It has made a little while (understatement of the year) since I've updated this page. Without further ado, here's a little something that should be quite pleasant for those who enjoy less erotic stories.

*****

Froderick had enough problems.

Lazy guards, the constant pestering of the mayor for him to do a better job, the insecurities of the townspeople, the weak and battered equipment that he had at his disposal. Everything seemed to be against him right now. Even his normally decent hygiene was lost, with the thirty years old man now sporting a dirty beard and a permanent frown on his face.

As the captain of the guards of Terrier, Froderick had quite enough problems.

Looking at those under his care with a wary eye, all that Froderick could see was his own personal failure. Wounded and dead guards were all in the same room, with those left alive cursing the day they had decided to lay down their lives for the good of everyone else but themselves. Their chain shirts broken, their spears bent and their face displaying despair, those who were there to defend the innocents were all but spent on this day, the colossal task asked of them being simply too much for them to take care of.
''You told you you'd take care of things, Froderick. I trusted you to do your part!''

Turning back, the captain saw a face that he would certainly enjoy bashing in. He knew that it would be a most unwise move from his part, yet it would at least give him some kind of satisfaction, no matter how temporary it would prove to be. ''Well, Mr. Mayor, I just can't do this task if I don't have the tools to do so. What would you have me do, send each men to their death?'' he responded, not caring for one bit that he was talking to his employer and the representative of the people. Advancing in the barracks, he was followed by the frail mayor.

''You assured me when you took that job that you would do whatever is necessary to make sure everyone would be safe. You even emphasized on the 'whatever' part yourself!'' the mayor began to complain, visibly stressed beyond words by the situation he was living. His short stature and his old age making him look even more frightened and frail than he could possibly be, he looked up at the standing figure standing before him.

''Our weapons are too small and too frail, our armor is no good and we don't have access to any trade route or convoy right now. The messenger has not come back yet, and I doubt he will, so we probably won't get any backup from any major city or army. We're not facing bandits or goblins here, but a big damn giant, a smart one even. Do you know what happened when I tried to have a more hand-on approach this morning?'' Froderick asked, his higher frame towering over the mayor as his tone was full of irritation.

Looking at the guards that were breathing heavily, the mayor then returned his gaze at Froderick, visibly shaken at this lack of courtesy in such a dire situation. ''W-what happened?''

''We went to the woods, me and ten other men. We were packed with spears, bows and arrows. We were ready to face him and do it quickly, out of his range. However, the big one was hidden and he ambushed us, attacking us from behind while using a tree like a big blunt object. What you see here is the result. We barely got away with our lives. The giant, as it happens, knows the woods and is using the terrain as his playground to slaughter us all. What do you want me to do knowing that? He most probably ate the corpse of those who were left behind and is surely waiting for others to be foolish enough so that he can get his supper,'' he said bitterly, announcing that their last hope was unfortunately lost at this point.

''This won't do...maybe with more men it might work?'' the mayor asked, hoping sincerely for a positive answer to his query.

''It's just going to be more of the same. He's faster, stronger, bigger and just plain meaner at this point. I just don't know what to do,'' the captain said, finally arriving at his destination as he went downstairs in the area where the holding cells were situated. The damp place being almost empty save for one cell, the captain approached as he picked up a bag near the stairs while hitting the bars with the hilt of his sword. This had the result of what was being held coming near the bar, making itself visible to the mayor and the captain.

Slithering and hissing, a serpentine creature with an impossibly long and scaly tail, a forked tongue and the upper body of a perfectly normal woman went closer, looking at the captain with demanding eyes. Her tongue getting out of her mouth as if by pure reflex, she looked at the bag as she smiled at the man holding it, knowing instantly what this meant. Seeing that a large potato was given to her, she picked it up with her right hand as she gobbled it up right away, leaving not even a speck of the vegetable.
Shocked by the sight of this creature inside the cell, the mayor looked at the captain with horror in his eyes. ''You still didn't kill that filthy beast?! Why is she even here, eating our food and taking space like that?'' he asked, pointing at the snake-woman with indignity.

