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Used with the permission of Nexuslights , to accompany the story that you can read just below.

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THE SERPENT'S TRIO

It had been ages since the last Festival of Elveran.

Named thusly in honor of the first elf who had ascended to the primal deity of all tribes and societies of elves, this event was something that occurred only when the multiple calendars adopted by this divided race concorded. Such was the time to meet, arrange trades, alliances, speak of politics and incoming threats as well for all of those from the most ancient race standing above all others...or so they thought of themselves. It was an important time for all those who'd go on to try to advance their own causes...but for the younger generations it was something altogether different due to it being a time of festivities and discoveries.

Many kiosks and tents were set up, peddling wares and food, singing and dancing as many facets of their own culture, developed through centuries, were on display for all those observe, partake and enjoy. Those yet to truly participate in society, with all that it entails, saw this more as a particular happening seen through lenses of fun, colored with entertainment rather than diplomacy or hostilities. So did Isolde, Sombre and Cerise saw all of this as the trio of younger ladies, barely out of youth and pondering upon adulthood like a grand adventure rather than the pressure of responsibilities and obligations.

“Don't wander too far now. We did promise to get through this together,” Isolde said to the other two who indeed wandered to look at a salad made from food taken straight from the sea, with seaweeds and shrimps, exotic nourishment that those city elves seldom saw. Slightly older than the other two and letting it go to her head, she had a responsible one on her shoulders as she sipped through her light beverage, the small tint of alcohol softly roughing her throat as the bubbly drink was the first she ever consumed of this kind of refreshment. “Do wait for me!”

“Here goes the mother of them all, Isolde,” Sombre said, a raven-haired elf with a shorter cut than the others, bangs above her brow as the purple-wearing, rather cynical barely-adult gal was upon her third serving of the same beverage that Isolde took her time to partake in. A free spirit in many ways, though a bit reserved, she was still very much friend with the other two, if only because elves do understood the importance of lifelong bonds given their longevity. “We're not 15 anymore, Isolde. We can handle ourselves.”

“Awww, don't be mean. I think it's cute that she worries about us,” Cerise replied, teasing her slightly moody friend as she herself seemed to drink those kind of slightly alcoholic servings as if they were water...and barely felt a thing. The pink-haired girl, a result of magic due to her arcane-attuned parents, wore bright yellow, the kind of color that did not go so well with her hair, yet she could be rather obstinate about things despite her open-mindedness. “It shows that she cares for us. Isolde is just a sweetie, you know?”

The blond-haired elf caught up to those other two, a small patch of dirt on her red robes that she dusted away as swiftly as possible. While the other two did seem to have no care in the world, thinking about what they should eat for lunch, Isolde had something of the utmost importance in mind: marriage. She had no betrothed, not even the slightest hint of romance or salacity, yet one thing that did often happen during the festival was meet-up of potential spouses and husbands. To shine in society, in their own anyway, one had to marry up and Isolde was determined to do just that. If she were to be an important and respected woman, she'd need to find a dignitary, an officer, a mage or someone similar, a good man who'd make it so she'd be seen. As a woman, this was her best and only shot at being someone and she knew it...and she was also aware that both Cerise and Sombre knew as well.

“Why yes, I do agree that this patch of dirt really didn't go well with your robes and your hair. Good riddance, what would your future husband say?” Sombre teased, giving a slight jab at Cerise with her elbow as she obviously didn't care much...yet was also adorned with many thin and elegant pieces of jewelry much like Isolde and Cerise did. “Relax, Isolde. We're not gonna eat without you and the whole festival is still ongoing for about four days. I'm sure you could find a beau very soon.”

“You know, at times it would almost be easier and more sensible to marry each other at this point,” Cerise said, getting a curious look from Sombre and a confused expression from Isolde as the pink-haired girl went on to giggle a bit after saying such a thing, a reaction shared by the other two. It was a sordid thought, at least for Isolde, as they finally sat down and went on to be rebels, eating this bizarre thought ultimately delicious thing know as fries. Potatoes chopped then cooked in oil, crispy and yet greasy, bad for their curves yet great for their mouth. It was a time to try new things and experiment a little, to explore within a comfortable and safe zone. “Let's check out other cuisines!”

Time flew by, with Isolde occasionally making eye contact to a handsome elf here and there, though either it was simply not returned...or she found out that the one who caught her interest was engaged. It was a frustrating kind of experience, doubly so because Isolde was the only one who seemed to take it seriously as Sombre and Cerise were too busy drinking, enjoying themselves and having a good time. While they certainly had the right idea, Isolde didn't want them to be left in a precarious situation, powerless and attached to people of low status or importance, worried about their future and their well-being. She wanted them to be taken care of as much as she desired this for herself.

“Can you believe it, Isolde? Some tribes actually eat pig!” Sombre said, pointing at a kiosk a few meters away where slices of that filthy animal were sizzling upon pans, the odor actually enticing and yet all three elves were taken by the absurdity of it all. “I mean, don't they know that it's super dirty?”

“Hey, they have strawberry wine there. Let's try it!” Cerise said as she had only separated from her two friends for a spell, only to bring three cups of that drink she just mentioned. Attempting to take it easy, Isolde went on to taste that delicacy and was quite taken by it, figuring that perhaps she could indeed wait for another day to try her luck with marriage and a possible father for her future children. It had been 20 years since the last festival after all...and perhaps today would be perfect to spend with her friends. As such, they willingly got lost amidst the encampment to look for curios and wondrous things to discover, be it to observe in awe or disgust. Time flew by until evening came and then night fell, darkness covering much of everything and yet the festival was a living, breathing thing figuratively...alive so long as what was inside pulsated with activities.

“It really is a different experience when you're no longer a child,” Isolde stated as they experienced such various cuisine and drinks that they never would have access to while still wet behind the ears. Juice had been their drink of predilection back when they were younger and, admittedly, more innocent and yet the discovery of so many meals and cocktails mixed with alcohol was a life-changer. Yet they were mostly light in terms of actual inebriating content, Isolde herself prohibiting from too much as to be drunk, even if only a little, during the festival with so many strangers around would be absolutely unwise, something that both Sombre and Cerise agreed with. “Mayhaps we should call it a day given the time.”

“Ah come on, just one more and then we'll get home and then you'll try to find a charming little husband...and I guess we'll have to try too,” Sombre suggested, themselves having ventured so far that they were on the actual end of the festival grounds, the nearby forest no longer bordering the edge of the horizon. The tents there were a bit on the crummy side, as if none of them figured that they'd ever get actual visitors or clients, yet one settlement among them was an exquisite exception as a lonesome, cloaked elf seemed to be smoking from an unknown contraption, minding her own business. “Hey, let's check this one out. I wanna know what she's enjoying.”

“I like the pretty lights myself. So pretty~” Cerise added as both ran out while Isolde herself did feel a bit tired, but she could admit to herself that one more wouldn't hurt, especially to pass more time with her dear friends. She saw them like younger sisters, a little on the impulsive and inexperienced side as she sighed with a light smile on her face and approached what seemed less like a kiosk and more of a living arrangement. A caravan bordered by a few tents, each rather colorful and full of nice material and fabrics like silk and satin. The elf enjoying a smoke that smelled bitter yet sweet all at once was sitting upon a small cushion in front of one of the tents, hooded and cloaked in such a way that only her lips could be seen despite the light of nearby lanterns and torches. A smile on her face, she exhaled long tendrils of smoke as she saw the three gals approaching her, making her turn her unseen gaze towards the trio.

“Greetings, young ones. I have been expecting you,” the mysterious elf said, her voice revealing her womanly origin as she inhaled and exhaled again, with Cerise merely watching her prowess while both Sombre and Isolde were weirded out by what this girl had just blurted out. “I was told that I'd get three visitors late on this day, three pretty things with much to their future and to their fate.”

“Sounds like a bit of a strange pitch to me. I'm not dumb,” Sombre replied, her cynical side being unleashed in a simple sentence, aware that there were many miscreants and liars out there during the festival who'd use the wonders and awe of the unknown to peddle wares of low quality...or worse. “But sure, I'll bite...if you tell me what's that you're smoking.”

“Very well, it is a mixture of incense, dried flower and fruits under boiling water and charcoal,” the mysterious elf gal answered as she went on to hand over the pipe that she was inhaling from to Sombre as she took one last puff and exhaled towards the night sky. “This is a hookah, a wonder from a far off land. I have, in fact, many exotic magics and objects to show to each one of you...for the price of a single sequin, so less than what your pink-haired friend paid for her drink.”

“I don't think it's wise to-” Isolde started before the more adventurous side of Sombre got her to partake in this particular contraption, this hookah. Not bothering to finish her sentence, she looked at Cerise who curiously tried to gawk inside the tent, her own intrigued expression telling everything she needed to know as the blonde elf knew that no matter what she said...they'd go in anyway. As the cloaked elf extended one hand to demand payment, Isolde relented despite her reservations on the matter as she placed the coins on the open palm...and noticed not only golden jewelry in the form of bracelets or rings, but also a particular nail polish of the greenest shade. As Sombre exhaled, coughed a little and yet approved with a nod of what the hooded elf partook from, the trio entered as Isolde pondered just what kind of things would be shown to them...and neither were ready for what was inside.

The first and most impressive element that they noticed was that the tent was definitely much larger on the inside than the outside, more like a small hall than an actual low-key lodging accommodation. A great many carpets covered the ground, each with intricate patterns sewn over with a myriad of bright colors, each meshing well with the others. Patterns erupted upon them, from stars, twisted loops and spirals as they noticed that those same icons and symbols could be found upon the ceiling as well. Colored lanterns illuminated the entire place with their bright colors, purple, pink, green, blue and others mixing in a way that felt garish yet also pretty as large and soft pillows were placed just about everywhere. No one was within beside them as they observed and admired, indeed just the sights alone was perhaps worth that sequin they each paid.

“It's like a rainbow in there. It's so pretty!” Cerise said as she had brought her drink inside with her, noticing that she hadn't asked whether or not this was permitted as she downed it in one gulp and then placed it beside her, hopeful that no droplet would stain either the carpet or the pillows. Looking around, a pattern emerged in that the seats weren't exactly placed at random, more so they were surrounding a specific place, leaving a lot of space for things to happen there, perhaps a demonstration. Three such pillows were beside one another as they all went on to take a seat, with Isolde picking up the one left as Cerise and Sombre rushed ahead: in the middle. “What do you think their magic is like?”

