He finally fell silent, and I stared at him. Dumbfounded. My mouth opened and closed uselessly a few times, and he waited patiently. I tried to wrap my head around my swirling thoughts, but found it obscured by more fog than the steam that filled the sauna.
“I… I don’t even know your name!” I protested finally, and was surprised to find I was actually considering his offer seriously.
His toothy grin returned. “My name is Devaraj. Shall we be on our way?”
UPDATE: Continued HERE
A special gift for @ivymemnoch who was kind enough to be my guinea pig for a Monster Match. Thank you so much for you patience and your support, and I hope you enjoy this!!
This was my first reptilian monster (not including nagas)! Its neither quite a dragonborn nor a lizardman; seems to be some combination of the two, but I already have a species outlined in my head for them. I really had a lot of fun creating it and its little blurb! Shoot... maybe I have another story idea for the future...
This Art and One-shot style will be a prize in my upcoming raffle, so please keep an eye out for it! If you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hi, drop me a DM/Ask/Comment. Check out my MASTERLIST for more stories and one-shots, and feel free to BuyMeACoffee while you are there.
My eyes fluttered back open, and I heard a deep hiss by my ear. I blinked slowly, still confused and disoriented.
“Are you alright, Sera?” Came a soft voice.
As my senses slowly returned, I realized it was not the world moving around me; I was the one who was moving. A pair of firm arms wrapped around me, a scaly chest by my ear. I started to wriggle, trying to straighten myself.
“Easy, Sera,” He murmured, adjusting his grip on me, “I have you. You are safe.”
Devaraj eased me to a more upright position, and slowed his walk. I looked around, my head throbbing. Blinking a few more times as I tried to put together the pieces.
“What... where?”
A soft hiss filled the reptilian man’s huge chest, and his long tongue flicked out. “You hit your head, and fell unconscious... I was worried.”
My hand went instinctually to the lump slowly forming at the base of my skull. My brain pulsed its objection to that touch, and I winced. Perhaps I imagined it, but it felt like his arms tightened around me a little more. Upon closer inspection of our surroundings, it appeared we were nearing the town again. I turned to look at him in surprise.
“You... you carried me all the way here?” I asked timidly, surprise layering my voice.
He gave a slight nod, and his wide mouth twisted. “You are not heavy, Sera.” He told me in his lightly teasing tones. “Like carrying an armful of ductu pinna.” That soft rumble formed in his chest. His great horned head tilted to the side. “I fear I am not fully familiar with human anatomy. I thought it would be better to seek someone who might be...”
I’m working on (supposed to be working on) the long awaited next chapter of A Line in the Sand. Thought I would draw something to really get me fully back into the flow of it. These two are rather fun to draw. Especially Dev :D I hope to have the next chapter up by Thursday!
Devaraj is the Monster Match for the lovely @ivymemnoch. Click #A Line in the Sand to see all posts related to them, or check out their story from the link above. My Masterlist has more stories and babblings for everyone, and #Monster Doodles is the place to go for my monster/terato art!
Another part of this lovely Lizardman for @ivymemnoch‘s commissioned Monster Match. It’s fun to have all these lovely little misunderstandings between them. In this section, Devaraj’s reveals a bit more about his profitable work, and Sera thinks about taking off.
Want your own Monster Match? DM me for prices! Check out my MasterList above for a smattering of other stories and ramblings, and please feel free to BuyMeACoffee while you are there.
Always looking for ART-spiration, so feel free to drop me an ask or comment with some of your thoughts!
In the end, I’m not sure what woke me. Was it the soft thrum of insects, waking with the first rays of dawn? Or perhaps it was the soft twitter of birds, that grew from a petering distant echo to a soothing trill around me. I remember hearing the soft snorting huff of Nur, sensing the big draft had wandered close to my sleeping spot. Feeling his heavy steps shake the ground slightly before he drifted off again. Whatever the cause, my eyes slowly opened, and a yawn stretched my mouth.
