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Back at the river Rowan began to grow impatient, “Honestly, how long does it take for that tiny-bootied human to go to his tree-house and get back? The sun is already heading towards the tree-lines. If he waits any longer it's gonna get dark.” Rowan pouted a little till an idea formed in his head on how he would punish his lover's tardiness. Minutes passed and Rowan began to fidget with anticipation, but this was also coupled with a little bit of worry. “Hmm, maybe I should go check on him.”, Rowan thought hoping Almond had just been a little lax with his return. Rowan mused that maybe Almond would come up with some cute little scenario to make up for injuring his lip, maybe their play would get more interesting tonight. A figure came into Rowan's view; it was another naga, and in his territory! “Who are you!”, Rowan demanded seeing the stranger. The newcomer flinched hearing the fierceness in Rowan's voice and at the intensity of his gaze, “M-My name is Virion. I-I don't mean to intrude on your territory, p-please forgive me.” Rowan looked the newcomer over; he didn't look like he wanted to invade and take over his territory like other giants had done in the past, especially with his smaller physique, plus he was in a hurry to get to a certain adorable red-head that would be in for the night of his life when Rowan got hold of him. With a grunt Rowan addressed the newcomer, “Look, I'm feeling oddly gracious right now so I'll let you off with just a warning. Don't let me catch you around my territory again or it'll mean trouble for you, understand?” Virion nodded his head and began to slither away into the brush.

Making it to Almond's house Rowan called out for his tiny lover, “Oh Almond, you've got one hungry naga outside of your window that's thinking about eating you all up for himself.” Rowan sniggered at his tease as he looked into Almond's window, but he was nowhere to be seen. “Hmm, that's odd. Maybe he's..”, Rowan stopped his thought as he spied a leather and canvas bag on the ground. “This is Almond's bag, what's it doing down here?”, picking the bag up Rowan could feel the still slick saliva that coated it. Shaking away his original thoughts of fun and play Rowan's mind began to focus and came to realize that not only was the bag covered in saliva, but there was a smell all around him. The same smell that the other naga had, a smell that mixed with Almond's!

Rowan's muscles worked faster than they had ever done in their propulsion to find Virion; his heart flooded with images of Almond in despair, calling out for him to come save him, this lent fuel to the rage rising in Rowan's mind. How could he have let that naga go without questioning him?! How could he have not noticed Almond's scent on him when he was so close to him?! How could he not have known his lover was in trouble?! It did not take Rowan long to find Virion as he was preparing to cross the river that he had waited for Almond at. “Virion!”, Rowan yelled in as threatening a tone as he could manage, and going by the loss of color in Virion's face it was very threatening. “Wh-What is it?”, Virion asked unsure of what he had done to incur such an angered look in Rowan's eyes. In the blink of an eye Rowan was towering over Virion, his eyes smoldering pits of auburn fire as they beheld the cowering creature before them. “Did you find a human earlier!? One with orange hair, and a cloak!?”, Rowan demanded. Virion stammered out his reply, “Y-Y-Y-es I did. Wh-Why?” Rowan's eyes leered into Virion's as he continued his questioning, each word was filled with an intense, punctuated sense of malice as he spoke through clenched teeth, “What did you do with him!?” Virion tried to put a little space between him and the dangerous sounding naga; he was not someone who was ever violent and even tried to refrain from eating more sentient life, so he could guess what had suddenly enraged the naga before him. The words slowly crawled out of Virion's mouth as though held back by unseen chains, “I-I ate him. I didn't w-want to, but it had b-been so long since I last ate and....”

Virion's words were lost to Rowan's ears as his head dropped down and his eyes went wide in horror and disbelief. His Almond had been eaten. The one human that after he had let go stuck around and became his friend and lover, the one person he cherished on this island above all else including himself was gone. The hum of Virion's words continued in a muffled apology that gnawed away at Rowan's mind till something inside him snapped; his posture stiffened, every muscle in his body went rigid with anger at the realization that the one who had taken his Almond from him was standing before him. Virion's gaze blurred and the world spun at the sudden impact to his left cheek that sent him sprawling into the river. Water sputtered from Virion's mouth and nose as he tried to turn and see the naga that had struck him, but he wished he had not.

Rowan's eyes were cold, hate-filled, daggers as their gaze fell upon the terrified countenance of Virion. Then came the most unearthly shriek of rage that had ever echoed through the forest scattering every make of creature into all directions that led away from its source, all save one, one who became rooted to the spot of the anguished cry. Snapping back to the reality of his situation Virion tried to slither into the waters of the river in an attempt to escape, but before he could get the entirety of his body into the water a creeping, burning pain shot through his spine and halted his escape. Rowan had sunk his claws deep into Virion's scales preventing his escape; like a harpooned fish, Virion was forcefully dragged screaming from the water and back onto the shore.
In a flash Rowan's densely muscled tail enveloped Virion's and began squeezing it with every ounce of strength he could muster, not holding anything back. “I'm sorry! I didn't know!”, Virion pleaded feeling his tail starting to be crushed under the immense pressure of Rowan's scales. While his tail worked on crushing Virion's tail, Rowan's fist began to work on Virion's chest and face. Each punch he threw was not calculated like in combat with a friend or someone he considered a worth opponent, but instead were vicious and animalistic in their ferocity as each strike came with an enraged yell. “Give! Me! Back! My! Almond!”, Rowan roared as his fists dropped against Virion's head. Pain, and fear laden tears ran down Virion's face as he tried in vain to shield himself from the brutal onslaught of Rowan's fury. Forcing Virion to the ground Rowan let out a guttural hiss as he prepared his fangs to put an end to Virion as revenge for his fallen lover when he looked down at something that caught his eye. It was weak, but it was true, there was movement in Virion's stomach! Redirecting his gaze to Virion's frightened eyes Rowan hissed his demands, “Give him back, now!”
In between sobs Virion tried to speak, “I...c-can't. H-He's in my.....” Virion's words were replaced with a pitiful wail as Rowan summoned all of his strength into his right hand and buried it just below Virion's navel. Virion lurched forward, his breathing became labored, the pain that was there had vanished, but was instead replaced with a violent thrusting motion of his abdomen and the guts it held. Acrid fluids filled Virion's mouth to the bursting point, each time Virion retched forward it felt like being struck by Rowan's fist again and again, then it came. At first it was just his shoulder popping out, but then with one, final push Almond's body flopped out of Virion's mouth and onto the smooth, moss-covered stone that acted like a cushion as he slid to a stop.