“Colorful, probably?” Sombre answered as Isolde herself was caught between awe and wariness, if only because the descriptions of whatever they had paid for had been exceptionally vague. Then again, perhaps she was a bit too cautious, bordering on paranoia given that whatever Sombre had inhaled hadn't been harmful. There would be no reason for the other elf with green nail polish to partake if that had been true. Yet as Isolde pondered and lost herself in thought, the sound of the tent's opening flap was heard as two other elves entered. Looking back to see just who was joining them, the sight of that duo was enough to leave each member of the trio speechless.

“W-woah...” Cerise said, the only one to properly share her own opinion on the topic of those two exotic damsels who were joining them. Opposite to what Sombre, Cerise and Isolde wore, dresses and robes of a certain regal or reserved disposition, those two elves with bronzed skin went in a direction that was far from lightly revealing. Puffy pantaloons of a translucent nature adorned their legs, showing of their slender thighs, ankles and knees as the only thing somewhat covering their modesty were black underwear clinging in a dangerously tight manner between their legs. One was a brunette with messy hair arranged in a ponytail, wearing purple, her own top consisting of a strapless composition of two metal discs seemingly attached to her bosom, golden-composed and snake-themed as she wore a facial veil with the same fabric and texture as her pantaloons. The other, a blue-haired gal whose hairdo was shorter and a little better-kept wearing vestments of the same color had a cross-patterned top which was connected to her neck, leaving her back bare and a window to peek at her cleavage, with another difference with the brunette being the sash full of sequins hanging low on her hips and waist. Both had a lot of golden and serpentine accessories, from bangles and rings to earrings...along with necklaces around their neck. They approached the trio, standing tall in front of them soon as Sombre, Cerise and Isolde drank of their curves despite themselves. They even wore navel adornments, like jewelry that danged from their navels through small chains, the brunette wielding an amethyst upon a gold semi-ring, with the other having a sapphire upon a silver crescent moon. While fascinating, they also wore rings upon their pointed ears, a taboo given that such demarcations of elvish status were supposed to be sacred, left pristine yet theirs were pierced with gold and even snake-like rings. They were very different from anything they could have expected, their own unwittingly repressed culture not represented in the slightest, which made it all the more fascinating for the trio sitting down in this tent.

“That's...not what I expected at all,” Sombre admitted, her voice hinting that she was pleasantly surprised about what she saw, all that flesh being oiled and looking particularly luscious. Bare shoulders, midriff, a peak at torso and cleavage, yet somewhat more bizarre and yet alluring were those adornments upon their navel, rings that were attached there, with jewelry dangling from this accessory too. All of this looked positively scandalous, honestly unheard of in their own elvish society...and that only upped the appeal in a forbidden way. The fact that those two women stood there in silence, aware of the fact they were both ogled and admired was only adding fuel to the fire as the blue-haired one winked at Cerise while the brunette went on to lick her lips in a suggestive fashion while gazing at Sombre. Isolde did not know what to think right now, far too removed from her elements...yet she would be lying if she claimed she wasn't enjoying what she saw.

Neither of those strange though beautiful elves said a thing as one of them snapped her fingers, resulting in the colors coming from the lanterns shifted around. Purple became green, blue turned to orange and so on, a cavalcade of shades and tints that made things look a touch psychedelic, while the other mimicked that same gesture and sound, though to different effect. The symbols on the carpets and ceiling, all those spirals, stars and loops going on to budge either by twirling on the same spot or simply moving about. All of this mixed together to create a light show of simple splendor, easy to appreciate as the trio stared up in awe while the sounds of nature accompanied this display. Frogs, insects, light wind softly howling, all of this making this like a solemn and prized moment for those three close friends, though as they paid attention to it all and lost themselves in the sublime, one sound was missed out on, a brief though important one.

Hissssss...

“Welcome to you all. I'm Juniper,” the brunette said as she moved softly around, catching the attention of the trio sitting and staring at the ceiling, the patterns and colors so easy to latch onto. One small caress from her digits to Sombre's chin brought the raven-haired elf back to attention, that soft touch making the cynical elf lose a bit of her reserved attitude in favor of a light blush.

“And I'm Blueberry,” the blue-haired one added as if on cue, herself going on to tease Cerise with the faintest brush of her hand on a barely-exposed shoulder, moving from behind as the pink-haired elf had been so caught up with the spectacle that she hadn't even noticed that the gorgeous elf had snuck past her.

“And we have the privilege to demonstrate the wonder and splendor of our own all-powerful gods with this mystical performance, for your eyes only~” they said in perfect unison as both Sombre and Cerise were too taken with this presentation, their eyes wandering on where the hands of each alluringly-clad women were. Brushing against hips, near one's navel, a slight vaulting forward to showcase cleavage...all of it very tantalizing indeed, yet Isolde felt that something might be off. Which gods were they talking about? It seemed to a bit much to push this kind of sensual and somewhat magical approach this far. The flirtatious act was indeed amusing, though puzzling to Isolde who nevertheless stared despite herself. It was as odd as it was visually stimulating: very much so. Yet beneath all that light, all those assets of hers for them to gawk at, two details seemed to jump at her, the first being their eyes. They seemed to be spiraling much like those symbols on the ceiling, bright and yet subtle despite that, shifting in colors much like the lanterns did. The second details were their necklaces...which seemed more like collars now that she had a better look. Neither Sombre not Cerise seemed to have noticed this, too taken by the teasingly tantalizing elves before them, yet Isolde wasn't certain if that was a trick of the light or something else.

Whatever other observations she could have made were interrupted by them acting in unison with the two clapping their hands twice. A very small echo and then it resulted in music going on to play, filling the tent with various string instruments, drums and even cymbals as Cerise seemed particularly happy about this development, herself being a musician of no small talent. Her happiness, however, was joined in by Sombre as the two elves took very similar stances, lifting their arms on the side to chest level before then pushing their waist forward and then spinning in the opposite direction, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. This made for a mirror effect as their hips almost brushed against one another after one loop and it caused for them, to then twirl and do the same yet with their back to their spectators.

“I bet that they could get anyone to be their spouse or husband, looking like that,” Sombre went on to tease, ever the one to speak her mind about things as she certainly drank of the display graciously offered by their hostesses. Her own tendency to not always act in diplomatic fashion did drive a few people away, yet there was an endearing honesty to her as even though Isolde did miss out on the cue about her not unappreciative of what she saw...Sombre nevertheless smirked a bit as if excited in more than one way. “Do you think they sell these outfits there? You know...to try them out.”

“Did you take a look at their steps right there? So impressive!” Cerise said as she had a more analytical mind than many would give her credits for. Many thought her a klutz, yet she was smart despite her own attitude of indulgence and laissez-faire that gravitated around the pink-haired elf. “I wonder where they learned those moves?”

“Dancing is fun, but it's even more so when someone is watching~” Blueberry said as she then went on to do a semi twirl and then bend her back a little. Mimicked by Juniper in this initiative, they went on to extend their arm forward and then retract them with serpentine undulations, the two being synchronized with each other as they each seemed to stare directly at Sombre and Cerise. They shook their shoulder a bit, resulting in their chest shaking a little as those generous mounds of flesh were soon joined to the appealing spectacle offered to the trio.

“So gaze and enjoy yourselves. There's more where that came from~” Juniper added as eventually the two of them lowered themselves and their hands joined while they got on their knees. They fluttered their bellies, sucking them in and then pushing them out as they eventually went on to readjust their back so they'd be upright. Palms against palms, fingers interlaced with one another they stared in each other's eyes, not only their lips close to one another in a particularly sultry display but they also switched their midriff motions to rolls of their abdomen...as if their own midsections tried to kiss as well. It was shockingly appealing, unheard of and neither Isolde, Cerise or Sombre knew what to say or thing as they witnessed this.

“Someone...watching...” Sombre began to repeat, muttered beneath her breath as indeed the mostly cynical elf was no stranger to beauty and enjoyment. The bodies of the two dancers and their words seemed to have more of an impact on her, reducing her usual unabashed personality and remark into a little whisper barely heard by anyone save Isolde.

“Enjoy...ourselves...” Cerise repeated, enchanted and her tone not devoid of enthusiasm rather than loudness, as if speaking through a holy ceremony. This corresponded very well to her own beliefs, hedonism being paramount to one's life as misery made for poor company...and there was none to be found in this precious instance as Isolde heard this one as well.

There was no further need for communication save what their body had to say as eventually the mirror effect was stopped in favor of Juniper going on to rise while Blueberry's own hands rubbed against that hourglass figure. Loops of an eight-shape, a figure-eight, was done horizontally and then vertically as those hands caressed and showcased hips and waist, Juniper herself sighing and cooing at this scandalous display of eroticism which silenced the trio. One hand brushed even against the lower section of that belly, a small blop motion meant to repel it unsuccessful until eventually Juniper went for a few waist gyrations as Blueberry rose behind her and moved her hands upward as well. That adjustment made it so those palms and digits brushed against near-exposed breasts and cumulated in Juniper twirling back while Blueberry took her place...only for the paradigm to be shifted.

“No need to hesitate, no need to doubt~” Blueberry said, encouraging the trio to admire in a gentle, near-whisper voice barely heard over the music as the cymbals got lower while the drums went on to get a touch more prominent. This resulted in bumps, swift motions of their hips in a back and forth motion as the two of them went on to move their hands above their hands, clap their hands and leave them in this position. As one went left, the other went right as they both isolated torso and midsection in an intricate though ultimately simple pendulum motion. As if literally joined in the flesh, they moved in opposition and yet unison as both looked at their spectators with sultry smiles on their face.

“Just watch, listen and relax~” Juniper added, the both of them going wider and then shorter, faster and then slower, never particularly settling for one steady rhythm as they didn't necessarily follow the music...as it seemed more like the opposite. They added chest bumps and rotations to the entire ensemble, their generous torso going on to bounce and spin while they went at it as they separated while their own hands and arms went just below chest level, palms still joined. Undulations from top to bottom and then reverse were shown, mastery over their own flesh demonstrated skillfully and beautifully as they repeated this here and there as they went on to put a little distance between one another.

“No need to hesitate...no...doubt...” Sombre repeated as this one was a telltale sign of her being more than a little absent-minded. She was critical, analytical despite how others perceived her, yet this dance and the sumptuous albeit strange performance made it so those traits of her were gone, replaced by not just acceptance but also a certain arousal in her barely-voiced reply.

“Watch...listen...relax...” Cerise responded, mimicking those statements as if they were the deepest of truths. Herself more open-minded than many, always trying to find the positive side of things, she was indeed easy to convince as the two dancers made for sound arguments not just with their words...but with their curves as well.

“When looking at something beautiful, something incredible, there is no need to think, only to appreciate it to its fullest~” Blueberry went on to say as eventually both Juniper and her twirled in opposite direction, yet ended up facing one another as they began to bend their back and wave their arms toward one another, as if beckoning the other to come forth. Serpentine motions, surprising flexibility on demonstration as they shook their shoulders when their hands got near one another, making their supple and sizeable chest sway and jiggle enticingly.