It took me a few belated moments to reconcile my current place with my memories of the previous evening. I blinked groggily a few times, rolling and looking about. As my brain woke more, I considered the soft tented cloth over my head, and the warm bedroll around me. The scent of sand came to my mind, but not to my nose, and I realized I was alone in the makeshift shelter once more.
I rolled again, shifting and shaking the last of the sleep from my eyes. Managing to pull myself up and look around the small clearing. But the reptilian man was nowhere to be seen. Nur stood by the side of the small nest we had made, snuffing and huffing at some dried branches. The saddle and bags were still where I had left them the night before. So wherever he had gone… It couldn’t have been far…
“...Shri?” I called hesitantly, rubbing at my arms as I emerged from the soft warmth of the blankets. There was no answer, and straining my ears, no sound of movement.
Slowly, I crawled out from beneath the tent, peering between the bows and trunks of the trees around us. I could just make out the road in the distance, and sighed as the soft crackle of leaves crunched under my boots. For a moment, I thought this might be a blessing… and opportunity to escape. Certainly he was out of sight and earshot, and he had opportunely left all of his supplies behind. I wandered over to the bags, glancing at Nur almost guiltily as if the horse might betray my malicious thoughts. I shifted from foot to foot, glancing about. But I was confident the strange man was nowhere near.
I kneeled beside the bags, and started to reach out to one. Then I hesitated. A flash of intense yellow eyes, the glint of teeth. Not frightening, but instead… friendly. Welcoming. Kind. I sighed again, shaking my head at the nerve of my conscience and dropping my hand. I also couldn’t quite shake the reminder of his words when I had asked him if he was worried I might steal from him; “You could certainly try. It would be amusing.” … I wondered if perhaps there was a magical charm on the items, or if there was some sort of anti-thief trap… Well, I would just wait, I determined. Until we reached the next town. That way, I wouldn’t have to risk anything nor take his supplies, and could simply slip away into the shadows. Honestly, it was probably for the best I left. I doubted he knew exactly what kind of trouble he had gotten himself into when he had signed me on.
Shaking myself again, I stood and slowly pivoted on one foot. Looking around the small clearing again. Wondering where exactly my new ‘employer’ had gone. I walked over to Nur, who lifted his behemoth head as I approached and wuffed softly, his huge flanks fluttering with the deep breath. He nudged me with his big nose, his nostrils flaring, and being that his head was almost the size of my entire torso, even that gentle touch had me staggering a step to maintain my balance. He snorted again, taking a step towards me and flattening his forelock against my chest. I scratched behind his speckled grey ears absent-mindedly, still looking about.
“Do you know where he went?” I asked the gelding, then had to jerk back to avoid being tossed aside as he lifted his head and shook it with another loud snort. I smiled, wondering if that was a real answer, and patted his velvety nose. “Well, I suppose I should go look for him then?”
Nur looked at me with his big, dark eyes, and no answer seemed forthcoming. I ran my hand up and down his nose, then turned and considered my options. The way back towards the road seemed mostly clear; unless he had gone there and travelled up or down its length a ways, I should be able to see him from where we were camped. So that left the notion that he had headed deeper into the woods. I gave Nur a final pat, then began to pick my way through the woods beyond.
“Shri?” I called softly, the unfamiliar word still heavy on my tongue.
I was careful to keep a scan of the surroundings as I moved, not wanting to accidentally miss him during my search. I doubted that would be very likely; even with the vegetation, the man was far too large and broad to simply hide in plain sight. Though his mottled green scales might blend rather well with the shifting foliage. The chill night before reminded me that fall would be upon us sooner rather than later, though the air was very mild now. I wondered briefly how the cold-blooded lizard man would fare in the snows, and had an amusing image of him hibernating in a log cabin with a roaring fire and a bloated belly. A few yards in, I heard the sound of running water; perhaps a small stream nearby. I decided that it might have also drawn his attention, and turned to make my way towards it.