Releasing Virion from his vice-like grip Rowan hurried towards his lover's side. “Almond! Almond please speak to me!” Nothing happened. “Don't you leave me now! We have so many games left to play!”, Rowan continued in this manner pleading with the still form of Almond as hopeless tears came to his eyes. Almond's body jerked violently as he spewed gastric juices from his mouth and nose. “R-Rowan?”, he whispered seeing the silhouette of his giant lover hovering over him. “Y-Yes, I'm here Almond! I'm here!” Almond coughed again, “You c-came f-f-for me.” “Of course I did”, Rowan sniffed. “I would never abandon you! You're my tiny after all!”, it was all Rowan could do to keep his voice intelligible with the joy he felt seeing Almond was alive, that is, until he heard another cough from behind him.
Virion was desperately trying to crawl away; seeing the cause of his Almond suffering trying to flee stirred Rowan back into anger as he reeled around with a hiss and fixed him with another death-filled glare. Virion trembled at the approach of Rowan watching his fingers arch into sickles with their black-clawed tips pointing outwards towards him. “Pl-Please don't.”, Virion begged sensing the bloodlust in Rowan. Raising one hand high into the air Rowan prepared to deal the final blow till Almond's weak voice caught his ear. “R-Rowan, please don't kill him.” Rowan growled looking down at the horrified Virion that held his arms up to his face; he wanted to strike, he wanted to kill the thing that threatened his Almond and brought such pain to his body. Virion waited for Rowan's claws to dig into him, but they did not come. Daring to glance out from his arms he spied Rowan's hands at his side.
While he no longer attacking him Rowan's voice was clear and full of ire, “Go, now! And don't ever let me see you again!” Virion slowly slipped into the water and began a pained swim to the other side; Rowan gently scooped the shivering Almond into his hands and held his slimy body close to his own, all the while his eyes stared at Virion, not letting him out of his sight until he eventually melted into the foliage on the other side of the river. His eyes refocused; Almond was in rough shape, scraps of cloth still clung to his body, his skin had reddened along his legs and shoulders. Almond needed medical attention and he needed it now.
“Dr. Owglarian!”, his mind shouted remembering the man that had helped him and Almond in the past. In the same instant he began racing through the forest in the direction of the man's house. “He'll be able to help! He's got to!”, Rowan thought swerving from in between trees as limbs bent and broke against his chest, all this while taking special care to shield Almond with his hands so as not to exacerbate his wounds any further. Rowan was just beginning to pass Almond's house when a voice came shouting from behind him, “Rowan old boy! What was that great, bellowing shriek we heard earlier?! Kieran and I nearly fell out of our beds trying to get out here and see if you and Almond were alright!” Rowan's mind filled with hope seeing the appearance of Dr. Owglarian, “Please help Almond!” Rowan lowered Almond's barely conscious form down to where the doctor could get a better idea on what was going on.
Dr. Owglarian's eyes widened and he turned back towards his cart where Kieran was tending to Achilles, “Kieran, get the burn kits and some sedatives, I'll set up a makeshift ward in Almond's room. Rowan you get him up there.” Both men did as they were ordered as Dr. Ow took three steps at a time getting up to Almond's room with Kieran close behind him. Inside, he and Kieran dragged Almond's bed to the window where they, assisted by Rowan's fingers, gently placed Almond on his bed. The two men worked in near perfect synchrony; first they removed the remains of Almond's melted clothes, then they took out small vials where Dr. Ow pressed a long needle into Almond's arm forcing a semi-clear liquid from the vials inside of him, this seemed to ease Almond's tensed muscles bringing a look of relief to Rowan's worried eyes.
“Will he be ok?”, Rowan asked watching Kieran rub a gel-like substance on Almond's burns that smelt of an intense mint. Dr. Owglarian examined Almond for any other sign of injury before turning towards Rowan, “What happened?” Rowan filled the two men in on how he had found the other naga in his territory and then upon learning of Almond's peril dealt with the intruder. While Dr. Ow and Rowan spoke Kieran spoke to the semi-conscious Almond in a soothing manner, “It's gonna be alright now Almond, Rowan got to you before any permanent damage could be done. Look, the damaged skin is repairing as we speak.” Almond tried to look down at his arm to see what Kieran had described but was gently pushed back with Kieran saying it would be wise not to move too much. “R-Rowan?”, Almond called beckoning the giant's eyes over to him. Rowan's voice filled with concern and hope that if he could do something to relieve his Almond he would, “Yes Almond? What can I do for you?”
Dr. Owglarian moved between them, “The best thing you can do for him now is to give him a little bit of air to recuperate.” Rowan insisted he speak with Almond, but Dr. Owglarian shooed him from the window explaining that what Almond needed now was rest, “You can speak with him tomorrow Rowan. Go rest now while Kieran and I see to him. You have my word he'll be right as rain by then.” Rowan's forlorn stare beamed past the good doctor at the slightly moving figure of his lover as he interacted with Kieran made him antsy, he wanted to hold Almond, he wanted to make him feel better. Despite the pain in his mind Rowan knew the doctor would take care of Almond and if he said he would be fine then that was all there was to it; still, he didn't want to leave Almond's side. After some debate, Dr. Owglarian consented to Rowan sleeping just outside of Almond's tree, he had convinced himself that Rowan being nearby might make Almond feel better upon awakening.
Rowan's sleep did not come easily, each time he heard Kieran or Dr. Ow say something he assumed it was bad news and would move to look in on them, but each time he did it was just them chatting with Almond about his treatment and how they were about to leave and let him rest. “Now make sure you leave that gel alone till I come back my good man. Kieran spends hours making it so don't waste a drop.” Kieran blushed a little as he exited Almond's door; he had flourished under Dr. Owglarian's tutelage, and during his time had developed some potent pain relievers and healing gels that would make superficial injuries disappear while more terminal ones would go into a form of stasis till they could be dealt with. The two men smiled reassuringly seeing the concern on the naga's face. “Don't worry Rowan, Kieran's gels will have him in tip-top shape come the morning.” “I can promise you that.”, Kieran added bringing a more relieved look to the naga's face. Rowan bade the men farewell and slowly peeked into Almond's window. There Almond lay on his back with his arm and leg covered in bandages that shone a pale green in the dull light of the moon. He looked so fragile in that moment, even more than the night they met. Mental exhaustion and a weary body finally allowed Rowan the sleep he needed.