''She stole and ate a pig, then understood that she had done something against us. When I came to stop and punish her, she actually didn't fight back and followed me. This shows a form of morality and intelligence, making her more than a mere beast. Considering that her crime is only that she stole something, imprisonment for a period of time fits the crime,'' Froderick answered, closing the bag as he eyed the creature.

''So, due to your vision of justice, this perfidious creature, who is still naked, gets to eat some of our leftover food in safety behind bars!?'' the mayor angrily retorted, hitting the bar as he tried to intimidate the creature without any success.

''It would be the human thing to do. She did something wrong, she pays for it, but that doesn't mean she has to starve to death. Every prisoner as a small right to decency,'' he replied, putting the bag near the stairs as he observed the snake-woman.

''She's not human! I'm pretty certain you can see that...'' the old man retorted, looking at her just like him.

It was, of course, obvious that she was nothing like him or any guard in the barracks. While her human form held what he'd describe as ''generous curves'' and even with her long brown hair, her long green tail, her yellow eyes, her tongue and her two forked teeth did make her look quite unlike any human he had encountered.

''Seeing this naked creature in this ell and how you have handled the giant situation thus far, I'm beginning to wonder just why I gave you the job, Froderick. You have more sympathy for monsters than for your fellow citizens it seems,'' the mayor coldly said, eyeing the creature with disgust.

Not answering to this insult, Froderick grinned as the desire to hit him right here and now rose within him. They were all on edge, sure, but this was just plain cruel as he turned around to try and think of something that would not lead to the death of all of his men, until an unfamiliar voice echoed behind him.

''Need some asssissstance for your problems, captain?''

Turning around, Froderick and the mayor looked in a stupefied manner at the snake-woman, who merely grinned at their reaction. ''You have a problem with giantsss?'' she continued, speaking for the very first time as he hissing contrasted with her almost soothing tone, as if she whispered very loudly.

Amazed at the fact that not only she could talk, but also about the fact that she had listened, Froderick returned very closely to the holding cell whilst eyeing her intently. ''Do you know anything about giants?'' he asked, getting his hopes up that she might actually give them vital information.

''I know that they are maliciousss and mossstly greedy beings that use their strength and sssize to their advantage. They ssstay away from what they asssume are other monsssters as they mossstly attack human sssettlements,'' she began to explain, obviously pleased that she had some attention now.

''So? Do they have a weakness or something that makes them afraid? Anything that we can use?'' the mayor said, his annoyance rising as his amazement due to her speaking was now subdued.

''Nothing quite like what you're looking for. They're jussst huge and ssstrong, but sometimes a bit dumb, that'sss all,'' she concluded, her gaze set on the captain.

Froderick, believing her despite his instincts telling him not to, was mostly let down by those revelations as he would still need to face the giant. With him in the area, they could not chop wood, cultivate their crops, hunt or do anything that would ensure their survival, yet the snake-woman knew nothing of interest.

''I could deal with him for you,'' she said, her tongue getting dangerously close to Froderick who looked at it with an air of surprise. ''For a price,'' she emphasized, her eyes beaming with confidence.

''What could you possibly do to the giant, you snake-wench? We have weapons and armor and you have nothing but your long tail and your scales,'' the mayor answered, unamused by what he perceived to be a cheap ploy to get out of there.

Seeing things differently, Froderick looked at her briefly before answering. ''You do seem to have nothing that could help you against him. I'm not in the mood to send anyone to their death against the giant, not even a prisoner,'' he said as he crossed his arms.

Having a revelation, the mayor then looked at the snake-creature with a smile on his face. ''I accept your proposal. What is your price?'' he said, surprising Froderick as the creature smiled while looking at the old man.
''I want to be fed every day. With meat, not potatoes,'' she answered, her tongue running down her lips as she salivated at the prospect of better food.

