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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 9:49:20 GMT -6
Lily smiled softly and then boldly stepped closer to the lake. But when she reached the edge, she paused, suddenly remembering the giant snake tail she saw in the tree not too long ago.
“No no, it’s quite alright.” Lily said. “But, could you explain the snake tail in the tree? I’ve never seen anything like that? And I’ve seen many types of snake patterns over the years.”
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 11:02:02 GMT -6
"Snake ta--oh!" exclaimed Jota with a laugh. "You mean my tail!"
As if on cue, the self same tail emerged from the lake water, twisting in a hook fashion and giving a polite wave to the girl.
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 11:16:15 GMT -6
To say that Lily was surprised would be an understatement. She fell on her backside and her eyes darted between Jota and his tail. She inadvertently scooted back a little. A million questions ran through her head but only two came into vocalization.
“How can you have a tail? Where did you come from?
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 11:37:09 GMT -6
Seeing her react in such fear confused Jota. He looked from her to his tail, which somewhat comically "looked" back at him, then back to Lily. "What do you mean? I've always had a tail. I'm a naga, after all. As for where I come from..." He raised his hands, as if gesturing to the world itself. "I come from here? This is my home."
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 13:29:12 GMT -6
“A naga,” Lily said in amazement. She sat up straighter. “ I had heard locals talk of beings called nagas. Said they we’re half human and half snake and that they lived deep in the jungle. But-” then her smile faltered. “But I thought they were just local legends and not real creatures.” She gasps. “No offense.”
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 15:29:22 GMT -6
"Ah, so you are from outside the jungle!" Jota let out a laugh as he slithered out of the water. Upon his coils, his human torso stood to a good 6'6" in height. Yet he continued to hold a genuine smile as he spoke. "I had a feeling when I first saw you, you didn't quite fit in out here.
With a chuckle, Jota shook his head. "Sorry, no offense intended. It seems we are both just a little out of our comfort zones right now."
The naga clapped his hands together and dipped forward into a rather elegant bow.
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 16:14:52 GMT -6
“Well, I wasn’t born and raised here but that’s not to say I’m completely unfamiliar with the jungle.” Lily said. “And let’s just call us even.”
Lily got back on her feet and returned Jota’s bow with a curtsy.
“I’ve actually been living near the jungle for few years now.”
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 17:08:38 GMT -6
"Have you?" Jota inquired, cocking his head to the side. "Strange I have yet to see you... I've spent my entire life in this jungle."
He opened his mouth to continue speaking, but paused, eyes narrowing. "Did you hear that?" he asked quickly.
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 17:50:08 GMT -6
“Well I actually don’t travel into the jungle that often because my father is very protective of me.” Lily said.
When Jota spoke of hearing something, Lily paused in thought and tried listening for anything. Her hazel eyes scanned the area.
“I don’t hear anything,” she whispered.
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 18:28:09 GMT -6
Jota reached out, attempting to take Lily's arm in his hand. "I'm about to throw you into the lake. I need you to trust me." At this moment, whether she trusted him or not didn't matter. The sound was steadily growing louder; padding of paws, approaching at a rapid pace. It wouldn't be long before Lily could here it too, but by then it could be too late...
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 18:32:27 GMT -6
Lily had become nervous when he held her arm like that. However, she realize that Jota has done nothing to hurt her and she thought he could be trusted at this point.
Lily nodded her head and mentally prepared herself for what was to come. She took in a breath through her nose.
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Post by MrBonez on May 25, 2019 19:12:12 GMT -6
Jota's expression softened, his shoulders relaxed... just before he pulled Lily into his arms, spun in place, and hurled her into the lake.
The approaching creatures were much more audible now; along with their collective footfalls, incessant panting and growling could be heard. Jota didn't need to see them to know what they were.
Jackals.
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 25, 2019 23:02:33 GMT -6
Lily takes a deep breath and closes her eyes before being thrown into the lake with Jota’s coils.
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Post by MrBonez on May 26, 2019 0:20:28 GMT -6
Jota quickly wraps loop of coils around Lily, pulling her close to the bank of the lake. Soon, most of his coils had huddled around, keeping her above the surface so she could breathe, but obscuring her from most views.
"Try not to move or say anything," she could hear the naga saying amidst splashing of water; washing his hands, perhaps? "I'll do my best to keep you above the water. You're doing great."
The howls and snarls of the canine hunters was now audible to the normal ear. And they were getting closer.
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Post by BurgundyBoa on May 26, 2019 1:05:58 GMT -6
Lily gasped for air once she resurfaced but she still held on to Jota’s coil. When Jota covered her up it felt like heavy folds of blanket surrounding her and yet she did not feel compressed.
Jota didn’t need to tell her twice and kept as still and as quiet as she could be. The next thing Lily can hear, other than her shallow breathing, was the sound of snarls and growls. But in Jota’s hold, she felt secure.
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