“It is up to the performers, like us dancers, to suggest what ought be seen, appreciated and focused upon. With our words and our bodies, we communicate and take control~” Juniper added as the mirror-like effect they had both put in place went on to be ruptured by a sudden motion of the two dancers. They got closer, dangerously so, in a way that almost suggested a kiss was about to happen with their face so close to one another, yet instead it went on to turn into flutters as one pushed her abdomen and the other sucked hers in, resulting in almost-kisses from their midriff to go along their sensual proximity. As this went on, however, Isolde could swear that the snake jewelry that both sported were somewhat shifting around, slithering upon their body and hinting at moving from one dancing elf to another. It couldn't be true, yet as she tried to readjust herself she figured it was a trick of the mind...an illusion.

This all seemed risky, near-sacrilegious even and yet Isolde couldn't quite take her eyes off of them. She figured she could seduce nearly anyone with such moves, such ensembles. It looked so good on them, so sublime as she cooed and sometimes even gasped at some of the audacious twists and turns this performance had given form to. Yet something felt a bit odd, as she expected the more vocal Cerise to join her or even Sombre to have something to say on the matter, yet neither had very interesting things to say if their whispers were to be believed. They were uncannily less verbose than usual and as Isolde tried to put it out of her mind, she unwittingly stared at those eyes she swore were spiraling and whenever she tried to do so...she found herself a bit dazed, strangely so in fact. She could swear that something was up and that it truly seemed like each of the dancer were focusing especially on either Sombre or Cerise, an observation which proved to be true as Juniper got closer to Sombre while Blueberry approached Cerise. Both went on to slowly undulate their belly with each step, moving their hands to frame their midriff as they seemed to lick their lips, gazing in a manner that could be only described as predatory. She tried to say something, to warn her companions and yet her tongue felt heavy, her mouth full of molasse somewhat as she had difficulty expressing herself. Yet as she herself had been affected, she was the least afflicted in the trio, both Sombre and Cerise showcasing not only oblivious expressions, but spiraling eyes that expanded slowly but surely as if to mimic those found in the gazes of those two dancers. Alarmed by this, chances were that the song ended just at this moment as both Juniper and Blueberry moved just a little past Sombre and Cerise, only to finish their dance with a bow before whoever had just entered.

“We were waiting for you,” the two said in unison as Isolde turned around...the only one to actually do so she noticed, to witness a particular kind of beauty that left her more speechless than she thought possible. An elf with pale skin, long blonde hair attached in a smooth and flawless ponytail, dressed in gold and green. She had see-through sleeves adorning her forearm and close to her elbows, slightly puffy yet translucent, a top that suggested a golden snake looping around her breasts and around itself while holding green satin, a pelvic curtain which showcased her exquisite legs and wore a facial veil much like the others. Her accessories were composed of anklets, cuffs and the same collar...alongside a navel jewel which was a small cobra hood, complete with emerald eyes. She looked dignified, regal even despite her midriff, cleavage and most of her skin being exposed as two snakes were lightly wrapped against her upper arms and shoulders, looking at the scene with a privileged point-of-view.

“You two have my gratitude for presenting our excellence to our guests,” the blonde beauty said as the snakes went on to move to her forearms, passing their tail and heads through her fingers as they hissed and observed the situation. Both of those beasts seemed to be just as long as Juniper and Blueberry were tall, making the fact that this newer host inside the tent seemed even more impressive. One look at her hands, however, the noticing of the green nail polish gave away that she had been the one to invite them in, the cloaked elf that Isolde would never have guessed looked this good. “Allow me to present myself. I am Gwevelyn and am in the service to the gods themselves. I offer my thanks to you three for offering to join our ceremony and let us all share and partake of this sacred ritual~”

There was something dignified, completely noble about this one that couldn't be ignored as just staring at her gave a certain peace of mind to Isolde. Looking at those two dancers approach her, each one took one of the snakes from her, doing so carefully and respectfully not just for Gwevelyn...but for the animals as well. With her arms free she went on to sway her hips as she did so in a steady, perfectly-controlled fashion, yet what was most impressive was how both Blueberry and Juniper caught on and replicated her motions near-instantaneously even despite the snakes beginning to wrap them up. Compared to what those two had demonstrated prior, it was a very straightforward and simple approach and yet the way Gwevelyn went on to raise her hands above her head, twirl her wrists together and move her fingers in an intricate fashion before then clasping her palms together seemed purposeful, complex despite appearances to the contrary.

Nothing was said yet, not even a whisper as only the hisses of the nearby snakes could be heard and yet it was Gwevelyn that stole the show and whatever remained of Isolde's attention. Even though both Juniper and Blueberry had paved the way for such expectations, the more mature of the trio couldn't quite contend with the attraction she felt for this blonde elf who took her breath away. She stood but a few meters away, occasionally taking one step forward to cross the distance separating them, yet not one moment passed without the same swaying continued. The cobra head within her midriff glistened, somewhat absorbing and reflecting the light that changed colors as Gwevelyn herself seemed not to be affected by the ambience. More than that, the music had started without Isolde even noticing as the sound was mellow, intimate, low strings and deep echoes of drums filling the tent with their rhythm.

Isolde wanted to speak again, yet once more no words could escape from her lips yet this time it was different. She didn't know what to say, what to think...but she knew what to look at as those rich and creamy thighs moved in tandem with the swaying as those ample hips caught her gaze and trapped it there. Yet instead of immobilizing those eyes, it guided them to her midriff, to that cobra jewel of sparkling eyes and opulent power as that smooth, flat stomach seemed more like a gem than the actual stone adorning it. Upper still, an impulse traveling her thoughts as Isolde stared at that chest, so generous and perfectly sculpted, two pillows of pristine flesh that could lull her into complacency with but a few swings and a few careful words. Still she got higher until she looked at that face deeper than ever before, the one which was hidden by the hood prior and within she looked at two beacons of mesmerizing marvels: twin spiraling eyes of both green and gold, just like her vestments. Akin to those found in Blueberry and Juniper's eyes, this felt different as while there was indeed a sense of dread as her own gaze was seemingly absorbed into those two colors looping endlessly, there was also an overwhelming fascination that proved irresistible.

As Gwevelyn inevitably and silently went on to get closer, those spirals in her eyes proved to be so much more threatening and dangerous...which only served to exponentially improve their appeal. It proved exciting to stare at them, as if daring something out-of-the-ordinary as it became harder to look away. Spirals went on to emerge from other venues, the ceiling itself seemingly lower while Gwevelyn became taller, more imposing...and thus that much more attractive. There was a raw sexual power to this woman whose hips swayed left and right continuously, the pattern so easy to notice and to latch onto. Her own ponytail swished alongside, gluing Isolde's sight upon all of this as she heard hisses coming from the snakes nearby, much closer than they should...and even one from...the cobra? It couldn't be right, yet the cobra jewel shone even brighter than ever before, illuminating that sublime midriff was it seemed to double in size alongside Gwevelyn, a titan of beauty and noblesse. She tried a double-take, but what she perceived some more than real, the cobra jewel somewhat letting out an emerald forked tongue which hissed anew, as if whispering secrets in an unknown tongue to her.

With her convinced that this was real, it felt easy to let this happen, her own mental and physical reflexes slowing down to a crawl as her own doubts and hesitation felt drained, taken away from her. It was actually quite pleasant, making it that much easier to entertain the notion to stare and not to worry anymore, to learn to enjoy this despite her own reflexions being utterly simplistic and near-sighted in their ambitions. She wanted to stare, to do nothing else but that and to let the spirals take away more. More of those pesky contradictions in her observations, more of her nagging thoughts which handicaped her own enjoyment, her worries over the matters of life which felt projected upon her...like finding a husband as quickly as possible. Such things were obstacles to this entertainment, to the show at hand. Gwevelyn seemed almighty, a sumptuous being more akin to a divinity than a mere elf and this perception of her empowered the blonde dancer even further. As she pondered this, entertained this notion, one facet of Isolde's personality did know how to fight back and to reject such notions as while her own happiness was being fueled...what of Sombre and Cerise? Were they too prey to such feelings, such sentiments draining them away? Her curiosity made it so she made a semi-conscious effort to turn her gaze away, needing answers to that line of inquiry as through a considerable effort she budged her own eyes to check up on her friends.

Breaking eye contact with Gwevelyn, she looked at both side of her to check upon her friends only to see that not only were they deeply under...but some time had obviously passed since she locked gaze with the blonde and dignified temptress. Both Sombre and Cerise were staring deeply into spiral eyes, mimicking the many colors projected from their respective companion, Juniper and Blueberry. Sombre, herself, was on her knees and her back was stiff, completely upright as her smile was turned into a wide grin, a silly-looking one as Juniper joined her arm with hers, making it so their members were but a branch for the snake to cross over, going around toward the raven-haired, mindless elf. Cerise, meanwhile, was vaulting a little forward and smiling like a fool, softly drooling while her eyelids were half-closed, her near-vacant stare completely overtaken by the snake that Blueberry held which danced and swayed upon her shoulders and upper arms. That particular slithering creature was staring deeply and intendedly upon Cerise, bombarding her with colors as it was getting very clear that both of her friends were at the mercy of not only those skimpily-dressed elves...but of those serpents as well. What did not help was that Blueberry herself rotated her shoulders, rolling her breasts in a rather shockingly tantalizing manner while also fluttering her belly slowly and sensually, giving more fuel to the hedonistic Cerise as she was a captive to the blue-haired beauty.

“Yes, you only need to let my master take good care of you. Let him come closer, leave yourself to his care~” both Blueberry and Juniper said in unison, as if they were but one now while the serpents went on to act of their own will, using them instead of the opposite. Neither or them, nor Sombre and Cerise seemed to even register that Isolde had broken free and could see all of this, both of her friends completely powerless and smiling, mimicking the same spirals and fixated upon their respective dancing elf and serpent accordingly. Yet as Isolde wanted to rise, to do something about all of this, one swift turn of her head brought her to a much-closer Gwevelyn who never stopped dancing nor taking it one step at a time...until she was slightly bending forward in such a way as to make her breasts get that much nearer to Isolde's face.