''Very well. I will see that you are paid if you defeat the giant,'' he said, looking at Froderick as he motioned with his hand to get the key to her cell.
Understanding perfectly why the mayor was doing this, Froderick did not like it one bit as she knew this female creature would be dead sooner or later in this confrontation. If she won, everyone would be happy, yet if she lost, the mayor would not have to sully his sight with her presence any longer. A bit sick while he connected the dots of his plan in his mind, Froderick nonetheless gave him the key to her cell as it opened up.

Now free, the snake-woman slithered outside as she eyed both the captain and the mayor for a few seconds. Getting close to the captain, she placed a hand on his chain shirt as her tongue flickered out of her mouth. ''Thanks for the meals, captain. Now, would you be ssso kind as to lead me to where the giant isss?'' she asked, her long tail still inside the cell even as she moved.

About to escort her outside, the mayor loudly spoke to the snake-woman. ''If you succeed, what shall I say to the citizens when they'll hail their heroine?'' he asked, almost amused by his stratagem.

''Layla the lamia,'' she simply answered back as she followed Froderick closely. Getting out of the barracks, she did not mind for a second the numerous look of fear and incredulity that she received from the guards. Somehow smiling at all of this attention, no matter how negative it was, Layla simply slithered along with Froderick who held her close to him.

Getting out of the barracks, the sunlight hit them both hard as it was a beautiful day outside. Feeling a slight touch of irony that such a sunny day would see much more death and destruction due to the giant, Froderick bade for Layla to follow as he tried not to alarm any of the citizens. Doing so silently, the duo eventually got to the edge of the woods as the captain looked at the lamia while he sighed. ''You know, you could go away right now and I would not push it against you. You have nothing to do with this,'' he said, sincerely not wanting to see anymore death on this day.

Gazing at him for a while silently, Layla said nothing as she then advanced in the woods alone, not letting Froderick know of her intentions or her actions. With the good captain looking at her go away into the deep woods, he somehow felt a little bit better knowing that he had at least given her the option to flee. Returning to his quarters in the barracks, he had to plan for something in case she would go away or fail in her task.

Now off into the dark and menacing woods, Layla felt at home in this kind of environment. Advancing in this dangerous place, she began to sniff out her prey as a very distinct smell gave her a firm direction which she could take. Slithering without any care for the silent approach, the lamia went deeper as the smell became more and more preeminent. It was a stink that was much too distinctive for its own good, which indicated that she was going the right way as it got even easier to smell.

Finally reaching a little vale with plenty of fallen tree, she arrived behind a gigantic figure, one that was as tall as the tallest of trees in the woods. With a fat frame, plenty of hair and a lot of moss covering him, this was most assuredly the giant the captain was talking about as she began to hiss in a manner that would make her presence known. Startling him due to the fact that he was unaware of her presence, the lamia smiled as the ugly giant looked down at her.

''Whuzzat? A snake-lady?'' he said as he crouched down to take a good look at her. His eyes full of curiosity and a touch of stupidity, it was clear that he was thinking about just what to do with her.

''Greetingsss, sssir giant! I have heard that you are attacking that village nearby. Isss that true?'' she asked innocently, yet loudly, putting her hands behind her back as she leaned to make sure he could see her long tail in all its splendor.

''Yeah. Those weaklings try to kill me, but all I do is eat them and beat them up. Pretty soon, I'll be able to have a good snack and just have all their food for myself!'' he boasted, picking her up without her approval. Pulling her closer, he admired the especially long tail she possessed as it was still in contact with the ground no matter how high he held her.

''Well, sssince you're in progresss toward your goal, could I tag along? Those foolsss sssent me into their prissson becaussse I ate one of their pig. The nerve...'' she said, not letting the giant know she was uneasy in his oafish hands.