I caught sight of his shoulders between the trunks of the trees, and almost sighed with relief. I didn’t notice until I had broken through the treeline that it was not the beaten grey of his cloak that caught the fresh morning sunlight, but the green of his bare scales. A delayed heartbeat later, I realized he was completely without clothes again. I nearly fell over as I staggered to a halt, frozen in place by the full sight of him, unobscured by steam or darkness.
The crisp golden rays splashed down his broad shoulders, pricking his mottled green into a smoky emerald color. The scales looked smooth, and rippled as he drew in long, deep breaths. His broad shoulders were squared, and I was again stunned by their width, at least double my own. From this angle I could clearly see the base of his four dark grey horns protruding from his skull before curling forward, and the delicate fan of the leathery skin on the top of his head between the spikes. I followed the curve of his spine down his muscular back, each muscle more pronounced and defined by the shape of his large scales. Tracing down to the point of his spine, just about his bottom, where his tail protruded. It was long and thick, perhaps thicker than my thigh, with a flat top studded with the soft flat spikes on either ridge. I hadn’t gotten nearly so good a look at it before... I wondered how much he could move it. He had it half curled around, forming a semi-circle around his large, muscular legs which were neatly folded in a criss-cross pattern beneath him. I could see his huge arms were relaxed, palms resting open on his knees and the soft yellow/cream color of the scales there bathing in the light.
“Good morning, Sera.” He called lightly without looking over his shoulder. His thick voice had me jumping in surprise. I saw his head tilt, saw the flash of his yellow eye as he considered me out of its corner. “I trust you slept well.”
If he was upset I had been spying on him, he didn’t show it. Nor did he seem particularly concerned that he was completely without clothes; I noticed them folded neatly into a pile beside him. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the pulsing of my blood beneath my cheeks.
“Ah… Apologies, shri… I did not mean-”
He made a noise deep in his chest, shaking his great horned head. “I am merely greeting the sun, Sera. There is no need for your words.” The tip of his tail twitched. “Come, join me.”
“Greeting the sun?” I echoed, venturing closer tentatively.
He nodded looking up at me. Even sitting, his head was nearly to my shoulders. “Yes. I believe it is similar to how you humans… what is the term, break fast?”
I started to answer, then suddenly gave a soft ‘eep!’ instead as his hand wrapped around my wrist and yanked, firmly but gently. I tumbled onto his lap, and he wrapped his huge arms around me. I was so startled, my mouth dropped open, and I froze. A deep rumble formed in his chest, vibrating against my cheek, and his thick flat tail came around and dropped heavily across my lap. Further entombing me in his embrace.
“W-what are you doing?” I stammered, so surprised I forgot to try to wriggle free.
His scaled brows were arched slightly when I finally managed to pull my head far enough back to look up at him. I stiffened as I felt the tip of his tail flick where it had fallen on the inside of my thigh. A fresh wave of heat washed through me, and not all of it went to my face. Pressed against him, I was once again surrounded by the scent of sand. His scales were smooth and silky over his firm muscles, and I was given the distinct expression of touching a rock that had been warmed by the sun. Part of me wanted to run my hands over those scales. To feel the grooves and see if they lifted and overlapped or met carefully at the edges.
“I am returning your warmth, Sera. As you so kindly shared yours with me last night.” His words brought me to the present and I jumped a little. He titled his head curiously to the side. “Though you seem quite warm already. Have you been sunbathing as well?”
“N-no,” I finally remembered how to move, and started to wriggle, trying to right myself and scramble out of his arms, “I just woke up and found you gone so-”
“Ah, I forget that humans do not sunbathe. Save for pleasure.”
I found the way his tongue rolled over the word ‘pleasure’ was far too much for me. He unwrapped his arms but otherwise did not try to help or hinder my fight to regain my feet. I clumsily rolled from his lap onto the soft grass in front of him first onto my bottom then settling on my knees, glancing up at him through my lashes. His long scaled lips curled back again, revealing those sharp teeth in what I assumed was a smile. His tongue slipped out, and I swallowed hard again as a tingling rush went through my body. I cleared my throat, and rubbed at the back of my neck.