“Do not be afraid or worry. The snakes and my companions have nothing but your best interests in mind. We would not dream of harming any one of you~” Gwevelyn said and immediately her voice seemed to shake the foundation that Isolde had managed to reclaim. A small swinging of those breasts, pendulum-like much akin to the swaying hips, made it so the mature and recently ”freed” elf had difficulties focusing once again. There were so smooth, spherical, heavy and yet soft-looking, delightful mounds of pristine pale flesh pulling her gaze almost as assuredly as the spirals in those eyes did. “Much like you, in fact. We want nothing but the best for both of your friends, for them to be happy, safe and nicely paired of~”

This hit a sensible chord for Isolde as Gwevelyn returned with her back upright and continued to sway her hips back and forth...back and forth...back and forth. The repeated and sensual motion was even more effective now as Gwevelyn's midriff was at eye-level and so did the cobra jewel that she wore. It seemed to almost be alive now, hissing while it moved from left to right...or was it a trick that was self-inflicted, an auditive illusion? Isolde couldn't know as the oiled and perfumed body of the sumptuous Gwevelyn hit her with its scent, putting her in a sweet daze as it mixed with the slight bitterness of the hookah that stuck to her. Sweet yet with a strong after-scent, the kind that made her feel woozy as the repeated pattern was unstopping, never relenting for one second. It was dazzling, too beautiful for words as Isolde began to get flustered and overwhelmed all over again despite herself.

“You will be such a wonderful addition to our ranks, to the harem,” Gwevelyn said as she pushed her waist forward to let the cobra jewel dangle, shimmying her hips to make it swing a little faster before returning to the usual sways left and right, one hand playing with her belly button for the briefest of instant if only to make Isolde's stare gravitate exactly where she wanted. “You have such insight, such care for others. Very few are aware of how observant and mindful you are, yes? How much concern you have for those you're fond of~”

This felt like her soul being exposed, her nature unveiled and yet even though it was a violation of her being...it seemed liberating too. Like she was being freed from pressure or finally noticed, little by little. The cobra stared at her with pure intent, its golden shell and emerald eyes mixing so very well with the sensual stomach that seemed to accommodate itself so very well to every slight undulations, flutters of the most subtle fashion accompanying those sways as if the cobra was dancing alongside Gwevelyn.

“You are the kind of person to guide others, to teach them and to nurture, one who could be among the brightest and the most valuable~” Gwevelyn said not just with praise but with a certain tone that felt honeyed, seductive. This was almost flirting, uncovering the deepest layers of this blonde youngster and then seasoning them with qualities and expectations, the perfect ingredient for a charming kind of trance that was preying upon Isolde's own self-image. “I see you learning faster, absorbing the etiquette and experience of being a good believer, worshiper and slave before any other...and then kindly teaching others how to do the same, being an example to all~”

She always did perceive herself as someone with higher morals and a good head on her shoulders and hearing her being vindicated in this opinion, especially by someone as lovely and dignified as Gwevelyn, only served to fuel that assertion. The more she listened, gave importance and focus upon Gwevelyn's action and words, the further Isolde gave them weight. More so, the divide between her own thoughts and reactions along with the blonde beauty's own words was turning chaotic, confusing even. Where her own ideas started and where the suggestions observations of Gwevelyn did as well weren't so easy to identify any longer, which made it so Isolde was confounded...and thus even more malleable as spirals of green and gold began to emerge in her own eyes too, albeit in a very minimal capacity.

“I see you as an upcoming role model, an inspiration even for others to emulate~” Gwevelyn added, taking one step further so that her midriff and the jewel within would be the only things that Isolde could see now. Her pale flesh reflected some of the icons and colors from above, yet the cobra hood remained stoic and bright, pure gold and emeralds and staring long and deep within the mesmerized Isolde's eyes. “I am most certain you will inspire other elves into following the teaching of ours gods, of our serpentine masters...just like I'm doing with you now~”

That separation between self and the hypnosis she was subjected to was shattered as Isolde could do, would do, naught but accept what Gwevelyn said and explained. There was a deep truth to it, the deepest one in fact, that made it so her voice could carry no falsehood, her words unable to contain lies. She vaulted forward, unwittingly on her knees now and so close to that midriff which drained her from her independence, free will and sense of self. So close that she could kiss it, taste it, letting herself be bombarded not just with the cobra jewel but with that perfumed oil and the natural scent of the gorgeous dancing elf.

“Just like my masters trust me to take good care of you and let you learn and evolve, so they shall trust you to do the same to your friends here. Letting them join us, making sure they have no improper thoughts or hesitations, concepts anathema to the eternal bliss promised by our serpent lords~” Gwevelyn said as she backed away with a hip circle going backward before then slowly moving closer than ever before, tantalizingly going for a glacial pace when she got near Isolde's nose and lips, even shimmying as she gently bent her lower back for more reach. “Those like us who care, who nurture, who make others grow are rewarded, allowed to live in opulence and luxury. Eternal contentment and happiness not just for them...but for you as well~”

By now, Isolde's subconscious was the most vulnerable and suggestible it had ever been. With Gwevelyn so close, one of her hands got close to Isolde's head as she stroked her hair and then placed one of her palms against her cheek, gently moving her head so that she'd look just a bit upward. In this position, it meant that Isolde would see her towering over, a gigantic and appealing figure with not just beauty but authority and charisma as well. The sight of firm, speeding-up spirals inside those eyes was an encouragement, a symbol of her inescapable and tempting words and body, the inevitable fate that befell all elves whom the masters wanted in their ranks. To see someone so utterly lost, driven to confusion and misguided attempts at happiness only to be brought in the fray, in the understanding care and simplicity of submission was ever a boon. Gwevelyn never failed to enjoy it, to wish to spread it furthermore until all would see how right her masters were.

“It must feel incredible to feel seen and understood, yes? For someone to finally realize your potential~” Gwevelyn stated as she went on to scratch one of Isolde's ears as if she were playing with a pet, the gesture seen more as endearing than degrading by the now helplessly-hypnotized younger elf. Shimmies went on full-blast and then stopped, toying with the spirals and trance as if they were anchored solidly and permanently now, something that was not so far-removed from the truth. “It can all be yours. Your education, your newest role, your assured status and bliss all there and yours for the taking...and all you have to do to pledge yourself is to kiss my navel and polish the cobra~”

By now, Isolde was drooling, a silly smile on her face as her eyes were entirely glued on that midriff, looking as if she wanted to elope and become the property of her midriff here and now. Dull-minded, completely docile and lost in a daze of lust, it would be easy and simple for Gwevelyn to give her the final push and be done with it, yet two of her masters were watching and making a show out of an induction was especially satisfying to them. Hisses of approval, of an encore, were sent to her and thus Gwevelyn knew exactly what to do and say to make this conclude beautifully.

“Before you succumb to your desires and submit, mayhaps you should take a long, hard look at your friends first,” Gwevelyn suggested as she wanted to put on display the downfall of this one, enjoying the relapse and the defeat of one who had been hesitant, the one she had identified would be an interesting addition and a worthy challenge the moment she took the payment from in the first place. “Observe them carefully, try to see whether or not they would be happy in this arrangement.”

Isolde obeyed, a new instinct of hers as primed by Gwevelyn's own expert manipulation and induction as she stared at both Sombre and Cerise. The first she looked at was Sombre, the one she ever had been worried about given that her own attitude had been often described as “challenging and boorish”. Here, however, she was standing on her knees, in an upright position as the cynical and sometimes difficult raven-haired elf was starring at Juniper who stood above her, towering over Sombre. The brunette dancer was vaulted a little forward, letting Sombre stare at her top and cleavage as she traced with one finger a spiral pattern, one meant to arouse and pull her friend toward her. With the snake now comfortably resting upon Sombre's shoulders, it went on to hiss within one ear, sharing secrets in an unknown language, yet one that the spiral-eyed and fascinated elf seemed to understand as she nodded every now and then, smiling and drooling while checking out the chest visually offered to her.

Cerise, the other one that Isolde wanted to check upon, had gone on to experiment a bit more than their more reserved friend as the pink-haired gal had discarded many layers of her vestments. No robes, no undershirt, no long and tall sandals, merely underwear as both she and Blueberry were particularly close to one another not just in body but somewhat in spirit. Their chest were squishing upon one another, an obscene though also very warm demonstration of affection as they held each other in a mixture of tenderness and daring exploration. Hands went on to admire and touch curves, smooth flesh being experimented upon as both were tightly bound not just by appreciation and affection, but by one snake that had wrapped itself gently around each of their neck. It swayed and hissed, as if telling them that this was perfectly okay as they went on to softly and lightly kiss one another, giggling all the while as neither seemed to mind their predicament, on the contrary.

There was nothing wrong with what she saw, nothing to be alarmed about. The mention of slaves, worship and the fact that she'd be there to guide them alongside Gwevelyn made it seem everything was perfect. The fact that they had found people to pair up with, to be bonded to be it snakes or other women comforted Isolde as she could safely be preoccupied about her own future and actions now. Her lips squished against that soft belly, the smooth flesh drowning her with its taste and scent as Isolde could not be content with but a chaste little peck and thus went all-in, letting her tongue to the talking. The oil and very light sweat upon that pale skin was the most divine of flavor as Isolde kept her eyes open all the while, the cobra jewel refusing her the initiative to close them off. It was a living thing, an effigy of those she'd serve as she then went on to kiss and polish it deeply and with sensual, sexual need. She moaned softly as her lips wrapped themselves around it while her tongue darted her navel. Her hands, her digits brushed against that midsection flesh, this alluring abdomen who had subjugated her heart, mind and soul as Isolde could not contain herself in front of such delight. Unable to contain herself, she was observed by Gwevelyn who crossed her arm and looked down upon her, always enjoying such worship as she smiled in triumph over one more of her accomplishments.

To see someone go for this meant that she had done her holiest of mission correctly. Converting those lost and able to be saved, to be rescued and guided by her serpentine masters was her privilege as the feel of lips on her midriff was not just pleasurable in a more sensual but also spiritual way. A tongue worshiping her own abdomen was ready to start lessons on how to adore and revere snakes, to be of use and to be sheltered in obedience and care. Yet all of this had awakened a little desire within Gwevelyn's own body as she placed her hands softly on Isolde's head, caressing through her hair. Then she pressed a little on that cranium of hers, moving that tongue and those lips to her lower midsection as she went much lower still, where a much more fitting reward for her hard work would be had, where Isolde could express her gratitude in a much more sacred manner...

Isolde and the others lost track of time and of themselves soon enough, far more than during that first meeting and ceremony to celebrate the scaled masters, the slithering lords themselves. Unaware that the festival was kept ongoing and that others had even joined them eventually, the tent itself was eventually taken down not by physical efforts but rather by magical means. The very next morning, after a night that felt unending, the caravan and the accompanying tents were nowhere to be found, along with its inhabitants. Few noticed that it had even been there and fewer realized that it was gone, taking away a batch of young promising elves who would now be a part of something far greater and sinister.

Part of the cult of snakes, as hypnotized slaves of the temple of serpents.

