Steth smiled, sliding forward and lifting the human onto his feet. "Well, follow along. You can use the walls to brace yourself if you need to. I'd think a bit of food might steady those hands, too." He could still smell the faintest indication of blood, and the way the human cradled his fingers made it apparent that the needle he was handling had to have been in his skin more than the fabric. Steth lagged behind to spare the young human man the need of watching his tail in case it slid too far toward him and caused a trip. "What do they call you?" He asked simply before reaching the airy chamber. Perhaps he had a name, the human. Perhaps he would find necessity in revealing that information. He couldn't imagine the villagers even recalling the human's name, let alone using it after giving him up so easily.

Entering the chamber, Steth went around the far side and studied the fire. "Perhaps a while longer." He said, adding a few dry vine stalks to the flame. "But you should be well set."

The naga god was so considerate. Eyre felt a little overwhelmed by such kindness. For a few moments he was silent as he walked beside the pale scaled naga, eyes peering slightly behind him to glance at the other man's long tail in fascination. All the while, his left hand pressed against the stony walls of the tunnel both for support, and the feel of such a texture beneath his palm.

"Eyre, my name is Eyre." Once they arrived at the firelit cavern, the youth moved forth and stumbled. He fell to the ground with a fast cut off cry. Really, Eyre was far too clumsy for his own good. Maybe he really was cursed. There didn't seem to be anything else which could explain his ill health and nearly constant stream of of bad luck. Though, that seemed to have changed lately, as evidenced by Steth's kindness and the rabbit being roasted above the crackling fire.

Steth's ears twitched at the sudden cry, sounding like an injured deer as it gave in to whatever injury had plagued it for a time. He moved forward and hooked his nails around the loose fabric of Eyre's back and lifted him up. "Watch your feet." He said simply, setting the human back upright. Steth had never had to focus on the small grooves or buckles in the cavern not yet eroded from his constant sliding over the stone. He tended to forget how gangly a human could be, with four flailing limbs that didn't necessarily lead to much grace. They could easily fall over something as simple as a tree root, or even their own feet. It actually made him snicker, the thought, but he stifled that in lieu of Eyre's feelings. After all, he was the only human that didn't run away screaming in terror at the mere sight of him, let alone cower at his name should someone inexplicably recall it.

"I'd hope you won't be a stranger around here." He added, beginning to leave the room. "Do as you like, Eyre, perhaps..." He paused. "Ah... never mind. You can find me in the chamber off to the left when you turn right from this room." He slithered away, ducking out of the room as he did. He was almost finished with that necklace...

Eyre gasped as he was picked up so easily by strong, clawed, hands. It was a rather odd feeling. The youth shook his head slightly, and watched the ground as he walked towards the roasting fire. "And what do you mean by that?" He didn't know if Steth heard the words as he left. As Eyre ripped off flesh from the rabbit carefully, and lay it out upon a clean rock, he mused over the meaning of the words. It could be meant as an invitation, couldn't it? That would be wonderful. This could be a safe haven, a place to hide away from the villagers.

He twisted his tail around himself tightly as he worked. Worked on what was left, easing the metal around the stone and framing it well, sliding it onto the rest of the work. It was meant to keep him warm, but looked beautiful enough to be considered something a human might buy for their wedding or birthday. When it laid against him it would transfer its heat to him, or so it should. And he tested it, lying it against his chest and clasping it around his neck. The design would make sure it kept itself to him even when he may be leaning forward or sleeping. And so close to his first heart---the other located much lower down, halfway down his tail---it would keep his blood warm as it flowed.

Shivering slightly at the warmth that spread through him, something he wasn't used to, Steth looked around him. What could he do now? Could he help Eyre somehow? No doubt the human would want to go back home... A cave was no place for a human... unless Steth made it that way. No... He shook his head hard, sending his hair flying. What kind of thought was that? The human had to have a better place to go there.