“How long have you been out here?” I asked, trying to change the subject and looking for something else to stare at besides his broad chest.
He gave a soft hmm, eyelids drooping in a pleased manner. “As soon as the air began to warm this morning. But now that you are up, we can be on our way.”
I fell back on my hands as he stood, his big body moving with a languid grace that I found surprising for his size. I craned my head back to look up at him, and couldn’t help my jaw dropping open a bit. By the Gods he was big… and there was far too much of him to see without his clothes. I couldn’t help skimming my eyes over a particularly private point between his hips (if only ever so briefly on the way up to his face) and was slightly surprised to see… nothing. The same smooth scales of his stomach as far as my quick glance had perceived. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed. My mind wandered dangerously and I felt my cheeks flushing darker. He offered me that toothy, lipless grin again and his large clawed hand. I wondered if he knew what I was thinking, and my guilt had me hot at the collar as I sheepishly put my hand in his.
“Why not head back,” He told me as he gently pulled me to my feet, “Start packing camp while I get dressed. We should be able to reach the next town in an hour or two, and can have our meal at their tavern. Yes?”
I nodded, my tongue still too large for my mouth and my head still buzzing with thoughts that really should never be brought to light. I didn’t wait for further instruction, heading back between the boughs. Within a few minutes, I broke through the trees to find Nur nosing the tent canvass curiously. He raised his big head when I approached, and gave a huff that sounded oddly disinterested for a horse. I patted his velvety nose briefly, then went about rolling back up the tent and bedroll and tying it tight. Trying hard to dislodge the image of sun warmed scales from my mind. I was just hoisting up the saddle with both hands when Devaraj returned, his scarf hanging loose about his shoulders but otherwise fully dressed again. I couldn’t help the wandering eye that drifted down the edge of his low collar as he strode over.
“Excellent, thank you, Sera.” He praised me, taking the saddle from me and easily slinging it over Nur’s back. The draft bobbed his head almost eagerly.
I was glad he had returned when he did; I wasn’t sure I would easily be able to reach the big horse’s back. As he secured the straps, I gathered up the bags and bedroll over my shoulders and carried them over.
“Do you have… business in the next town?” I asked, curious despite myself. I realized suddenly that my opportunity to part ways with the reptilian man would be coming sooner than expected... It left me with a strange tingling regret in my chest.
“Not in the town, as such, but in their crypt.” He told me, taking the bundles and slinging them behind the saddle. I moved around to the other side to secure them there.
“Their crypt?” I echoed, surprised.
“Yes, crypt is where-”
“I know what a crypt is,” I interrupted, and slipped under Nur’s neck to come around to the same side as him again, “But what business do you have at a crypt??”
His toothy grin returned. “Ah, I am what my people call a prizrasha. A… charmer, I suppose would be the best translation. Of spirits.”
“...Excuse me?”
“Yes? Do you need to pass?” He looked at me, his fierce eyes curious. “Why do you say ‘excuse me’? Do you need some time to yourself?”
“No.. I mean... “ I shook my head, blinking stupidly a few times trying to sort myself out. “I-I said it like… excuse me, as in I’m not sure… I’m not sure I heard you correctly.”
“Ah! Excellent, I did not know this.” He started to turn back to finishing securing the saddle and removing Nur’s hobble. “I said I was a prizrasha, as my people call us. And we are spirit charmers.”
“Y-yes, I heard the words,” I stammered, stepping out of the way as he moved to secure the reins and flip them over the gelding’s head, “I’m just not certain I understand what you mean by… “spirit charmers”.”
“Hmm.” He patted Nur’s flank, turning to look at me. “I suppose it is a rather inadequate description.” He stood by his mount’s head, taking up the reins and jerking his chin towards the road as he began to lead him out. “What is it that your people call ‘spirits’?”