Thinking about it while he seemingly played with the lamia as if she was a toy, the giant then looked back at her with a small smile on his face. ''Sure. Just don't eat anything while I destroy their town and you'll be able to see them all die by my hand. Maybe I'll even save one for you if I feel generous!'' he claimed, poking at her tail to make it swing back and forth.

Cringing at the painful way he was handling her, Layla tried to recompose herself as she maliciously grinned at what he said. ''Sssplendid then. I sssupose I should then tell you of their sssecret plan that I heard while in their captivity...'' she teased, lightly struggling to get out of his grasp all the while.

''Uh? They got a way to deal with me? Those little dirty humans have a lot of nerve! What is it?'' he said, angry at this sudden revelation as he approached the lamia closer.

''I'll tell you, but could you pleassse put me on your shoulder. I'm afraid I may need to lie down and with me clossse to your ear I won't need to shout,'' she asked gently, showing that she was indeed a bit shaken and hurt.

''Okay,'' he simply answered, putting her up as he tried to curl up her tail along his arm to make it so she would be steady. ''Now tell me,'' he ordered, impatient to know just what could be a danger to him.

''Very well, their plan, actually...'' she began to say as she quickly began to say as she swiftly unwrapped her tail from around his arm and began coiling up along his neck. Doing so with a rapidity of execution that was uncanny, she began to cut up his air as she held herself tightly as to not fall or let him have any chance of throwing her down. Positioning herself just before his eyes, she then approached quite closely as he began to gasp in horror at what was just happening. Activating a special ability she possessed, she then made swirls of impossible colors appears in her own eyes as she bombarded his right eyes with the small vision of her own eyes.

The giant, aghast at the audacity of this puny creature, tried to remove the constricting tail from around his neck, yet his fingers were simply too pudgy and large to do so correctly as the lamia kept on moving around. Twirling and budging constantly in order to not let him even have a simple of his finger on her body again, the lamia simply moved too much as she began to sway her body as her eyes shone like small beacons before the single eye of the giant. The large creature, falling down, could do naught as the agile and nimble snake-woman kept on going as his vision began to get a bit hazier and smaller. This, however, resulted in him finally noticing the colors as he grew weaker from both the lack of air and the strange soothing effect the colors had on his mind.

''Good. If you ssstop ssstruggling, then I'll ceassse to make it any tighter. I jussst want you to lisssten to me carefully. Will you extend me that courtesssy?'' she said, trying to uphold her word as the tightening ceased just enough so that the giant could draw breath.

Nodding silently, the big man began to breathe a little through his nose, the sound of his light drawing of air indicating that he was not yet completely able to do so comfortably.

''Just look into my eyes and realize sssomething: I am ssstronger than you. Far more than you ever thought I could be. I have you at my mercy. My tail could have choked the life out of you, my eyes have you sssubdued and I could end your life anytime I want. Do you underssstand that?'' she asked, emphasizing as she got closer to his eye while constricting a little bit with her tail.

The giant nodding again, his right eye began to mimic the swirls of color a bit. His spirit understanding that she had power over him right now, his will followed suit as he began to cave in, making her suggestions seems all the more plausible to his ears.

''You are, right now, completely weak, completely without any means to essscape my grasssp. You just know that I could decide that you were a naughty giant and sssqueeze ssso tight that your head would pop out of its sssocket. You do not want that, do you?'' she said, her beacon like eyes being even closer as the repetition of the colors in his eyes signified that she was making quick progress.

Still silent, the giant began to sweat profusely as his left eye began to imitate his right one. Losing his mental struggle before it had even started, the giant was under her sway as her words, accompanied by her actions, held much weight in his upcoming fate.

''To get out of this sssituation, you would do whatever I sssay, right? You would obey any command if only to make sssure I am happy enough not to kill you on the ssspot, right?'' she continued, moving away from his right eye while swaying her body in a pendulum-like manner. Seeing both his eyes stuck on her, she knew that it was working as she did not even wait for him to say anything or even act. ''Now, I want you to get very, very afraid. You have never been more afraid in your entire life. I am terrifying, monssstrous and sssimply unssstoppable and you want to get away as fassst as you can. However, you are still within my grasssp and this ssscares you completely, ssso much in fact that you cannot move out of sheer horror...''