Description
Used with the permission of Nexuslights , to accompany the story that you can read just below.

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THE SERPENT'S TRIO

It had been ages since the last Festival of Elveran.

Named thusly in honor of the first elf who had ascended to the primal deity of all tribes and societies of elves, this event was something that occurred only when the multiple calendars adopted by this divided race concorded. Such was the time to meet, arrange trades, alliances, speak of politics and incoming threats as well for all of those from the most ancient race standing above all others...or so they thought of themselves. It was an important time for all those who'd go on to try to advance their own causes...but for the younger generations it was something altogether different due to it being a time of festivities and discoveries.

Many kiosks and tents were set up, peddling wares and food, singing and dancing as many facets of their own culture, developed through centuries, were on display for all those observe, partake and enjoy. Those yet to truly participate in society, with all that it entails, saw this more as a particular happening seen through lenses of fun, colored with entertainment rather than diplomacy or hostilities. So did Isolde, Sombre and Cerise saw all of this as the trio of younger ladies, barely out of youth and pondering upon adulthood like a grand adventure rather than the pressure of responsibilities and obligations.

“Don't wander too far now. We did promise to get through this together,” Isolde said to the other two who indeed wandered to look at a salad made from food taken straight from the sea, with seaweeds and shrimps, exotic nourishment that those city elves seldom saw. Slightly older than the other two and letting it go to her head, she had a responsible one on her shoulders as she sipped through her light beverage, the small tint of alcohol softly roughing her throat as the bubbly drink was the first she ever consumed of this kind of refreshment. “Do wait for me!”

“Here goes the mother of them all, Isolde,” Sombre said, a raven-haired elf with a shorter cut than the others, bangs above her brow as the purple-wearing, rather cynical barely-adult gal was upon her third serving of the same beverage that Isolde took her time to partake in. A free spirit in many ways, though a bit reserved, she was still very much friend with the other two, if only because elves do understood the importance of lifelong bonds given their longevity. “We're not 15 anymore, Isolde. We can handle ourselves.”

“Awww, don't be mean. I think it's cute that she worries about us,” Cerise replied, teasing her slightly moody friend as she herself seemed to drink those kind of slightly alcoholic servings as if they were water...and barely felt a thing. The pink-haired girl, a result of magic due to her arcane-attuned parents, wore bright yellow, the kind of color that did not go so well with her hair, yet she could be rather obstinate about things despite her open-mindedness. “It shows that she cares for us. Isolde is just a sweetie, you know?”

The blond-haired elf caught up to those other two, a small patch of dirt on her red robes that she dusted away as swiftly as possible. While the other two did seem to have no care in the world, thinking about what they should eat for lunch, Isolde had something of the utmost importance in mind: marriage. She had no betrothed, not even the slightest hint of romance or salacity, yet one thing that did often happen during the festival was meet-up of potential spouses and husbands. To shine in society, in their own anyway, one had to marry up and Isolde was determined to do just that. If she were to be an important and respected woman, she'd need to find a dignitary, an officer, a mage or someone similar, a good man who'd make it so she'd be seen. As a woman, this was her best and only shot at being someone and she knew it...and she was also aware that both Cerise and Sombre knew as well.

“Why yes, I do agree that this patch of dirt really didn't go well with your robes and your hair. Good riddance, what would your future husband say?” Sombre teased, giving a slight jab at Cerise with her elbow as she obviously didn't care much...yet was also adorned with many thin and elegant pieces of jewelry much like Isolde and Cerise did. “Relax, Isolde. We're not gonna eat without you and the whole festival is still ongoing for about four days. I'm sure you could find a beau very soon.”

“You know, at times it would almost be easier and more sensible to marry each other at this point,” Cerise said, getting a curious look from Sombre and a confused expression from Isolde as the pink-haired girl went on to giggle a bit after saying such a thing, a reaction shared by the other two. It was a sordid thought, at least for Isolde, as they finally sat down and went on to be rebels, eating this bizarre thought ultimately delicious thing know as fries. Potatoes chopped then cooked in oil, crispy and yet greasy, bad for their curves yet great for their mouth. It was a time to try new things and experiment a little, to explore within a comfortable and safe zone. “Let's check out other cuisines!”

Time flew by, with Isolde occasionally making eye contact to a handsome elf here and there, though either it was simply not returned...or she found out that the one who caught her interest was engaged. It was a frustrating kind of experience, doubly so because Isolde was the only one who seemed to take it seriously as Sombre and Cerise were too busy drinking, enjoying themselves and having a good time. While they certainly had the right idea, Isolde didn't want them to be left in a precarious situation, powerless and attached to people of low status or importance, worried about their future and their well-being. She wanted them to be taken care of as much as she desired this for herself.

“Can you believe it, Isolde? Some tribes actually eat pig!” Sombre said, pointing at a kiosk a few meters away where slices of that filthy animal were sizzling upon pans, the odor actually enticing and yet all three elves were taken by the absurdity of it all. “I mean, don't they know that it's super dirty?”

“Hey, they have strawberry wine there. Let's try it!” Cerise said as she had only separated from her two friends for a spell, only to bring three cups of that drink she just mentioned. Attempting to take it easy, Isolde went on to taste that delicacy and was quite taken by it, figuring that perhaps she could indeed wait for another day to try her luck with marriage and a possible father for her future children. It had been 20 years since the last festival after all...and perhaps today would be perfect to spend with her friends. As such, they willingly got lost amidst the encampment to look for curios and wondrous things to discover, be it to observe in awe or disgust. Time flew by until evening came and then night fell, darkness covering much of everything and yet the festival was a living, breathing thing figuratively...alive so long as what was inside pulsated with activities.

“It really is a different experience when you're no longer a child,” Isolde stated as they experienced such various cuisine and drinks that they never would have access to while still wet behind the ears. Juice had been their drink of predilection back when they were younger and, admittedly, more innocent and yet the discovery of so many meals and cocktails mixed with alcohol was a life-changer. Yet they were mostly light in terms of actual inebriating content, Isolde herself prohibiting from too much as to be drunk, even if only a little, during the festival with so many strangers around would be absolutely unwise, something that both Sombre and Cerise agreed with. “Mayhaps we should call it a day given the time.”

“Ah come on, just one more and then we'll get home and then you'll try to find a charming little husband...and I guess we'll have to try too,” Sombre suggested, themselves having ventured so far that they were on the actual end of the festival grounds, the nearby forest no longer bordering the edge of the horizon. The tents there were a bit on the crummy side, as if none of them figured that they'd ever get actual visitors or clients, yet one settlement among them was an exquisite exception as a lonesome, cloaked elf seemed to be smoking from an unknown contraption, minding her own business. “Hey, let's check this one out. I wanna know what she's enjoying.”

“I like the pretty lights myself. So pretty~” Cerise added as both ran out while Isolde herself did feel a bit tired, but she could admit to herself that one more wouldn't hurt, especially to pass more time with her dear friends. She saw them like younger sisters, a little on the impulsive and inexperienced side as she sighed with a light smile on her face and approached what seemed less like a kiosk and more of a living arrangement. A caravan bordered by a few tents, each rather colorful and full of nice material and fabrics like silk and satin. The elf enjoying a smoke that smelled bitter yet sweet all at once was sitting upon a small cushion in front of one of the tents, hooded and cloaked in such a way that only her lips could be seen despite the light of nearby lanterns and torches. A smile on her face, she exhaled long tendrils of smoke as she saw the three gals approaching her, making her turn her unseen gaze towards the trio.

“Greetings, young ones. I have been expecting you,” the mysterious elf said, her voice revealing her womanly origin as she inhaled and exhaled again, with Cerise merely watching her prowess while both Sombre and Isolde were weirded out by what this girl had just blurted out. “I was told that I'd get three visitors late on this day, three pretty things with much to their future and to their fate.”

“Sounds like a bit of a strange pitch to me. I'm not dumb,” Sombre replied, her cynical side being unleashed in a simple sentence, aware that there were many miscreants and liars out there during the festival who'd use the wonders and awe of the unknown to peddle wares of low quality...or worse. “But sure, I'll bite...if you tell me what's that you're smoking.”

“Very well, it is a mixture of incense, dried flower and fruits under boiling water and charcoal,” the mysterious elf gal answered as she went on to hand over the pipe that she was inhaling from to Sombre as she took one last puff and exhaled towards the night sky. “This is a hookah, a wonder from a far off land. I have, in fact, many exotic magics and objects to show to each one of you...for the price of a single sequin, so less than what your pink-haired friend paid for her drink.”

“I don't think it's wise to-” Isolde started before the more adventurous side of Sombre got her to partake in this particular contraption, this hookah. Not bothering to finish her sentence, she looked at Cerise who curiously tried to gawk inside the tent, her own intrigued expression telling everything she needed to know as the blonde elf knew that no matter what she said...they'd go in anyway. As the cloaked elf extended one hand to demand payment, Isolde relented despite her reservations on the matter as she placed the coins on the open palm...and noticed not only golden jewelry in the form of bracelets or rings, but also a particular nail polish of the greenest shade. As Sombre exhaled, coughed a little and yet approved with a nod of what the hooded elf partook from, the trio entered as Isolde pondered just what kind of things would be shown to them...and neither were ready for what was inside.

The first and most impressive element that they noticed was that the tent was definitely much larger on the inside than the outside, more like a small hall than an actual low-key lodging accommodation. A great many carpets covered the ground, each with intricate patterns sewn over with a myriad of bright colors, each meshing well with the others. Patterns erupted upon them, from stars, twisted loops and spirals as they noticed that those same icons and symbols could be found upon the ceiling as well. Colored lanterns illuminated the entire place with their bright colors, purple, pink, green, blue and others mixing in a way that felt garish yet also pretty as large and soft pillows were placed just about everywhere. No one was within beside them as they observed and admired, indeed just the sights alone was perhaps worth that sequin they each paid.

“It's like a rainbow in there. It's so pretty!” Cerise said as she had brought her drink inside with her, noticing that she hadn't asked whether or not this was permitted as she downed it in one gulp and then placed it beside her, hopeful that no droplet would stain either the carpet or the pillows. Looking around, a pattern emerged in that the seats weren't exactly placed at random, more so they were surrounding a specific place, leaving a lot of space for things to happen there, perhaps a demonstration. Three such pillows were beside one another as they all went on to take a seat, with Isolde picking up the one left as Cerise and Sombre rushed ahead: in the middle. “What do you think their magic is like?”