“A ghost.” I replied, following him hesitantly. “A phantom. The… spirit of someone who has died that lingers on this plane.” I tried to keep the shiver from my voice.
He nodded along as I spoke. “I believe I see. This is a part of it, I am sure. However, I suppose the translation is poor… Nessiim have a stronger word for it. The dushrasha. It is the spirit of those who have passed, yes, but it is also in those still living.” He paused, seeming to struggle for words. “It is… hard to explain in this tongue.”
“So… What is it that you do with the… dushrasha?” I asked timidly, trying to keep the fear out of my voice. If I had thought him strange before, I certainly found my previous thoughts on him downright dull compared to them now.
“I charm them.” He replied, his voice light with the teasing tone returned to it. “A prizrasha speaks to the spirit and can cure what ails it. It is a form of healing that is not limited to the living.”
We had reached the road now, and Devaraj pivoted Nur to face the right direction before turning to me. I took a step back warily, then stopped myself. I placed a steadying hand on the draft’s flank, turning over his words in my head.
“... I-I’m still not sure I understand what it is you do-”
“It is rather simple, I suppose,” He placed his hands on his hips, looking down at me with his head tilted to the side, “A prizrasha is uniquely skilled at dealing with all manner of things. Sometimes, I am called to deal with a so-called malevolent spirit, other times to heal someone deeply scarred beyond the reach of local healers. Yet other times, to deal with untamable beasts.”
I opened my mouth to say more, but was silenced by the gasp that escaped instead as he hoisted me up, his big hands scooping around my waist, and sat me at the horn of the saddle. I quickly adjusted, swinging one leg over so I could properly sit rather than riding side-saddle again. A breath later the leather squeaked as he bounded up into place behind me. I tried not to stiffen as I felt the rough material of his tunic brush my back. Nur was already moving before he had fully settled, eager to be off.
“And for this particular… job?” I managed, my voice whisper soft.
“A dushrasha has been harassing the town, or so I am told.” He explained. “I will be seeing what ails it, and hopefully helping it leave this plane to its final resting place.”
A shiver went down my spine, and I jumped a little as his big arm came around my hips. Perhaps it was meant as a reassuring gesture, but instead it had me swallowing the lump that formed in my throat at his words. It’s fine, I told myself, you’ll be leaving soon. It doesn’t matter what he does.
“Have I upset you?” He asked as he used his big thighs to steer Nur around a deep rut in the road. I was surprised that his voice sounded… concerned.
“Ah.. n-no shri.” I assured him, and hoped again that part of his strangeness did not extend to being able to detect a lie. “I am just… surprised…”
“Dushrasha are not evil, Sera, even those without a body left on the mortal plane.” He told me as we rode along. “Most are pained, or tied by some grief or unfinished business. In both the living and the dead.” I felt his chin come to rest on the top of my head. “Think of me as a Healer, though perhaps at times this word is also a stretch.”
I nodded, falling silent. Trying to reconcile with the writing snake that was my stomach turning knots in my gut. We rode quietly for a time, and I tried not to pay too much attention to the soft sensation of his chest rising and falling against my back. I jumped again as his arm coiled about my middle suddenly flexed.
“If you are afraid, Sera… Please do not be.” He told me, his muzzle now beside my ear. My eyes flicked to the corners, as if they would be able to see him from there without moving my head. His long tongue flicked out, nearly grazing my cheek as it did. “I will keep you safe. No harm shall come to you, I promise.”
I felt my blush returning, and dipped my chin down. A thousand different possible responses came to my lips, but I could abide by none of them passing beyond. So I remained silent, giving only another curt nod in response.
