Out with the lamia

Sanni holds your hand as the two of you move through the streets of the dwarven city. Despite some teasing, the workday went smoothly after your little make out session, though both of you spent a lot of time smiling and glancing at each other. After grabbing a bite to eat at what you would consider the equivalent to your new world fast food, you headed out to the destination Hayley had suggested.

Sanni smiles at you. “So, where are we going? I’ve never actually explored too much, honestly.”

You shrug. “I don’t actually know. Hayley said this would be a good idea, I don’t really know what to expect!”

Sanni laughs. “Well, Hayley has good judgment…in a lot of things.”

She gives your hand a squeeze as she says that. You chuckle. “Well, I won’t disagree with that. So you’ve lived in the city a while, why haven’t you explored much?”

She smiles and shrugs. “I’m a bit of a homebody, actually. I have trouble meeting new people. It a little bit because I’m self-conscious about being so different than most people.”

She gestures down at her snake-like lower body. You smile. “Well, you should know that you’re gorgeous, all of you is.”

She squeezes your hand again. “Thank you, Greg. It’s always nice to hear that. I suppose all monster girls are a bit exotic to you, aren’t they!”

You nod. “Yeah, although I like the difference. For example, the thing you did earlier today, wrapping around me? That was…I liked that.”

She laughs, looking at you with smoldering eyes. “If you liked that, we’re going to have a lot of fun together…”

You grin. “Im not sure if I should be scared or aroused right now.”

She winks at you. “Both.”

You both laugh, and you playfully nudge her. “For someone who is supposed to be a bit shy, you’re a big tease!”

Sanni chuckles. “You make me feel comfortable, Greg. I can get a little silly around you.”

You smile and start to respond, but you realize that you’ve arrived. In front of you are a pair of guards, and a huge gate, standing open, but made of heavy iron. The guards nod to you and Sanni, waving you past.

You both look at each other, a little confused. This isn’t the entrance, so why the gate? You continue down the hallway, and the answer becomes clear.

You step out into a forest, open to the night sky! The dwarves have carved away the mountain here to make a forest preserve. You can see massive peaks all around over the treetops, and it’s obvious that this was carved out just for this purpose. Beside you, Sanni gasps. Letting go of your hands, she looks around in wonder.

Looking back to you, she grabs you and kisses you. Caught by surprise, all you can do is return the kiss. Eventually, she lets go, a huge smile on her face. “It’s perfect! I never knew this was here!”

She looks around. “I should explain. Lamia are native to the forests. I grew up in one. I left to find my own way, and hooked up with Marin. We ended up here. But…I never expected to see the forest again!”

She takes your hand as the two of you begin heading into the trees. You catch glimpses of animals, birds, squirrels, even deer. Sanni puts her arm around your waist, resting her head on your shoulder. “This is the perfect place. Thank you.”

You don’t say anything, just hold her close. The two of you watch the night sky and listen to the quiet sounds of the forest. After a while, Sanni snuggles against you and whispers in your ear.