The dawn came, and bathed Rowan's scales with revitalizing light. The giant naga shifted sluggishly and with a loud yawn stretched his back and arms till the sleepy feeling in them had dissipated. “Good morning sleepy-head.”, a familiar voice called out behind him. Swiftly turning round, Rowan's eyes came to see the sweetly smiling face of Almond out of his bed sans burns or the bandages that healed them. “Almond!”, he squealed gently grasping the small human and bringing him to his face preparing to shower him with affectionate kisses. Instead of returned excitement, Rowan's ears were met with fear-laced cries, “No! Please no!” Almond's pleas shocked and disturbed Rowan as he looked upon the horror stricken face of his lover staring wide-eyed at his semi-open mouth. “A-Almond, I wasn't going to...” Almond burst into tears, “I'm so sorry Rowan! I didn't mean to... It's just …. I can't”
Rowan gently caressed Almond's face wiping away some of the tears, “I understand Almond.” Placing Almond into a makeshift bed of his supple coils Rowan watched, pained as Almond continued to shed tears. A little time passed and eventually Almond's crying had subsided to gentle sniffles, “I'm sorry Rowan, I guess it all came flooding back to me.” Rowan looked down for a moment, “You mean about that night.” Almond nodded slowly. The night in question being when they first met and Almond had believed that he was going to die in Rowan's belly. Lying against his tail Rowan turned to face the huddled form of his lover so they could look more or less eye to eye.
The two just stayed there looking at each other till Almond scooted closer and hugged Rowan's face in as tight a grip as he could muster radiating love and understanding. “I'm sorry for being afraid Rowan.”, Almond whispered. “Don't be.”, Rowan responded. “I can understand why you were afraid of me for a second, especially given everything you have been through in the past day. But please know that I will never”, Rowan pulled Almond away so he could look more into his glittering, blue eyes, “I will never hurt you Almond. I love you.” The two lay in each other's embrace taking in the shared delight of their company till Almond began to speak, “Rowan I do have something to ask of you, but I don't think you're going to like it.”
Almond was right, Rowan did not like what he had to ask. “You want to help him!”, Rowan cried. Almond flinched a little at Rowan's volume being so close to him, which made Rowan apologize. “Why should you want to help him Almond? He almost killed you.”, he said in a more moderate volume. “It's true he did try and kill me, but it wasn't for anything evil. I can't be mad at a giant who had not eaten anything in days stumbling upon me and then giving in to their hunger.” Rowan tried to interrupt, but was silenced by Almond's raised hand, “He was just a hungry giant, not someone wanting to kill me for fun. No different than when I met you.” Rowan averted his eyes from Almond's oddly powerful gaze for a second not wanting to see the look he so often had in these situations, not of anger, but of understanding and sincerity. The first night they ever slept together Rowan lay awake waiting for the tiny human to try and run away or hurt him in his sleep as others had done in the past, but to his surprise Almond had simply slept and harbored no ill will towards him the next morning. Sighing his defeat Rowan looked back up to Almond, “What do you want me to do?”
Almond sat on Rowan's shoulder as he ferried Kieran and Dr. Owglarian across the river with Achilles and a cart load of provisions in tow. “How did I get roped into this?”, Rowan grumbled to himself. A gentle pat on his cheek made him smile as he recalled how irresistible Almond could be when asking him for help, especially if he could use it to get some special playtime later on. Reaching the shore Rowan deposited the horse and cart, in it were two large casks of water and one smaller one with a type of mead Kieran had been working on that would soothe internal injuries when drank. Next to the casks were four large bucks, an assortment of fish, and some fruits. “Don't you think that's a bit much?”, Rowan asked eyeing the large amount of food that even his capacious belly would have a hard time handling. Dr. Owglarian puffed at his pipe, “If Almond's account of why the other naga ate him is to be believed then he must surely be starving, especially if he did not like the idea of eating Almond.” “Must not be a very good hunter.”, Rowan scoffed to himself wondering how someone could have gone six days without catching anything, even by dumb luck. “So.”, Dr. Owglarian continued, “Almond contacted Kieran and he informed me of his plan. Thereupon we set up this delightful repast of proteins and other essential vitamins and minerals to help our scaly friend regain some of his strength.” Dr. Owglarian took a long puff of his pipe and let a long billowing cloud erupt from his nostrils, “And, if your account of how you retaliated to discovering our friend Almond had been consumed is to be believed then he will most assuredly need both of our skills to help mend his wounds.” Virion's trail was not hard to follow; he made no attempts to conceal his tracks, and the varying degrees of crushed and broken foliage suggested desperation in his attempt to put as much distance between himself and Rowan as possible.

Their trek led them to an immense cave that could easily house someone Rowan's size or larger. “Better let us go in by ourselves Rowan.”, Kieran said adjusting the straps on Achilles's powerful shoulders. “If you think I'm letting any of my friends go into a potentially dangerous situation by themselves then you must be out of your mind.” Kieran backed away a little hearing the consternation in Rowan's voice, he was still getting used to Rowan as his friend and not predator. Almond placed a gentle hand on the lower scales of Rowan's tail and gave them a reassured pat, “Don't worry about us big guy, we have Achilles to protect us in there.”
The horse snorted its approval, “And I don't think Virion will bring any harm to us when we show him our intentions. But, if it makes you feel better, you can wait here by the entrance just in case we need any help.” Rowan relented, albeit grumpily giving Almond one of his you will pay for this later stares. Dr. Owglarian cheerfully puffed away at his pipe and began to head into the yawning doorway of stone before them, “Right ho chaps, lets put some pepper to our step shall we? I have some buns back at home that I'd hate to see go stale.” Kieran sniggered with Almond, the doctor loved his breads.
The cave was dark, but the path was smooth. Perhaps it had once had a body of water passing through it leaving the stone as smooth as polished wood. Up ahead a small amount of light shone through a crack in the ceiling showering the cave floor with specks of light and fresh air, “Kieran old boy, be a sport and lend us a little more light eh?” Clasping his hands together Kieran spoke some words that were unintelligible to Almond's ears, while not sure what Kieran had said he was vastly impressed with what it had accomplished. Kieran's hands glowed with a warmly-white radiance that greatly illuminated the vastness of the cave. “Excellent work as always my lad.” Almond's jaw dropped a little, “Kieran! I didn't know you were practicing magic.” Kieran blushed, “Just simple stuff honestly; I really want to learn the more advanced healing magics that are out there, but they're a bit above my skills.” “Bah! You're too modest my friend.” Dr. Owglarian added, “Our boy here has been diligently working day and night on improving his skills. Who knows, maybe I won't be needed at the clinic once he masters his magic.” Kieran blushed again as he threw the glowing orbs towards the ceiling of the cavern where they adhered and acted like a lamp bringing vision to the trio.