“Colorful, probably?” Sombre answered as Isolde herself was caught between awe and wariness, if only because the descriptions of whatever they had paid for had been exceptionally vague. Then again, perhaps she was a bit too cautious, bordering on paranoia given that whatever Sombre had inhaled hadn't been harmful. There would be no reason for the other elf with green nail polish to partake if that had been true. Yet as Isolde pondered and lost herself in thought, the sound of the tent's opening flap was heard as two other elves entered. Looking back to see just who was joining them, the sight of that duo was enough to leave each member of the trio speechless.

“W-woah...” Cerise said, the only one to properly share her own opinion on the topic of those two exotic damsels who were joining them. Opposite to what Sombre, Cerise and Isolde wore, dresses and robes of a certain regal or reserved disposition, those two elves with bronzed skin went in a direction that was far from lightly revealing. Puffy pantaloons of a translucent nature adorned their legs, showing of their slender thighs, ankles and knees as the only thing somewhat covering their modesty were black underwear clinging in a dangerously tight manner between their legs. One was a brunette with messy hair arranged in a ponytail, wearing purple, her own top consisting of a strapless composition of two metal discs seemingly attached to her bosom, golden-composed and snake-themed as she wore a facial veil with the same fabric and texture as her pantaloons. The other, a blue-haired gal whose hairdo was shorter and a little better-kept wearing vestments of the same color had a cross-patterned top which was connected to her neck, leaving her back bare and a window to peek at her cleavage, with another difference with the brunette being the sash full of sequins hanging low on her hips and waist. Both had a lot of golden and serpentine accessories, from bangles and rings to earrings...along with necklaces around their neck. They approached the trio, standing tall in front of them soon as Sombre, Cerise and Isolde drank of their curves despite themselves. They even wore navel adornments, like jewelry that danged from their navels through small chains, the brunette wielding an amethyst upon a gold semi-ring, with the other having a sapphire upon a silver crescent moon. While fascinating, they also wore rings upon their pointed ears, a taboo given that such demarcations of elvish status were supposed to be sacred, left pristine yet theirs were pierced with gold and even snake-like rings. They were very different from anything they could have expected, their own unwittingly repressed culture not represented in the slightest, which made it all the more fascinating for the trio sitting down in this tent.

“That's...not what I expected at all,” Sombre admitted, her voice hinting that she was pleasantly surprised about what she saw, all that flesh being oiled and looking particularly luscious. Bare shoulders, midriff, a peak at torso and cleavage, yet somewhat more bizarre and yet alluring were those adornments upon their navel, rings that were attached there, with jewelry dangling from this accessory too. All of this looked positively scandalous, honestly unheard of in their own elvish society...and that only upped the appeal in a forbidden way. The fact that those two women stood there in silence, aware of the fact they were both ogled and admired was only adding fuel to the fire as the blue-haired one winked at Cerise while the brunette went on to lick her lips in a suggestive fashion while gazing at Sombre. Isolde did not know what to think right now, far too removed from her elements...yet she would be lying if she claimed she wasn't enjoying what she saw.

Neither of those strange though beautiful elves said a thing as one of them snapped her fingers, resulting in the colors coming from the lanterns shifted around. Purple became green, blue turned to orange and so on, a cavalcade of shades and tints that made things look a touch psychedelic, while the other mimicked that same gesture and sound, though to different effect. The symbols on the carpets and ceiling, all those spirals, stars and loops going on to budge either by twirling on the same spot or simply moving about. All of this mixed together to create a light show of simple splendor, easy to appreciate as the trio stared up in awe while the sounds of nature accompanied this display. Frogs, insects, light wind softly howling, all of this making this like a solemn and prized moment for those three close friends, though as they paid attention to it all and lost themselves in the sublime, one sound was missed out on, a brief though important one.

Hissssss...

“Welcome to you all. I'm Juniper,” the brunette said as she moved softly around, catching the attention of the trio sitting and staring at the ceiling, the patterns and colors so easy to latch onto. One small caress from her digits to Sombre's chin brought the raven-haired elf back to attention, that soft touch making the cynical elf lose a bit of her reserved attitude in favor of a light blush.

“And I'm Blueberry,” the blue-haired one added as if on cue, herself going on to tease Cerise with the faintest brush of her hand on a barely-exposed shoulder, moving from behind as the pink-haired elf had been so caught up with the spectacle that she hadn't even noticed that the gorgeous elf had snuck past her.

“And we have the privilege to demonstrate the wonder and splendor of our own all-powerful gods with this mystical performance, for your eyes only~” they said in perfect unison as both Sombre and Cerise were too taken with this presentation, their eyes wandering on where the hands of each alluringly-clad women were. Brushing against hips, near one's navel, a slight vaulting forward to showcase cleavage...all of it very tantalizing indeed, yet Isolde felt that something might be off. Which gods were they talking about? It seemed to a bit much to push this kind of sensual and somewhat magical approach this far. The flirtatious act was indeed amusing, though puzzling to Isolde who nevertheless stared despite herself. It was as odd as it was visually stimulating: very much so. Yet beneath all that light, all those assets of hers for them to gawk at, two details seemed to jump at her, the first being their eyes. They seemed to be spiraling much like those symbols on the ceiling, bright and yet subtle despite that, shifting in colors much like the lanterns did. The second details were their necklaces...which seemed more like collars now that she had a better look. Neither Sombre not Cerise seemed to have noticed this, too taken by the teasingly tantalizing elves before them, yet Isolde wasn't certain if that was a trick of the light or something else.

Whatever other observations she could have made were interrupted by them acting in unison with the two clapping their hands twice. A very small echo and then it resulted in music going on to play, filling the tent with various string instruments, drums and even cymbals as Cerise seemed particularly happy about this development, herself being a musician of no small talent. Her happiness, however, was joined in by Sombre as the two elves took very similar stances, lifting their arms on the side to chest level before then pushing their waist forward and then spinning in the opposite direction, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. This made for a mirror effect as their hips almost brushed against one another after one loop and it caused for them, to then twirl and do the same yet with their back to their spectators.

“I bet that they could get anyone to be their spouse or husband, looking like that,” Sombre went on to tease, ever the one to speak her mind about things as she certainly drank of the display graciously offered by their hostesses. Her own tendency to not always act in diplomatic fashion did drive a few people away, yet there was an endearing honesty to her as even though Isolde did miss out on the cue about her not unappreciative of what she saw...Sombre nevertheless smirked a bit as if excited in more than one way. “Do you think they sell these outfits there? You know...to try them out.”

“Did you take a look at their steps right there? So impressive!” Cerise said as she had a more analytical mind than many would give her credits for. Many thought her a klutz, yet she was smart despite her own attitude of indulgence and laissez-faire that gravitated around the pink-haired elf. “I wonder where they learned those moves?”

“Dancing is fun, but it's even more so when someone is watching~” Blueberry said as she then went on to do a semi twirl and then bend her back a little. Mimicked by Juniper in this initiative, they went on to extend their arm forward and then retract them with serpentine undulations, the two being synchronized with each other as they each seemed to stare directly at Sombre and Cerise. They shook their shoulder a bit, resulting in their chest shaking a little as those generous mounds of flesh were soon joined to the appealing spectacle offered to the trio.

“So gaze and enjoy yourselves. There's more where that came from~” Juniper added as eventually the two of them lowered themselves and their hands joined while they got on their knees. They fluttered their bellies, sucking them in and then pushing them out as they eventually went on to readjust their back so they'd be upright. Palms against palms, fingers interlaced with one another they stared in each other's eyes, not only their lips close to one another in a particularly sultry display but they also switched their midriff motions to rolls of their abdomen...as if their own midsections tried to kiss as well. It was shockingly appealing, unheard of and neither Isolde, Cerise or Sombre knew what to say or thing as they witnessed this.

“Someone...watching...” Sombre began to repeat, muttered beneath her breath as indeed the mostly cynical elf was no stranger to beauty and enjoyment. The bodies of the two dancers and their words seemed to have more of an impact on her, reducing her usual unabashed personality and remark into a little whisper barely heard by anyone save Isolde.

“Enjoy...ourselves...” Cerise repeated, enchanted and her tone not devoid of enthusiasm rather than loudness, as if speaking through a holy ceremony. This corresponded very well to her own beliefs, hedonism being paramount to one's life as misery made for poor company...and there was none to be found in this precious instance as Isolde heard this one as well.

There was no further need for communication save what their body had to say as eventually the mirror effect was stopped in favor of Juniper going on to rise while Blueberry's own hands rubbed against that hourglass figure. Loops of an eight-shape, a figure-eight, was done horizontally and then vertically as those hands caressed and showcased hips and waist, Juniper herself sighing and cooing at this scandalous display of eroticism which silenced the trio. One hand brushed even against the lower section of that belly, a small blop motion meant to repel it unsuccessful until eventually Juniper went for a few waist gyrations as Blueberry rose behind her and moved her hands upward as well. That adjustment made it so those palms and digits brushed against near-exposed breasts and cumulated in Juniper twirling back while Blueberry took her place...only for the paradigm to be shifted.

“No need to hesitate, no need to doubt~” Blueberry said, encouraging the trio to admire in a gentle, near-whisper voice barely heard over the music as the cymbals got lower while the drums went on to get a touch more prominent. This resulted in bumps, swift motions of their hips in a back and forth motion as the two of them went on to move their hands above their hands, clap their hands and leave them in this position. As one went left, the other went right as they both isolated torso and midsection in an intricate though ultimately simple pendulum motion. As if literally joined in the flesh, they moved in opposition and yet unison as both looked at their spectators with sultry smiles on their face.

“Just watch, listen and relax~” Juniper added, the both of them going wider and then shorter, faster and then slower, never particularly settling for one steady rhythm as they didn't necessarily follow the music...as it seemed more like the opposite. They added chest bumps and rotations to the entire ensemble, their generous torso going on to bounce and spin while they went at it as they separated while their own hands and arms went just below chest level, palms still joined. Undulations from top to bottom and then reverse were shown, mastery over their own flesh demonstrated skillfully and beautifully as they repeated this here and there as they went on to put a little distance between one another.

“No need to hesitate...no...doubt...” Sombre repeated as this one was a telltale sign of her being more than a little absent-minded. She was critical, analytical despite how others perceived her, yet this dance and the sumptuous albeit strange performance made it so those traits of her were gone, replaced by not just acceptance but also a certain arousal in her barely-voiced reply.

“Watch...listen...relax...” Cerise responded, mimicking those statements as if they were the deepest of truths. Herself more open-minded than many, always trying to find the positive side of things, she was indeed easy to convince as the two dancers made for sound arguments not just with their words...but with their curves as well.

“When looking at something beautiful, something incredible, there is no need to think, only to appreciate it to its fullest~” Blueberry went on to say as eventually both Juniper and her twirled in opposite direction, yet ended up facing one another as they began to bend their back and wave their arms toward one another, as if beckoning the other to come forth. Serpentine motions, surprising flexibility on demonstration as they shook their shoulders when their hands got near one another, making their supple and sizeable chest sway and jiggle enticingly.