With every word she spoke, her features became gradually more horrific for the giant. His mind working as per her suggestions, the tail around his neck became bigger and longer while the lamia grew so much that she made him look like a dwarf in comparison. Her teeth getting longer and her eyes simply dominating his spirit, he babbled as his eyes expressed what his body couldn't.

''Now, I will give you a chance to run away. Ssscream as much as you want, name the sssource of your terror and pray that I never come back for you. If you return around here, I will make sssure you will never get a sssecond chance...'' she concluded as she removed her tail from around his neck.

Finally free from her grasp, the giant rapidly got back on his own two feet as he looked down at the lamia. Breathing heavily, he then turned around as he ran as fast and far as he could. ''The snake-lady will kill me! Make her go away! MAKE HER GO AWAY!'' he screamed as loudly as he could, his stomping being felt all around in the woods. Pushing the trees aside and going in the opposite direction from where Layla and the town stood, he never turned around as he was soon away in the horizon.

The lamia, holding her body as she was slightly hurt, began to slither away as she herself began to gasp for air. Mentally congratulating herself for staying calm during this ordeal, she leaned against a tree in order to gather her wits. Very much aware that she had been close to death a few times in this encounter, she nonetheless had succeeded as she got her act together. Moving toward the town, she did so slowly as to try to collect herself on her way.

Arriving there, she was greeted by the sight of captain Froderick and half a dozen men, all armed, with the mayor behind them. At the sight of the lamia, Froderick ordered for his men to stand down as he approached the serpentine lady while sheathing his sword. ''I trust, from the high scream, that you dealt with the giant?'' he asked courteously, seeing that she was a bit hurt.

''Yesss. I ssscared him off. He'll never be around here ever again if I did things correctly,'' she said, stopping in her tracks as she felt a bit uneasy next to all those guards.

''You scared him away?! You were supposed to kill him!'' the mayor quickly protested, getting closer to Froderick and the lamia.

''The arrangement was for me to deal with him, which I did. He's too far away for me to go and kill him now,'' she said, irritated by the nerve of this old man.

''She did deal with him in her own way. The way the earth shook and how he screamed is pretty much all I need to know. She had every opportunity to run away and never come back, yet she upheld her part of the deal. I do think this would make it more than honourable for us to do as you promised, Mr. Mayor,'' Froderick said, getting in the way of the mayor as he got closer to the lamia. Towering over him, he gave the mayor a terrifying look, one that indicated that messing up with him now would be a bad idea.

Intimidated, the mayor then looked at the guards, who did nothing as they looked at their captain in respect, his attitude seemingly wowing them on the spot. Seeing that he had no support and that the situation could certainly be worse, the old man sighed as he looked in respect at Froderick. ''Very well. I suppose you are correct, Froderick. See that she receives her meat each day and I'll arrange for the townsfolk not to kill her or anything...'' he said, grumbling a little bit as he moved away from the small group.

Dismissing his men and letting them get some rest, Froderick then looked at Layla with a puzzled look on his face. ''You didn't run away. Why?''

''I wanted to, originally, but then you were nice to me and you offered to let me go dessspite not having to. It would not have felt very honourable of me to let someone like you go to their death,'' she answered, looking at him with an earnest look on her face.

Unsure how to respond to that, an awkward silence fell between the captain and the lamia as they looked at each other. Stupefied by such an answer, Froderick tried to figure something out as he finally mumbled, then gave a more coherent answer. ''I make a pretty good mutton stew, apparently. Would you like to try it?'' he said, half-ashamed that this was the only thing that came out of his mouth.

''I'd love to,'' was all that she answered as both Froderick and Layla went to the captain's home, symbolizing the start of something weird, yet beautiful as the heroine of the town would receive her just dessert...