Achilles snorted sensing something in the distance; Almond peered into the somewhat lit part of the room where he began to see something stirring, something that began heading their way. Cautiously the bruised and bloodied visage of Virion came into view; spying the intruders Virion tried to make himself look intimidating so that they might leave, but when he looked down he immediately recognized one of the men in the cave and panicked. “No! I'm sorry about before, but please don't hurt me!” It was odd for two of the men seeing a giant of any make backing away from them in the terror that had suddenly come across his face. Almond held up his hands in a non-threatening manner, “It's ok, we mean you no harm. We only came here to help you.” Virion peered out from behind an enormous stalagmite that almost touched the roof of the ceiling his eyes fixed on the human that he had attempted to eat yesterday. “Why would you wish to help me? I tried to eat you!”, he asked unsure of the tiny's intentions.
“I know and I hold no resentment towards you for it. You must have been starving if you hated the idea of eating me.” “I don't like to eat you tinies, but you were the only thing around at the time.” Virion's stomach growled audibly in the cave alerting the men and horse that he was still hungry, “Please leave. I don't want to hurt any of you.” Virion's plea was verging on tears as he painfully grasped at his empty belly. “That's one reason we came here my lad.”, Dr. Owglarian said pointing towards the cart. Virion looked up to see the array of food that they had brought with them; words failed to form in his throat, why would these men go out of their way to help someone like him that had almost eaten one of their number. “W-Why are you doing this?” Almond looked up to the confused giant and replied with as gentle a manner as he could muster, “No one should ever go hungry, especially for as long as you have. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of being eaten, but I understood your desperation. So please accept this gift while my friends look you over.”
Tears of thanks spilled from Virion's eyes as he set about devouring the contents of the cart, thought Dr. Owglarian had to step in for a second, “Easy there friend, not like it's going anywhere. Keep up that pace and you'll surely make yourself sick. Also make sure not to grab my horse by accident, for I assure you he would be a most difficult meal.” Achilles stamped his hooves in agreement towards the grateful naga, who made quite a sight with half of a deer carcass dangling out of his mouth that was then being slurped down whole. “Thank you! Thank you so much! How can I ever repay you?”, Virion asked dropping some fruits into his gaping maw. “Well for starters you can lie back and let me and my confederate there take a look at you. Let that food settle in you for a second while we look you over and then you can have the rest.” Virion reclined, albeit somewhat reluctantly as his belly egged him on to finish what was left in the cart, but so far the three humans had not steered him wrong.
Both Kieran and Dr. Owglarian whistled examining the cuts, bruises, and other signs of battle that marked Virion's body. “Man, Rowan really did a number on you.”, Kieran said reaching into his satchel. Virion bolted upright at the mention of his attacker's name, “H-He's not here is he?! Please don't let him hurt me!” Almond quieted the frightened naga and reassured him that Rowan was not going to attack him, “But I am nearby.” Hearing Rowan's voice Virion backed against the wall of the cave shifting his coils around him like a shield. Almond frowned, “That's not very helpful Rowan!”, he called down towards the cave's entrance. “Just making sure he knows I'm here.” Almond knew Rowan was just being protective of his friends, but it did little to help the situation at hand. Almond moved closer towards Virion and rested a palm against his azure scales, “He's just being protective, but he promised me that he would not harm you. He's really a nice guy once you get to know him.” Trusting the human before him Virion uncoiled and continued to let Kieran and Dr. Owglarian look him over. “Hmm, I'd like to take him to my facility for some better treatment than what we brought with us. His injuries aren't life-threatening, but I'd like to monitor him.”
Virion looked down at the man puffing up clouds of oddly sweet smelling smoke, “Don't worry friend we'll have you feeling like a frog that was left out in the sun for too long but then found a wide pond for a jolly-good dip.” Virion stared at him quizically, “It means we'll make you all better.”, Kieran added knowing how the doctor's speech pattern could be confusing at times. It took some coaxing, but Virion reluctantly agreed to be led out past where Rowan was waiting and back to the Doctor's dwelling for better treatment. Slowly he slithered past the watchful eyes of Rowan with Kieran and Dr. Owglarian ferried on his shoulders; he stopped for a moment and spoke, “I-I really am sorry for almost eating your friend. I won't let it happen again.” “See that you don't.”, Rowan huffed. Almond jabbed his tail earning a consternated growl, “I mean, I forgive you, but don't try to hurt Almond or my friends.” Almond jabbed again, “And, I'm sorry for hurting you so badly. There, happy Almond?!” Almond smiled looking up towards the grumpy naga. “Well, we'll see you chaps later. Try and stay out of trouble there almond, nearly did my ticker in when I heard the news.” “Let's hang out after we're done here”, Kieran said while applying some gel to Virion's right eyelid. The naga sighed happily at the gesture and thanked Kieran. Content that Virion would not be a threat to his other friends he and Almond bade them farewell while Dr. Owglarian began speaking to Virion about the wonders of bread and their many different flavors, much to Kieran's chagrin.
“I'm very proud of you Rowan”, Almond said gazing longingly at his giant lover. Rowan reached down and let Almond climb onto his proffered palm. “I have to imagine it took a lot of control to keep your cool as much as you did.” Rowan blushed realizing that Almond had sensed how much he wanted to resort to his normal methods of dealing with intruders and those that hurt his friends, it did take a lot for him. “Well, I knew it would upset you so I held back a little this time.” Almond smiled and patted his friend's cheek. “I really appreciate that Rowan. Maybe later tonight you and I could have some fun?”, Almond said giving Rowan a knowing glance. Grinning so as to show his fangs Rowan responded, “Just try and stop me Almond.” For a while the two sat against the banks of the river and relished in the other's company; Almond talking about some of the stories he had bought that Rowan might enjoy, while Rowan loved just being close to his Almond. Everything was right again, and they both smiled for it.