“It is up to the performers, like us dancers, to suggest what ought be seen, appreciated and focused upon. With our words and our bodies, we communicate and take control~” Juniper added as the mirror-like effect they had both put in place went on to be ruptured by a sudden motion of the two dancers. They got closer, dangerously so, in a way that almost suggested a kiss was about to happen with their face so close to one another, yet instead it went on to turn into flutters as one pushed her abdomen and the other sucked hers in, resulting in almost-kisses from their midriff to go along their sensual proximity. As this went on, however, Isolde could swear that the snake jewelry that both sported were somewhat shifting around, slithering upon their body and hinting at moving from one dancing elf to another. It couldn't be true, yet as she tried to readjust herself she figured it was a trick of the mind...an illusion.

This all seemed risky, near-sacrilegious even and yet Isolde couldn't quite take her eyes off of them. She figured she could seduce nearly anyone with such moves, such ensembles. It looked so good on them, so sublime as she cooed and sometimes even gasped at some of the audacious twists and turns this performance had given form to. Yet something felt a bit odd, as she expected the more vocal Cerise to join her or even Sombre to have something to say on the matter, yet neither had very interesting things to say if their whispers were to be believed. They were uncannily less verbose than usual and as Isolde tried to put it out of her mind, she unwittingly stared at those eyes she swore were spiraling and whenever she tried to do so...she found herself a bit dazed, strangely so in fact. She could swear that something was up and that it truly seemed like each of the dancer were focusing especially on either Sombre or Cerise, an observation which proved to be true as Juniper got closer to Sombre while Blueberry approached Cerise. Both went on to slowly undulate their belly with each step, moving their hands to frame their midriff as they seemed to lick their lips, gazing in a manner that could be only described as predatory. She tried to say something, to warn her companions and yet her tongue felt heavy, her mouth full of molasse somewhat as she had difficulty expressing herself. Yet as she herself had been affected, she was the least afflicted in the trio, both Sombre and Cerise showcasing not only oblivious expressions, but spiraling eyes that expanded slowly but surely as if to mimic those found in the gazes of those two dancers. Alarmed by this, chances were that the song ended just at this moment as both Juniper and Blueberry moved just a little past Sombre and Cerise, only to finish their dance with a bow before whoever had just entered.

“We were waiting for you,” the two said in unison as Isolde turned around...the only one to actually do so she noticed, to witness a particular kind of beauty that left her more speechless than she thought possible. An elf with pale skin, long blonde hair attached in a smooth and flawless ponytail, dressed in gold and green. She had see-through sleeves adorning her forearm and close to her elbows, slightly puffy yet translucent, a top that suggested a golden snake looping around her breasts and around itself while holding green satin, a pelvic curtain which showcased her exquisite legs and wore a facial veil much like the others. Her accessories were composed of anklets, cuffs and the same collar...alongside a navel jewel which was a small cobra hood, complete with emerald eyes. She looked dignified, regal even despite her midriff, cleavage and most of her skin being exposed as two snakes were lightly wrapped against her upper arms and shoulders, looking at the scene with a privileged point-of-view.

“You two have my gratitude for presenting our excellence to our guests,” the blonde beauty said as the snakes went on to move to her forearms, passing their tail and heads through her fingers as they hissed and observed the situation. Both of those beasts seemed to be just as long as Juniper and Blueberry were tall, making the fact that this newer host inside the tent seemed even more impressive. One look at her hands, however, the noticing of the green nail polish gave away that she had been the one to invite them in, the cloaked elf that Isolde would never have guessed looked this good. “Allow me to present myself. I am Gwevelyn and am in the service to the gods themselves. I offer my thanks to you three for offering to join our ceremony and let us all share and partake of this sacred ritual~”

There was something dignified, completely noble about this one that couldn't be ignored as just staring at her gave a certain peace of mind to Isolde. Looking at those two dancers approach her, each one took one of the snakes from her, doing so carefully and respectfully not just for Gwevelyn...but for the animals as well. With her arms free she went on to sway her hips as she did so in a steady, perfectly-controlled fashion, yet what was most impressive was how both Blueberry and Juniper caught on and replicated her motions near-instantaneously even despite the snakes beginning to wrap them up. Compared to what those two had demonstrated prior, it was a very straightforward and simple approach and yet the way Gwevelyn went on to raise her hands above her head, twirl her wrists together and move her fingers in an intricate fashion before then clasping her palms together seemed purposeful, complex despite appearances to the contrary.

Nothing was said yet, not even a whisper as only the hisses of the nearby snakes could be heard and yet it was Gwevelyn that stole the show and whatever remained of Isolde's attention. Even though both Juniper and Blueberry had paved the way for such expectations, the more mature of the trio couldn't quite contend with the attraction she felt for this blonde elf who took her breath away. She stood but a few meters away, occasionally taking one step forward to cross the distance separating them, yet not one moment passed without the same swaying continued. The cobra head within her midriff glistened, somewhat absorbing and reflecting the light that changed colors as Gwevelyn herself seemed not to be affected by the ambience. More than that, the music had started without Isolde even noticing as the sound was mellow, intimate, low strings and deep echoes of drums filling the tent with their rhythm.

Isolde wanted to speak again, yet once more no words could escape from her lips yet this time it was different. She didn't know what to say, what to think...but she knew what to look at as those rich and creamy thighs moved in tandem with the swaying as those ample hips caught her gaze and trapped it there. Yet instead of immobilizing those eyes, it guided them to her midriff, to that cobra jewel of sparkling eyes and opulent power as that smooth, flat stomach seemed more like a gem than the actual stone adorning it. Upper still, an impulse traveling her thoughts as Isolde stared at that chest, so generous and perfectly sculpted, two pillows of pristine flesh that could lull her into complacency with but a few swings and a few careful words. Still she got higher until she looked at that face deeper than ever before, the one which was hidden by the hood prior and within she looked at two beacons of mesmerizing marvels: twin spiraling eyes of both green and gold, just like her vestments. Akin to those found in Blueberry and Juniper's eyes, this felt different as while there was indeed a sense of dread as her own gaze was seemingly absorbed into those two colors looping endlessly, there was also an overwhelming fascination that proved irresistible.

As Gwevelyn inevitably and silently went on to get closer, those spirals in her eyes proved to be so much more threatening and dangerous...which only served to exponentially improve their appeal. It proved exciting to stare at them, as if daring something out-of-the-ordinary as it became harder to look away. Spirals went on to emerge from other venues, the ceiling itself seemingly lower while Gwevelyn became taller, more imposing...and thus that much more attractive. There was a raw sexual power to this woman whose hips swayed left and right continuously, the pattern so easy to notice and to latch onto. Her own ponytail swished alongside, gluing Isolde's sight upon all of this as she heard hisses coming from the snakes nearby, much closer than they should...and even one from...the cobra? It couldn't be right, yet the cobra jewel shone even brighter than ever before, illuminating that sublime midriff was it seemed to double in size alongside Gwevelyn, a titan of beauty and noblesse. She tried a double-take, but what she perceived some more than real, the cobra jewel somewhat letting out an emerald forked tongue which hissed anew, as if whispering secrets in an unknown tongue to her.

With her convinced that this was real, it felt easy to let this happen, her own mental and physical reflexes slowing down to a crawl as her own doubts and hesitation felt drained, taken away from her. It was actually quite pleasant, making it that much easier to entertain the notion to stare and not to worry anymore, to learn to enjoy this despite her own reflexions being utterly simplistic and near-sighted in their ambitions. She wanted to stare, to do nothing else but that and to let the spirals take away more. More of those pesky contradictions in her observations, more of her nagging thoughts which handicaped her own enjoyment, her worries over the matters of life which felt projected upon her...like finding a husband as quickly as possible. Such things were obstacles to this entertainment, to the show at hand. Gwevelyn seemed almighty, a sumptuous being more akin to a divinity than a mere elf and this perception of her empowered the blonde dancer even further. As she pondered this, entertained this notion, one facet of Isolde's personality did know how to fight back and to reject such notions as while her own happiness was being fueled...what of Sombre and Cerise? Were they too prey to such feelings, such sentiments draining them away? Her curiosity made it so she made a semi-conscious effort to turn her gaze away, needing answers to that line of inquiry as through a considerable effort she budged her own eyes to check up on her friends.

Breaking eye contact with Gwevelyn, she looked at both side of her to check upon her friends only to see that not only were they deeply under...but some time had obviously passed since she locked gaze with the blonde and dignified temptress. Both Sombre and Cerise were staring deeply into spiral eyes, mimicking the many colors projected from their respective companion, Juniper and Blueberry. Sombre, herself, was on her knees and her back was stiff, completely upright as her smile was turned into a wide grin, a silly-looking one as Juniper joined her arm with hers, making it so their members were but a branch for the snake to cross over, going around toward the raven-haired, mindless elf. Cerise, meanwhile, was vaulting a little forward and smiling like a fool, softly drooling while her eyelids were half-closed, her near-vacant stare completely overtaken by the snake that Blueberry held which danced and swayed upon her shoulders and upper arms. That particular slithering creature was staring deeply and intendedly upon Cerise, bombarding her with colors as it was getting very clear that both of her friends were at the mercy of not only those skimpily-dressed elves...but of those serpents as well. What did not help was that Blueberry herself rotated her shoulders, rolling her breasts in a rather shockingly tantalizing manner while also fluttering her belly slowly and sensually, giving more fuel to the hedonistic Cerise as she was a captive to the blue-haired beauty.

“Yes, you only need to let my master take good care of you. Let him come closer, leave yourself to his care~” both Blueberry and Juniper said in unison, as if they were but one now while the serpents went on to act of their own will, using them instead of the opposite. Neither or them, nor Sombre and Cerise seemed to even register that Isolde had broken free and could see all of this, both of her friends completely powerless and smiling, mimicking the same spirals and fixated upon their respective dancing elf and serpent accordingly. Yet as Isolde wanted to rise, to do something about all of this, one swift turn of her head brought her to a much-closer Gwevelyn who never stopped dancing nor taking it one step at a time...until she was slightly bending forward in such a way as to make her breasts get that much nearer to Isolde's face.

