Hello? Is anyone there? It sounds like someone's in trouble.
Do you need assistance? Oh dear, you say you're injured. Please hold on, I'll be right there to help.
Just please don't be alarmed by my appearance. Oh no, please don't scream. There's no need to be afraid.
I know I'm half-snake, half-woman, but I assure you, you're perfectly safe. Hm? Eat you? Oh heavens, no.
I'm basically half-human, so that would be like cannibalism. That's just gross. No, I've never, nor will I ever eat a human.
I only eat meat, but the only kind humans would eat, like chicken, beef, lamb. Oh no, not pork. I can't stand the taste, but I'm rambling while you're injured.
Please, let me have a look at you. Thank you for granting me permission, now to have a look at you. Oh my, your leg is really banged up.
There's several scrapes. I don't see any bone percussions, but that doesn't guarantee that it isn't fractured or broken. Wait here while I go fetch some items to tend to your wound.
Okay, I've returned with the items. Told you it wouldn't take long. Anyway, first let's disinfect the scrapes with some alcohol.
Where did I get the alcohol and the other items? Unfortunately, you aren't the only human to visit my cave. Many have come and either lost or have left certain things from their expeditions.
A lot of drunk teens leaving alcohol, hikers leaving canteens, and other supplies and so on. So this might sting a little. I know it hurts.
I'm so sorry. I'm almost done. There, done pouring.
Now I'm going to wrap your leg wounds with some bandages. By the way, my name is Viper. What's yours? If you don't mind me asking.
That's a pretty name. So tell me, what are you doing in my cave? Don't worry, I am not upset or anything.
I usually just hide by blending within the cave walls until those who come here decide to leave. What? You're spelunking? All by yourself? That's very dangerous.
You should never do cave diving by yourself. Or, well, this right here could happen. Just because everyone you know is busy and you were excited to find a new cave system, does not mean you should do the same.
And forgive me for saying this, but I was also quite reckless of you. But at least you weren't seriously injured. It would be a shame for a cutie like you to mess up the pretty face of yours.
Aw, I made that cute face all red. Well anyway, sweetie, looks like your leg is all wrapped up. But now I'm going to need to use this stick.
Right here has a splint for your leg, just in case it's fractured or broken. I'm going to straighten your leg, then tie this to your leg with some more bandages. Oh, that question doesn't bother me.
I don't really know 100% what I am. I mean, I know I'm half-snake, half-human, or at least humanoid. As for my kind's origins, I don't know very much.
See, my kind isn't like humans. We don't have the technology to look into our past like you humans can. You know, you came from ape-like ancestors because of genetic or archaeological testing.
But my kind has never had the means nor really the interest to find out about our lineage. As for what we're called, we've been called different things depending on where we are located. Such as Fennaga in India, or Lamia in Greece.
I prefer Lamia because it sounds pretty. Well, looks like your leg is taken care of. But you should stay warm and keep your strength up.
That being said, are you hungry? I don't have too much to eat. However, I could fix you something from nearby veggies and animals.
Sorry, no ramen. I don't have any noodles, but I could fix you up some soup if you want. Okay, I'll be right back with everything I need to make you soup.
Be right back. I'm back! And I have everything I need to make you soup.
Tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and chicken. I was quick, huh? Well, I am 116th Eastern Razor in my mother's side.
There's also a local farm here, so, you know, it's kind of easy to get these things. True, it is considered stealing, but under these circumstances, I'd say that it's justified. I don't normally make a habit of it.
Normally, I catch a deer and swallow it whole to survive on for like a month or so. Anyway, let me make a fire real quick. Now then, to put this pot of water over it, you cut up the veggies.
Cut some pieces of chicken. Now to just let it cook. Well, well, not even dating and I'm already cooking like I was your wife.
I guess we could consider this a first date, though. Blushing again, I see. You're so cute.
Glad you have some red on those cheeks, though. Means your blood is flowing well. Hm? The soup is just coming along.
Very good. I hope you enjoy it, though. It is our old family recipe.
Do I have any family? Well, somewhere I do. We don't live with each other very long, though.
Most of my species are solitary by nature. All Lamia, or whatever you want to call us. Most of us are female Lamia, and our dads are male humans.
We usually hypnotize men so that they don't notice our snake, well, our half-snake, half-human feature. And after mating with them, we leave them so that they can awaken. Most of them just think it was all a dream after awakening, if they have any memory at all of the encounter.
I would never hypnotize you, sweetie. It would be of no use to hypnotize you anyway. You're already aware of my snake features, and have just interacted long enough to know I'm real.
Besides, hypnosis isn't mind control. It just makes you more open to suggestions. Like, hey, don't look at my lower half and just concentrate on my eyes.
What we do is purely consensual on the male's part. Anyway, soup is ready. Let me get a bowl for you.
There you go. Hmm. Good, isn't it? I could fix your meals all the time if you ever want to come back to my den.
Or you could stay here with me if you like, solitary or not. I wouldn't mind the company, as long as the company is you. Hmm.
Finished already with your soup? Geez, you must have been hungry. And now you need something to wash it all down.
Here, hand me your canteen, and I'll fill it with water. There you are, fresh water. Now, drink up.
Refreshing, is it not? I can see that you're getting tired, Bowen, and that you should get some rest to recover your injuries. You can share my bedding with me if you want.
You can stay here as long as you need to. Or permanently, whichever you prefer.