Description
Back at the river Rowan began to grow impatient, “Honestly, how long does it take for that tiny-bootied human to go to his tree-house and get back? The sun is already heading towards the tree-lines. If he waits any longer it's gonna get dark.” Rowan pouted a little till an idea formed in his head on how he would punish his lover's tardiness. Minutes passed and Rowan began to fidget with anticipation, but this was also coupled with a little bit of worry. “Hmm, maybe I should go check on him.”, Rowan thought hoping Almond had just been a little lax with his return. Rowan mused that maybe Almond would come up with some cute little scenario to make up for injuring his lip, maybe their play would get more interesting tonight. A figure came into Rowan's view; it was another naga, and in his territory! “Who are you!”, Rowan demanded seeing the stranger. The newcomer flinched hearing the fierceness in Rowan's voice and at the intensity of his gaze, “M-My name is Virion. I-I don't mean to intrude on your territory, p-please forgive me.” Rowan looked the newcomer over; he didn't look like he wanted to invade and take over his territory like other giants had done in the past, especially with his smaller physique, plus he was in a hurry to get to a certain adorable red-head that would be in for the night of his life when Rowan got hold of him. With a grunt Rowan addressed the newcomer, “Look, I'm feeling oddly gracious right now so I'll let you off with just a warning. Don't let me catch you around my territory again or it'll mean trouble for you, understand?” Virion nodded his head and began to slither away into the brush.

Making it to Almond's house Rowan called out for his tiny lover, “Oh Almond, you've got one hungry naga outside of your window that's thinking about eating you all up for himself.” Rowan sniggered at his tease as he looked into Almond's window, but he was nowhere to be seen. “Hmm, that's odd. Maybe he's..”, Rowan stopped his thought as he spied a leather and canvas bag on the ground. “This is Almond's bag, what's it doing down here?”, picking the bag up Rowan could feel the still slick saliva that coated it. Shaking away his original thoughts of fun and play Rowan's mind began to focus and came to realize that not only was the bag covered in saliva, but there was a smell all around him. The same smell that the other naga had, a smell that mixed with Almond's!

Rowan's muscles worked faster than they had ever done in their propulsion to find Virion; his heart flooded with images of Almond in despair, calling out for him to come save him, this lent fuel to the rage rising in Rowan's mind. How could he have let that naga go without questioning him?! How could he have not noticed Almond's scent on him when he was so close to him?! How could he not have known his lover was in trouble?! It did not take Rowan long to find Virion as he was preparing to cross the river that he had waited for Almond at. “Virion!”, Rowan yelled in as threatening a tone as he could manage, and going by the loss of color in Virion's face it was very threatening. “Wh-What is it?”, Virion asked unsure of what he had done to incur such an angered look in Rowan's eyes. In the blink of an eye Rowan was towering over Virion, his eyes smoldering pits of auburn fire as they beheld the cowering creature before them. “Did you find a human earlier!? One with orange hair, and a cloak!?”, Rowan demanded. Virion stammered out his reply, “Y-Y-Y-es I did. Wh-Why?” Rowan's eyes leered into Virion's as he continued his questioning, each word was filled with an intense, punctuated sense of malice as he spoke through clenched teeth, “What did you do with him!?” Virion tried to put a little space between him and the dangerous sounding naga; he was not someone who was ever violent and even tried to refrain from eating more sentient life, so he could guess what had suddenly enraged the naga before him. The words slowly crawled out of Virion's mouth as though held back by unseen chains, “I-I ate him. I didn't w-want to, but it had b-been so long since I last ate and....”

Virion's words were lost to Rowan's ears as his head dropped down and his eyes went wide in horror and disbelief. His Almond had been eaten. The one human that after he had let go stuck around and became his friend and lover, the one person he cherished on this island above all else including himself was gone. The hum of Virion's words continued in a muffled apology that gnawed away at Rowan's mind till something inside him snapped; his posture stiffened, every muscle in his body went rigid with anger at the realization that the one who had taken his Almond from him was standing before him. Virion's gaze blurred and the world spun at the sudden impact to his left cheek that sent him sprawling into the river. Water sputtered from Virion's mouth and nose as he tried to turn and see the naga that had struck him, but he wished he had not.

Rowan's eyes were cold, hate-filled, daggers as their gaze fell upon the terrified countenance of Virion. Then came the most unearthly shriek of rage that had ever echoed through the forest scattering every make of creature into all directions that led away from its source, all save one, one who became rooted to the spot of the anguished cry. Snapping back to the reality of his situation Virion tried to slither into the waters of the river in an attempt to escape, but before he could get the entirety of his body into the water a creeping, burning pain shot through his spine and halted his escape. Rowan had sunk his claws deep into Virion's scales preventing his escape; like a harpooned fish, Virion was forcefully dragged screaming from the water and back onto the shore.
In a flash Rowan's densely muscled tail enveloped Virion's and began squeezing it with every ounce of strength he could muster, not holding anything back. “I'm sorry! I didn't know!”, Virion pleaded feeling his tail starting to be crushed under the immense pressure of Rowan's scales. While his tail worked on crushing Virion's tail, Rowan's fist began to work on Virion's chest and face. Each punch he threw was not calculated like in combat with a friend or someone he considered a worth opponent, but instead were vicious and animalistic in their ferocity as each strike came with an enraged yell. “Give! Me! Back! My! Almond!”, Rowan roared as his fists dropped against Virion's head. Pain, and fear laden tears ran down Virion's face as he tried in vain to shield himself from the brutal onslaught of Rowan's fury. Forcing Virion to the ground Rowan let out a guttural hiss as he prepared his fangs to put an end to Virion as revenge for his fallen lover when he looked down at something that caught his eye. It was weak, but it was true, there was movement in Virion's stomach! Redirecting his gaze to Virion's frightened eyes Rowan hissed his demands, “Give him back, now!”
In between sobs Virion tried to speak, “I...c-can't. H-He's in my.....” Virion's words were replaced with a pitiful wail as Rowan summoned all of his strength into his right hand and buried it just below Virion's navel. Virion lurched forward, his breathing became labored, the pain that was there had vanished, but was instead replaced with a violent thrusting motion of his abdomen and the guts it held. Acrid fluids filled Virion's mouth to the bursting point, each time Virion retched forward it felt like being struck by Rowan's fist again and again, then it came. At first it was just his shoulder popping out, but then with one, final push Almond's body flopped out of Virion's mouth and onto the smooth, moss-covered stone that acted like a cushion as he slid to a stop.