It mattered not, within another hour we were at our destination. A small hamlet with a dozen buildings or so clustered around a main field. There were other houses in the distance, likely farmers and hunters. I doubted there were many people here who did not live off the land. We rode over a crest in the hill, then down the long muddy road. Heads raised as we passed, and whispers were quickly exchanged. I saw more than a few shoulders tense and hands go for the nearest item passable for a weapon. I shifted in the saddle, but a glance over my shoulder did not reveal how Devaraj felt about his welcome.
We rode unmolested into the center of town, stopping beside the tavern (as indicated by an old swinging sign in the shape of a foaming mug over its door). Nur tossed his head and snorted in irritation, obviously displeased with the likelihood of being stalled again. He scooped one meaty hoof into the soft ground, tossing clumps behind him as Devaraj slid from the saddle behind me.
“Go and procure us some food, yes?” He told me as he helped me down from the saddle. “I will secure Nur and bring in our bags. Then we shall notify the town leaders that we have arrived.”
I glanced over his shoulder at the numerous eyes lingering on us as he dug through the purse at his hip and pressed a few coins into my hands. Based upon what I saw, I doubted very much we would need to announce our arrival.
But I did as I was told and turned to duck into the tavern. Ignoring the eyes following me and the whispers brushing just beneath the scope of my hearing. I wondered briefly how good Devaraj’s hearing was.
The tavern was dim, dusty, and in disrepair. There were a few patchy holes in the rafters that allowed thin beams of broken sunlight to filter past the old wooden frame and hit the dirt ground below, and were the main source of late as the windows were far too grimy to provide much. A spattering of tables, mostly empty save for a few seedy sorts nursing chipped mugs, and a greasy bar at the far wall that looked as though it had seen better days. A few heads raised as the door thunked closed behind me, but interest was quickly lost in favor of whatever content they sipped from their cups. I made my way over to the bar, where a large bellied man sat rubbing at a mug with a dirty cloth.
“Ay, miss, what’ll ye need?” He asked as I approached, his voice gruff but polite.
I nodded to him in greeting. “Two breakfast plates. Sausage, egg, biscuits. The whole works if you have it.”
He returned my nod, placing the cup on the counter and slinging the cloth over his shoulder. “No’ a problem, miss. That’ll be three piece, yeah?” When I dropped the coin in his extended meaty hand, he gave me a cheery, broken toothed grin. “Ye’ll be wanting something to wet yer palate too?”
“Ale would be fine.” I replied, leaning against the bar for a moment and glancing around. The man disappeared into the back room, and I heard pots clanging and the creak of a stove cover opening.
I lingered for a minute on my meal request. Wondering if it would be sufficient. After all, I had forgotten to ask what Nessiim ate. I chewed over this for another moment, before a sudden wave of realization washed over me like a bucket of cold water splashed at my back. This was my opportunity. Devaraj would be otherwise occupied, and I could easily make myself scarce even in a town as small as this. Maybe even catch a ride with a traveling merchant or farmer to the next town. Certainly I didn’t want to have anything to do with his… work. A shiver worked its way down my spine at the thought of our earlier conversation. But it was quickly replaced by the skipping beat of my heart in my breast at the memory of his muzzle next to my ear… I will keep you safe. No harm shall come to you, I promise... I rubbed my fingers against the worn wood of the bar, trying and failing to assess why I suddenly felt so reluctant to leave. I had always been on my own, for as long as I could remember. What could possibly make me want to change that now? I glanced about again as my anxiousness rose, and my palms itched to relieve the room of their valuables, sparse as the pickings would be. Something to take my mind off… I shook my head and sighed. Resisting the urge.
The door thunked open again and I peeked over my shoulder to watch the reptilian man duck his huge horned head to fit beneath its frame. His entrance had the current patrons reacting much differently than my own; I saw them stiffen, uncurling from over their drinks and wary scowls quickly forming on their lips. If he noticed, Devaraj made no indication. His sharp yellow eyes settled on me and he gave a gentle nod before making his way over to an empty corner table. The closest adjacent table’s occupants quickly took their leave, gathering their things and scuttling to another table. I frowned, surprised by the abject fear I felt wafting off the patrons. Sure, he was an unusual specimen. But he was hardly aggressive looking... Or was I simply biased now?