“Do not be afraid or worry. The snakes and my companions have nothing but your best interests in mind. We would not dream of harming any one of you~” Gwevelyn said and immediately her voice seemed to shake the foundation that Isolde had managed to reclaim. A small swinging of those breasts, pendulum-like much akin to the swaying hips, made it so the mature and recently ”freed” elf had difficulties focusing once again. There were so smooth, spherical, heavy and yet soft-looking, delightful mounds of pristine pale flesh pulling her gaze almost as assuredly as the spirals in those eyes did. “Much like you, in fact. We want nothing but the best for both of your friends, for them to be happy, safe and nicely paired of~”

This hit a sensible chord for Isolde as Gwevelyn returned with her back upright and continued to sway her hips back and forth...back and forth...back and forth. The repeated and sensual motion was even more effective now as Gwevelyn's midriff was at eye-level and so did the cobra jewel that she wore. It seemed to almost be alive now, hissing while it moved from left to right...or was it a trick that was self-inflicted, an auditive illusion? Isolde couldn't know as the oiled and perfumed body of the sumptuous Gwevelyn hit her with its scent, putting her in a sweet daze as it mixed with the slight bitterness of the hookah that stuck to her. Sweet yet with a strong after-scent, the kind that made her feel woozy as the repeated pattern was unstopping, never relenting for one second. It was dazzling, too beautiful for words as Isolde began to get flustered and overwhelmed all over again despite herself.

“You will be such a wonderful addition to our ranks, to the harem,” Gwevelyn said as she pushed her waist forward to let the cobra jewel dangle, shimmying her hips to make it swing a little faster before returning to the usual sways left and right, one hand playing with her belly button for the briefest of instant if only to make Isolde's stare gravitate exactly where she wanted. “You have such insight, such care for others. Very few are aware of how observant and mindful you are, yes? How much concern you have for those you're fond of~”

This felt like her soul being exposed, her nature unveiled and yet even though it was a violation of her being...it seemed liberating too. Like she was being freed from pressure or finally noticed, little by little. The cobra stared at her with pure intent, its golden shell and emerald eyes mixing so very well with the sensual stomach that seemed to accommodate itself so very well to every slight undulations, flutters of the most subtle fashion accompanying those sways as if the cobra was dancing alongside Gwevelyn.

“You are the kind of person to guide others, to teach them and to nurture, one who could be among the brightest and the most valuable~” Gwevelyn said not just with praise but with a certain tone that felt honeyed, seductive. This was almost flirting, uncovering the deepest layers of this blonde youngster and then seasoning them with qualities and expectations, the perfect ingredient for a charming kind of trance that was preying upon Isolde's own self-image. “I see you learning faster, absorbing the etiquette and experience of being a good believer, worshiper and slave before any other...and then kindly teaching others how to do the same, being an example to all~”

She always did perceive herself as someone with higher morals and a good head on her shoulders and hearing her being vindicated in this opinion, especially by someone as lovely and dignified as Gwevelyn, only served to fuel that assertion. The more she listened, gave importance and focus upon Gwevelyn's action and words, the further Isolde gave them weight. More so, the divide between her own thoughts and reactions along with the blonde beauty's own words was turning chaotic, confusing even. Where her own ideas started and where the suggestions observations of Gwevelyn did as well weren't so easy to identify any longer, which made it so Isolde was confounded...and thus even more malleable as spirals of green and gold began to emerge in her own eyes too, albeit in a very minimal capacity.

“I see you as an upcoming role model, an inspiration even for others to emulate~” Gwevelyn added, taking one step further so that her midriff and the jewel within would be the only things that Isolde could see now. Her pale flesh reflected some of the icons and colors from above, yet the cobra hood remained stoic and bright, pure gold and emeralds and staring long and deep within the mesmerized Isolde's eyes. “I am most certain you will inspire other elves into following the teaching of ours gods, of our serpentine masters...just like I'm doing with you now~”

That separation between self and the hypnosis she was subjected to was shattered as Isolde could do, would do, naught but accept what Gwevelyn said and explained. There was a deep truth to it, the deepest one in fact, that made it so her voice could carry no falsehood, her words unable to contain lies. She vaulted forward, unwittingly on her knees now and so close to that midriff which drained her from her independence, free will and sense of self. So close that she could kiss it, taste it, letting herself be bombarded not just with the cobra jewel but with that perfumed oil and the natural scent of the gorgeous dancing elf.

“Just like my masters trust me to take good care of you and let you learn and evolve, so they shall trust you to do the same to your friends here. Letting them join us, making sure they have no improper thoughts or hesitations, concepts anathema to the eternal bliss promised by our serpent lords~” Gwevelyn said as she backed away with a hip circle going backward before then slowly moving closer than ever before, tantalizingly going for a glacial pace when she got near Isolde's nose and lips, even shimmying as she gently bent her lower back for more reach. “Those like us who care, who nurture, who make others grow are rewarded, allowed to live in opulence and luxury. Eternal contentment and happiness not just for them...but for you as well~”

By now, Isolde's subconscious was the most vulnerable and suggestible it had ever been. With Gwevelyn so close, one of her hands got close to Isolde's head as she stroked her hair and then placed one of her palms against her cheek, gently moving her head so that she'd look just a bit upward. In this position, it meant that Isolde would see her towering over, a gigantic and appealing figure with not just beauty but authority and charisma as well. The sight of firm, speeding-up spirals inside those eyes was an encouragement, a symbol of her inescapable and tempting words and body, the inevitable fate that befell all elves whom the masters wanted in their ranks. To see someone so utterly lost, driven to confusion and misguided attempts at happiness only to be brought in the fray, in the understanding care and simplicity of submission was ever a boon. Gwevelyn never failed to enjoy it, to wish to spread it furthermore until all would see how right her masters were.

“It must feel incredible to feel seen and understood, yes? For someone to finally realize your potential~” Gwevelyn stated as she went on to scratch one of Isolde's ears as if she were playing with a pet, the gesture seen more as endearing than degrading by the now helplessly-hypnotized younger elf. Shimmies went on full-blast and then stopped, toying with the spirals and trance as if they were anchored solidly and permanently now, something that was not so far-removed from the truth. “It can all be yours. Your education, your newest role, your assured status and bliss all there and yours for the taking...and all you have to do to pledge yourself is to kiss my navel and polish the cobra~”

By now, Isolde was drooling, a silly smile on her face as her eyes were entirely glued on that midriff, looking as if she wanted to elope and become the property of her midriff here and now. Dull-minded, completely docile and lost in a daze of lust, it would be easy and simple for Gwevelyn to give her the final push and be done with it, yet two of her masters were watching and making a show out of an induction was especially satisfying to them. Hisses of approval, of an encore, were sent to her and thus Gwevelyn knew exactly what to do and say to make this conclude beautifully.

“Before you succumb to your desires and submit, mayhaps you should take a long, hard look at your friends first,” Gwevelyn suggested as she wanted to put on display the downfall of this one, enjoying the relapse and the defeat of one who had been hesitant, the one she had identified would be an interesting addition and a worthy challenge the moment she took the payment from in the first place. “Observe them carefully, try to see whether or not they would be happy in this arrangement.”

Isolde obeyed, a new instinct of hers as primed by Gwevelyn's own expert manipulation and induction as she stared at both Sombre and Cerise. The first she looked at was Sombre, the one she ever had been worried about given that her own attitude had been often described as “challenging and boorish”. Here, however, she was standing on her knees, in an upright position as the cynical and sometimes difficult raven-haired elf was starring at Juniper who stood above her, towering over Sombre. The brunette dancer was vaulted a little forward, letting Sombre stare at her top and cleavage as she traced with one finger a spiral pattern, one meant to arouse and pull her friend toward her. With the snake now comfortably resting upon Sombre's shoulders, it went on to hiss within one ear, sharing secrets in an unknown language, yet one that the spiral-eyed and fascinated elf seemed to understand as she nodded every now and then, smiling and drooling while checking out the chest visually offered to her.

Cerise, the other one that Isolde wanted to check upon, had gone on to experiment a bit more than their more reserved friend as the pink-haired gal had discarded many layers of her vestments. No robes, no undershirt, no long and tall sandals, merely underwear as both she and Blueberry were particularly close to one another not just in body but somewhat in spirit. Their chest were squishing upon one another, an obscene though also very warm demonstration of affection as they held each other in a mixture of tenderness and daring exploration. Hands went on to admire and touch curves, smooth flesh being experimented upon as both were tightly bound not just by appreciation and affection, but by one snake that had wrapped itself gently around each of their neck. It swayed and hissed, as if telling them that this was perfectly okay as they went on to softly and lightly kiss one another, giggling all the while as neither seemed to mind their predicament, on the contrary.

There was nothing wrong with what she saw, nothing to be alarmed about. The mention of slaves, worship and the fact that she'd be there to guide them alongside Gwevelyn made it seem everything was perfect. The fact that they had found people to pair up with, to be bonded to be it snakes or other women comforted Isolde as she could safely be preoccupied about her own future and actions now. Her lips squished against that soft belly, the smooth flesh drowning her with its taste and scent as Isolde could not be content with but a chaste little peck and thus went all-in, letting her tongue to the talking. The oil and very light sweat upon that pale skin was the most divine of flavor as Isolde kept her eyes open all the while, the cobra jewel refusing her the initiative to close them off. It was a living thing, an effigy of those she'd serve as she then went on to kiss and polish it deeply and with sensual, sexual need. She moaned softly as her lips wrapped themselves around it while her tongue darted her navel. Her hands, her digits brushed against that midsection flesh, this alluring abdomen who had subjugated her heart, mind and soul as Isolde could not contain herself in front of such delight. Unable to contain herself, she was observed by Gwevelyn who crossed her arm and looked down upon her, always enjoying such worship as she smiled in triumph over one more of her accomplishments.

To see someone go for this meant that she had done her holiest of mission correctly. Converting those lost and able to be saved, to be rescued and guided by her serpentine masters was her privilege as the feel of lips on her midriff was not just pleasurable in a more sensual but also spiritual way. A tongue worshiping her own abdomen was ready to start lessons on how to adore and revere snakes, to be of use and to be sheltered in obedience and care. Yet all of this had awakened a little desire within Gwevelyn's own body as she placed her hands softly on Isolde's head, caressing through her hair. Then she pressed a little on that cranium of hers, moving that tongue and those lips to her lower midsection as she went much lower still, where a much more fitting reward for her hard work would be had, where Isolde could express her gratitude in a much more sacred manner...

Isolde and the others lost track of time and of themselves soon enough, far more than during that first meeting and ceremony to celebrate the scaled masters, the slithering lords themselves. Unaware that the festival was kept ongoing and that others had even joined them eventually, the tent itself was eventually taken down not by physical efforts but rather by magical means. The very next morning, after a night that felt unending, the caravan and the accompanying tents were nowhere to be found, along with its inhabitants. Few noticed that it had even been there and fewer realized that it was gone, taking away a batch of young promising elves who would now be a part of something far greater and sinister.

Part of the cult of snakes, as hypnotized slaves of the temple of serpents.