Releasing Virion from his vice-like grip Rowan hurried towards his lover's side. “Almond! Almond please speak to me!” Nothing happened. “Don't you leave me now! We have so many games left to play!”, Rowan continued in this manner pleading with the still form of Almond as hopeless tears came to his eyes. Almond's body jerked violently as he spewed gastric juices from his mouth and nose. “R-Rowan?”, he whispered seeing the silhouette of his giant lover hovering over him. “Y-Yes, I'm here Almond! I'm here!” Almond coughed again, “You c-came f-f-for me.” “Of course I did”, Rowan sniffed. “I would never abandon you! You're my tiny after all!”, it was all Rowan could do to keep his voice intelligible with the joy he felt seeing Almond was alive, that is, until he heard another cough from behind him.
Virion was desperately trying to crawl away; seeing the cause of his Almond suffering trying to flee stirred Rowan back into anger as he reeled around with a hiss and fixed him with another death-filled glare. Virion trembled at the approach of Rowan watching his fingers arch into sickles with their black-clawed tips pointing outwards towards him. “Pl-Please don't.”, Virion begged sensing the bloodlust in Rowan. Raising one hand high into the air Rowan prepared to deal the final blow till Almond's weak voice caught his ear. “R-Rowan, please don't kill him.” Rowan growled looking down at the horrified Virion that held his arms up to his face; he wanted to strike, he wanted to kill the thing that threatened his Almond and brought such pain to his body. Virion waited for Rowan's claws to dig into him, but they did not come. Daring to glance out from his arms he spied Rowan's hands at his side.
While he no longer attacking him Rowan's voice was clear and full of ire, “Go, now! And don't ever let me see you again!” Virion slowly slipped into the water and began a pained swim to the other side; Rowan gently scooped the shivering Almond into his hands and held his slimy body close to his own, all the while his eyes stared at Virion, not letting him out of his sight until he eventually melted into the foliage on the other side of the river. His eyes refocused; Almond was in rough shape, scraps of cloth still clung to his body, his skin had reddened along his legs and shoulders. Almond needed medical attention and he needed it now.
“Dr. Owglarian!”, his mind shouted remembering the man that had helped him and Almond in the past. In the same instant he began racing through the forest in the direction of the man's house. “He'll be able to help! He's got to!”, Rowan thought swerving from in between trees as limbs bent and broke against his chest, all this while taking special care to shield Almond with his hands so as not to exacerbate his wounds any further. Rowan was just beginning to pass Almond's house when a voice came shouting from behind him, “Rowan old boy! What was that great, bellowing shriek we heard earlier?! Kieran and I nearly fell out of our beds trying to get out here and see if you and Almond were alright!” Rowan's mind filled with hope seeing the appearance of Dr. Owglarian, “Please help Almond!” Rowan lowered Almond's barely conscious form down to where the doctor could get a better idea on what was going on.
Dr. Owglarian's eyes widened and he turned back towards his cart where Kieran was tending to Achilles, “Kieran, get the burn kits and some sedatives, I'll set up a makeshift ward in Almond's room. Rowan you get him up there.” Both men did as they were ordered as Dr. Ow took three steps at a time getting up to Almond's room with Kieran close behind him. Inside, he and Kieran dragged Almond's bed to the window where they, assisted by Rowan's fingers, gently placed Almond on his bed. The two men worked in near perfect synchrony; first they removed the remains of Almond's melted clothes, then they took out small vials where Dr. Ow pressed a long needle into Almond's arm forcing a semi-clear liquid from the vials inside of him, this seemed to ease Almond's tensed muscles bringing a look of relief to Rowan's worried eyes.
“Will he be ok?”, Rowan asked watching Kieran rub a gel-like substance on Almond's burns that smelt of an intense mint. Dr. Owglarian examined Almond for any other sign of injury before turning towards Rowan, “What happened?” Rowan filled the two men in on how he had found the other naga in his territory and then upon learning of Almond's peril dealt with the intruder. While Dr. Ow and Rowan spoke Kieran spoke to the semi-conscious Almond in a soothing manner, “It's gonna be alright now Almond, Rowan got to you before any permanent damage could be done. Look, the damaged skin is repairing as we speak.” Almond tried to look down at his arm to see what Kieran had described but was gently pushed back with Kieran saying it would be wise not to move too much. “R-Rowan?”, Almond called beckoning the giant's eyes over to him. Rowan's voice filled with concern and hope that if he could do something to relieve his Almond he would, “Yes Almond? What can I do for you?”
Dr. Owglarian moved between them, “The best thing you can do for him now is to give him a little bit of air to recuperate.” Rowan insisted he speak with Almond, but Dr. Owglarian shooed him from the window explaining that what Almond needed now was rest, “You can speak with him tomorrow Rowan. Go rest now while Kieran and I see to him. You have my word he'll be right as rain by then.” Rowan's forlorn stare beamed past the good doctor at the slightly moving figure of his lover as he interacted with Kieran made him antsy, he wanted to hold Almond, he wanted to make him feel better. Despite the pain in his mind Rowan knew the doctor would take care of Almond and if he said he would be fine then that was all there was to it; still, he didn't want to leave Almond's side. After some debate, Dr. Owglarian consented to Rowan sleeping just outside of Almond's tree, he had convinced himself that Rowan being nearby might make Almond feel better upon awakening.
Rowan's sleep did not come easily, each time he heard Kieran or Dr. Ow say something he assumed it was bad news and would move to look in on them, but each time he did it was just them chatting with Almond about his treatment and how they were about to leave and let him rest. “Now make sure you leave that gel alone till I come back my good man. Kieran spends hours making it so don't waste a drop.” Kieran blushed a little as he exited Almond's door; he had flourished under Dr. Owglarian's tutelage, and during his time had developed some potent pain relievers and healing gels that would make superficial injuries disappear while more terminal ones would go into a form of stasis till they could be dealt with. The two men smiled reassuringly seeing the concern on the naga's face. “Don't worry Rowan, Kieran's gels will have him in tip-top shape come the morning.” “I can promise you that.”, Kieran added bringing a more relieved look to the naga's face. Rowan bade the men farewell and slowly peeked into Almond's window. There Almond lay on his back with his arm and leg covered in bandages that shone a pale green in the dull light of the moon. He looked so fragile in that moment, even more than the night they met. Mental exhaustion and a weary body finally allowed Rowan the sleep he needed.