I pivoted to attend to the barkeep, who’s return had returned preceded by the creaking of hinges from the kitchen door. He had two iron plates piled high with greasy looking food, and he plopped them down in front of me.
“Lemme get yer ale, Miss.” He told me. I returned a polite smile.
“Hey! Scaly!” Came a loud voice from behind me, and I stiffened slightly. “What the hell is wrong with you? You some sort of… devil spawn?”
I turned in time to see one of the burlier men approaching the corner table boldly. His shirt was stained and filled with holes, and he had a large crooked nose he looked down to glare at Devaraj. He had nothing on my companion’s muscle, but was certainly tall and heavy set enough to cause trouble.
“Indeed not, sir.” Came the thick reply, and I noticed the reptilian man’s usually airy tone had been replaced by a twitchingly harsh edge.
“Don’t ‘sir’ me, scales. I’m not your sir.” Growled the man. “We don’t let devils around here.”
Devaraj blinked slowly at the man, and I noticed his long tongue dart out briefly. The man stiffened at the sight, his eyes widening by a hair. But then he gritted his teeth, and I noticed his fists ball. I quickly gathered the plates in hand and bustled over to the table.
“Apologies for the delay,” I told Devaraj quickly, laying a plate in front of him and deftly putting my body between him and the irritated patron, “I hope this will be to your satisfaction.”
“Oi!” Came the expected grunt from behind me. I turned, pretending to just have noticed the man. He looked me up and down, scowling. But I saw a seed of doubt forming in his eyes. “.. You know this beast?”
“Beast?” I scoffed, hand to my chest, “By all that is holy, you must be joking. You mean you don’t recognize him?? You are the true beast if you would think him as much!”
The man blinked stupidly, my insult flying over his head. “...Eh?”
I placed my hands on my hips. “Well, I do apologize, I had believed you to be a traveled and educated man who would know a Spirit Charmer when he saw one!” My dry tone was lost on him, and I sighed deeply. “And here we are, summoned by your own leaders and treated to such disrespect!”
I noticed the rest of the room suddenly rapt with full attention. I squared my shoulders and craned my neck up to look at the man before me. I saw him glance around to his companions, becoming more uncertain by the minute. He reached up and rubbed at the back of his neck.
“... Spirit Charmer, you say?”
“Yes! One of the best, for which I am certain you are all proud that your leaders were able to procure one of such notoriety!” I cocked my head to the side at him. “Unless we were mistakenly misinformed to your… troubles.”
I saw more than a few more spines stiffen, and the barkeep came slowly over with the two mugs of ale. I saw him eye Devaraj warily, then turned his attention back to me.
“Yer here about the spirit at the craig crypts?” He asked tentatively, placing the mugs on the table.
“The very ones.” I bluffed, hoping that was indeed what we were here for. “Have you been plagued long?”
The barkeep and his patron exchanged a look, and the crooked nosed man nodded slowly. “Ay, miss, we have. There’s a terrible keening most nights, and the things’ been killing sheep now… We’re worried it might be takin’ the children next.”
“Has anyone passed lately?” Devaraj asked, speaking up for the first time. “Or has the crypt been disturbed?”
“...There’s an old legend of a man who lived out by the craigs...” The barkeep answered hesitantly, glancing at the scaled man over my shoulder. “Folks’ be suspectin’ its his angry spirit hanging about.”
“Well then, it seems like my employer and I arrived just in time.” I exclaimed, hoping no one saw the nervous shiver down my spine at the mention of the spirit. “... Unless of course you’ve found an alternative method to deal with your spirit? We have many demands for his skills and would be happy to be on our way-”
“N-no ma’am… ah, miss…” The barkeep held up his hands, and even the crooked nosed patron shook his head sheepishly. “We be right glad yer… ‘employer’ is here.”
I cocked my head to the side again. “Are you now? Pardon, I was a bit confused by our welcome.”
When I looked pointedly at the other man, his face ruddied and he rubbed at the back of his neck. “Beggin’ your pardon, Miss… Sir,” He looked over my shoulder at Devaraj, bowing his head humbly, “I didn’t know… I won’t bother you further…” He bowed his head and quickly scuttled out the door.
“I am right sorry fer Kam, there,” the barkeep continued as the other patrons made a point to go back to whatever had been occupying them before, “None of us ‘ave been gettin’ a good sleep, right? An’ we havena seen a… a Spirit Charmer before…”
I stepped to the side, moving to take the bench across from Devaraj. “Certainly understandable, such a profession is rare in these parts, I am told, which is why it was wise of your leaders to send for one.” I looked him over, staying on my feet a moment longer. “My employer and I have travelled a long way to be here, I hope it is alright that we take a meal before speaking with them?”
“N-not at all!” He exclaimed, bobbing his fat chin nervously. I saw his eyes flicker back over to Devaraj, but quickly dropped his gaze. “We’re on edge, sir, I hope ye understand. Wut with all the… activity in the area.”
Devaraj nodded his long chin, but otherwise said nothing. The barkeep stuttered out a final apology as well as a farewell, then moved back to his place at the bar. Leaving us alone to our meal. I picked up the biscuit, which was still warm from the oven, and broke it in half between my hands. An uneasy murmur had settled through the tavern, but other than a curious eye here and there, we were left to ourselves.
“That was expertly handled, Sera,” Mused my companion quietly, picking up his mug and giving it a curious sniff, “I do not believe I have ever had such an easy introduction.”
I scoffed softly, staring down at my food and chewing slowly. “That was easy?”
“By comparison, yes.” I peeked up at him through my lashes to see his elongated mouth stretching into a closed mouth smile. “I am pleased you decided to take my employment offer.”
I nodded lightly, hiding a blush and the stab of guilt that came from the thought of what might have happened had I decided to abandon him just a short while earlier… I took a quiet sip of my ale, then gestured to his plate after I replaced my cup on the table.
“I-I wasn’t sure if you would mind a traditional breakfast… Do you have a food preference?”
He chuckled lightly, and I watched as he took a bite of the sausage. “I do not. I am content with whatever meal I can procure. Though I must say,” He managed to smack his scaly lips, “This is better than I have yet had in your lands. It smells quite good.”
Another stab of guilt, wondering exactly had he been eating before that this greasy slop seemed so decadent to him. I swallowed my mouthful and took up another. As I took another swig of my ale, I used the opportunity to glance about again discretely. But it seemed we would not be bothered again, though I was certain our appearance would still be on the villagers’ lips for many days to come.
“You are good at this, Sera,” He intoned, and I turned my attention back to him, “One day in and you have already proved your worth tenfold.” He tilted his big horned head to the side and snaked his long tongue out at me. “Perhaps you deserve a raise.”
I choked on a quiet laugh, shaking my head. “You haven’t paid me yet… Besides, I’d settle for my own bedroll…” A blush rose to my cheeks. “And a horse… if possible.”
“Hmmm.” Came his response, and his thin nostrils flared slightly. “I will miss your warmth when we ride, but understand it might not be most ideal for you.” A finalizing nod. “We shall procure you a mount before we depart then.”
“H-how long will that be?” I asked curiously.
“Depends on the situation with this spirit. But I suspect it shan’t be more than a day or two at most to soothe its ails and bring some peace back to this town.” He took a large mouthful, scarfing it back with a pleased rumble in his deep chest. I watched his throat ripple as he swallowed. “There will be a contract ready by the time we finish, I am certain.”
That gave me a start. “... We?”
His toothy grin returned. “But of course! I shall be most grateful for your assistance, Sera!”
I pushed my plate away, unfinished. Suddenly having lost my appetite.