The dawn came, and bathed Rowan's scales with revitalizing light. The giant naga shifted sluggishly and with a loud yawn stretched his back and arms till the sleepy feeling in them had dissipated. “Good morning sleepy-head.”, a familiar voice called out behind him. Swiftly turning round, Rowan's eyes came to see the sweetly smiling face of Almond out of his bed sans burns or the bandages that healed them. “Almond!”, he squealed gently grasping the small human and bringing him to his face preparing to shower him with affectionate kisses. Instead of returned excitement, Rowan's ears were met with fear-laced cries, “No! Please no!” Almond's pleas shocked and disturbed Rowan as he looked upon the horror stricken face of his lover staring wide-eyed at his semi-open mouth. “A-Almond, I wasn't going to...” Almond burst into tears, “I'm so sorry Rowan! I didn't mean to... It's just …. I can't”
Rowan gently caressed Almond's face wiping away some of the tears, “I understand Almond.” Placing Almond into a makeshift bed of his supple coils Rowan watched, pained as Almond continued to shed tears. A little time passed and eventually Almond's crying had subsided to gentle sniffles, “I'm sorry Rowan, I guess it all came flooding back to me.” Rowan looked down for a moment, “You mean about that night.” Almond nodded slowly. The night in question being when they first met and Almond had believed that he was going to die in Rowan's belly. Lying against his tail Rowan turned to face the huddled form of his lover so they could look more or less eye to eye.
The two just stayed there looking at each other till Almond scooted closer and hugged Rowan's face in as tight a grip as he could muster radiating love and understanding. “I'm sorry for being afraid Rowan.”, Almond whispered. “Don't be.”, Rowan responded. “I can understand why you were afraid of me for a second, especially given everything you have been through in the past day. But please know that I will never”, Rowan pulled Almond away so he could look more into his glittering, blue eyes, “I will never hurt you Almond. I love you.” The two lay in each other's embrace taking in the shared delight of their company till Almond began to speak, “Rowan I do have something to ask of you, but I don't think you're going to like it.”
Almond was right, Rowan did not like what he had to ask. “You want to help him!”, Rowan cried. Almond flinched a little at Rowan's volume being so close to him, which made Rowan apologize. “Why should you want to help him Almond? He almost killed you.”, he said in a more moderate volume. “It's true he did try and kill me, but it wasn't for anything evil. I can't be mad at a giant who had not eaten anything in days stumbling upon me and then giving in to their hunger.” Rowan tried to interrupt, but was silenced by Almond's raised hand, “He was just a hungry giant, not someone wanting to kill me for fun. No different than when I met you.” Rowan averted his eyes from Almond's oddly powerful gaze for a second not wanting to see the look he so often had in these situations, not of anger, but of understanding and sincerity. The first night they ever slept together Rowan lay awake waiting for the tiny human to try and run away or hurt him in his sleep as others had done in the past, but to his surprise Almond had simply slept and harbored no ill will towards him the next morning. Sighing his defeat Rowan looked back up to Almond, “What do you want me to do?”
Almond sat on Rowan's shoulder as he ferried Kieran and Dr. Owglarian across the river with Achilles and a cart load of provisions in tow. “How did I get roped into this?”, Rowan grumbled to himself. A gentle pat on his cheek made him smile as he recalled how irresistible Almond could be when asking him for help, especially if he could use it to get some special playtime later on. Reaching the shore Rowan deposited the horse and cart, in it were two large casks of water and one smaller one with a type of mead Kieran had been working on that would soothe internal injuries when drank. Next to the casks were four large bucks, an assortment of fish, and some fruits. “Don't you think that's a bit much?”, Rowan asked eyeing the large amount of food that even his capacious belly would have a hard time handling. Dr. Owglarian puffed at his pipe, “If Almond's account of why the other naga ate him is to be believed then he must surely be starving, especially if he did not like the idea of eating Almond.” “Must not be a very good hunter.”, Rowan scoffed to himself wondering how someone could have gone six days without catching anything, even by dumb luck. “So.”, Dr. Owglarian continued, “Almond contacted Kieran and he informed me of his plan. Thereupon we set up this delightful repast of proteins and other essential vitamins and minerals to help our scaly friend regain some of his strength.” Dr. Owglarian took a long puff of his pipe and let a long billowing cloud erupt from his nostrils, “And, if your account of how you retaliated to discovering our friend Almond had been consumed is to be believed then he will most assuredly need both of our skills to help mend his wounds.” Virion's trail was not hard to follow; he made no attempts to conceal his tracks, and the varying degrees of crushed and broken foliage suggested desperation in his attempt to put as much distance between himself and Rowan as possible.

Their trek led them to an immense cave that could easily house someone Rowan's size or larger. “Better let us go in by ourselves Rowan.”, Kieran said adjusting the straps on Achilles's powerful shoulders. “If you think I'm letting any of my friends go into a potentially dangerous situation by themselves then you must be out of your mind.” Kieran backed away a little hearing the consternation in Rowan's voice, he was still getting used to Rowan as his friend and not predator. Almond placed a gentle hand on the lower scales of Rowan's tail and gave them a reassured pat, “Don't worry about us big guy, we have Achilles to protect us in there.”
The horse snorted its approval, “And I don't think Virion will bring any harm to us when we show him our intentions. But, if it makes you feel better, you can wait here by the entrance just in case we need any help.” Rowan relented, albeit grumpily giving Almond one of his you will pay for this later stares. Dr. Owglarian cheerfully puffed away at his pipe and began to head into the yawning doorway of stone before them, “Right ho chaps, lets put some pepper to our step shall we? I have some buns back at home that I'd hate to see go stale.” Kieran sniggered with Almond, the doctor loved his breads.
The cave was dark, but the path was smooth. Perhaps it had once had a body of water passing through it leaving the stone as smooth as polished wood. Up ahead a small amount of light shone through a crack in the ceiling showering the cave floor with specks of light and fresh air, “Kieran old boy, be a sport and lend us a little more light eh?” Clasping his hands together Kieran spoke some words that were unintelligible to Almond's ears, while not sure what Kieran had said he was vastly impressed with what it had accomplished. Kieran's hands glowed with a warmly-white radiance that greatly illuminated the vastness of the cave. “Excellent work as always my lad.” Almond's jaw dropped a little, “Kieran! I didn't know you were practicing magic.” Kieran blushed, “Just simple stuff honestly; I really want to learn the more advanced healing magics that are out there, but they're a bit above my skills.” “Bah! You're too modest my friend.” Dr. Owglarian added, “Our boy here has been diligently working day and night on improving his skills. Who knows, maybe I won't be needed at the clinic once he masters his magic.” Kieran blushed again as he threw the glowing orbs towards the ceiling of the cavern where they adhered and acted like a lamp bringing vision to the trio.

Achilles snorted sensing something in the distance; Almond peered into the somewhat lit part of the room where he began to see something stirring, something that began heading their way. Cautiously the bruised and bloodied visage of Virion came into view; spying the intruders Virion tried to make himself look intimidating so that they might leave, but when he looked down he immediately recognized one of the men in the cave and panicked. “No! I'm sorry about before, but please don't hurt me!” It was odd for two of the men seeing a giant of any make backing away from them in the terror that had suddenly come across his face. Almond held up his hands in a non-threatening manner, “It's ok, we mean you no harm. We only came here to help you.” Virion peered out from behind an enormous stalagmite that almost touched the roof of the ceiling his eyes fixed on the human that he had attempted to eat yesterday. “Why would you wish to help me? I tried to eat you!”, he asked unsure of the tiny's intentions.
“I know and I hold no resentment towards you for it. You must have been starving if you hated the idea of eating me.” “I don't like to eat you tinies, but you were the only thing around at the time.” Virion's stomach growled audibly in the cave alerting the men and horse that he was still hungry, “Please leave. I don't want to hurt any of you.” Virion's plea was verging on tears as he painfully grasped at his empty belly. “That's one reason we came here my lad.”, Dr. Owglarian said pointing towards the cart. Virion looked up to see the array of food that they had brought with them; words failed to form in his throat, why would these men go out of their way to help someone like him that had almost eaten one of their number. “W-Why are you doing this?” Almond looked up to the confused giant and replied with as gentle a manner as he could muster, “No one should ever go hungry, especially for as long as you have. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of being eaten, but I understood your desperation. So please accept this gift while my friends look you over.”
Tears of thanks spilled from Virion's eyes as he set about devouring the contents of the cart, thought Dr. Owglarian had to step in for a second, “Easy there friend, not like it's going anywhere. Keep up that pace and you'll surely make yourself sick. Also make sure not to grab my horse by accident, for I assure you he would be a most difficult meal.” Achilles stamped his hooves in agreement towards the grateful naga, who made quite a sight with half of a deer carcass dangling out of his mouth that was then being slurped down whole. “Thank you! Thank you so much! How can I ever repay you?”, Virion asked dropping some fruits into his gaping maw. “Well for starters you can lie back and let me and my confederate there take a look at you. Let that food settle in you for a second while we look you over and then you can have the rest.” Virion reclined, albeit somewhat reluctantly as his belly egged him on to finish what was left in the cart, but so far the three humans had not steered him wrong.
Both Kieran and Dr. Owglarian whistled examining the cuts, bruises, and other signs of battle that marked Virion's body. “Man, Rowan really did a number on you.”, Kieran said reaching into his satchel. Virion bolted upright at the mention of his attacker's name, “H-He's not here is he?! Please don't let him hurt me!” Almond quieted the frightened naga and reassured him that Rowan was not going to attack him, “But I am nearby.” Hearing Rowan's voice Virion backed against the wall of the cave shifting his coils around him like a shield. Almond frowned, “That's not very helpful Rowan!”, he called down towards the cave's entrance. “Just making sure he knows I'm here.” Almond knew Rowan was just being protective of his friends, but it did little to help the situation at hand. Almond moved closer towards Virion and rested a palm against his azure scales, “He's just being protective, but he promised me that he would not harm you. He's really a nice guy once you get to know him.” Trusting the human before him Virion uncoiled and continued to let Kieran and Dr. Owglarian look him over. “Hmm, I'd like to take him to my facility for some better treatment than what we brought with us. His injuries aren't life-threatening, but I'd like to monitor him.”
Virion looked down at the man puffing up clouds of oddly sweet smelling smoke, “Don't worry friend we'll have you feeling like a frog that was left out in the sun for too long but then found a wide pond for a jolly-good dip.” Virion stared at him quizically, “It means we'll make you all better.”, Kieran added knowing how the doctor's speech pattern could be confusing at times. It took some coaxing, but Virion reluctantly agreed to be led out past where Rowan was waiting and back to the Doctor's dwelling for better treatment. Slowly he slithered past the watchful eyes of Rowan with Kieran and Dr. Owglarian ferried on his shoulders; he stopped for a moment and spoke, “I-I really am sorry for almost eating your friend. I won't let it happen again.” “See that you don't.”, Rowan huffed. Almond jabbed his tail earning a consternated growl, “I mean, I forgive you, but don't try to hurt Almond or my friends.” Almond jabbed again, “And, I'm sorry for hurting you so badly. There, happy Almond?!” Almond smiled looking up towards the grumpy naga. “Well, we'll see you chaps later. Try and stay out of trouble there almond, nearly did my ticker in when I heard the news.” “Let's hang out after we're done here”, Kieran said while applying some gel to Virion's right eyelid. The naga sighed happily at the gesture and thanked Kieran. Content that Virion would not be a threat to his other friends he and Almond bade them farewell while Dr. Owglarian began speaking to Virion about the wonders of bread and their many different flavors, much to Kieran's chagrin.
“I'm very proud of you Rowan”, Almond said gazing longingly at his giant lover. Rowan reached down and let Almond climb onto his proffered palm. “I have to imagine it took a lot of control to keep your cool as much as you did.” Rowan blushed realizing that Almond had sensed how much he wanted to resort to his normal methods of dealing with intruders and those that hurt his friends, it did take a lot for him. “Well, I knew it would upset you so I held back a little this time.” Almond smiled and patted his friend's cheek. “I really appreciate that Rowan. Maybe later tonight you and I could have some fun?”, Almond said giving Rowan a knowing glance. Grinning so as to show his fangs Rowan responded, “Just try and stop me Almond.” For a while the two sat against the banks of the river and relished in the other's company; Almond talking about some of the stories he had bought that Rowan might enjoy, while Rowan loved just being close to his Almond. Everything was right again, and they both smiled for it.