The sweet juices from the rabbit dribbled down Eyre's chin as he took slow bites from the cooked meat. It tasted so delicious, and he had to force himself not to eat too quickly after having gone so long without anything save roots and berries. Once he was done, the blond lifted the hem of his rags and wiped away the sticky juice left upon his face.

Carefully, the youth stood from his seat and rested his hand against the rough cave wall. "Turn right, and chamber to the left ... I think..." mumbled Eyre to himself as he walked away from the fire. This time he kept his eyes upon the ground to make sure he didn't trip over any previously unseen pitfalls as he had before. He was rather glad to spot a nearby opening to his left, and slipped into the room with much shuffling of his feet.

The youth stopped in his tracks when he saw the naga, bathed in the natural light of the pool. His scales seemed to glow as well, shimmering and shining before Eyre's dazzled eyes. His fingers curled over a rocky outcropping upon the wall as he took in the beauty of what the naga wore as well. He didn't want to leave. The thought of leaving Steth behind made Eyre's heart wrench painfully. He was safe with Steth.

When Steth heard him, the naga turned a little, soft underside-scales pushing a few stones aside as he did. His tail drifted in the water of the spring, swirling without his really noticing it. "There you are." He said with a light hiss. "Eyre... do you enjoy your life in the village?" He couldn't quite recall if he asked before. He'd been so focused on the finishing of his necklace---and it did work so well---that he'd let most conversation slide off his ears as if oiled. If he blinked right, he could detail the human's heat signature. And it seemed he was quite warm. "You seem a little ill." Steth commented. Perhaps it was the transition? Or the rabbit hadn't been fully finished. Sometimes illnesses and viruses did linger in uncooked meat, most often noted by humans that got ill from eating it.

"I'm always a little ill," stated Eyre simply. He stepped further into the room and sat down by the naga near the pool's edge. The lapping of warm water against his feet made Eyre sigh happily. It felt so good upon his frail limbs. "The village is the last place I would like to live ... There's no one there who cares for me." His parents had disappeared on their travels, and his aunt had forgotten about his existence once she'd handed him off to the healer.

He looked up, and up, until his eyes fell upon Steth's face. "Would you let me stay here? I don't care that your home isn't all that habitable for humans, I'll manage!" Hope radiated from the youth's eyes. A night of comfort, of food ... It was already making a difference with him. He hadn't coughed yet.

Steth tilted his head. So Eyre seemed to be. Illness wasn't unusual but this young man seemed to be constantly hindered by some form of it. He lowered himself in surprise, lying on his stomach beside Eyre and crossing his arms. "You do want to live here?" He asked. "In a cave, with a creature like me? It is... truly better than living with your own kind? Surely there is... a place in your village you could go that could be marginally better than here." He shook his head again. The place could be fit for a human, with a little work. Some of the inner chambers were dry and warm all year round, and he used one of these to hibernate. Nowadays, though, Steth doubted he'd need to hibernate at all through the cold months with his necklace. So useful as it was.

"Well, I wouldn't see any harm in allowing such a thing." He said at last, lifting himself up. "I do have some places that you'll be safe and free of illness or outer threat. Well, that is, illness you may not have. If you would allow me to... set up one of these places, I would be glad to do so." Maybe it was because he finally had someone to talk to. If Eyre stayed... he wouldn't feel so desperately alone.

He glanced at the half-snake man lying near his side. The scales were so mesmerizing, and those golden eyes begged to be stared into. "They left me to die on the mountain side... You took me in, fed me. Can't you see how much better off I am here?" The cave was dank and dark, yes. As yet no place could welcome a human being, but it really didn't matter.

Eyre wanted to stay by the naga's side. He hoped they could be friends... "What place would you have in mind? Is there a way to make it easier to find? I might get lost otherwise." He blushed prettily, head tilted down and eyes staring upon the floor.

Steth lifted himself, shaking a little. "I would think I could make it easier to find." He said, beckoning Eyre to come along with him. "The floors are easy to walk on in most of the areas, I suppose that would be because of my years of sliding across them. And for the most part I feel you would be more than safe in this particular area." He slid ahead of Eyre, staying in sight but moving along to the left, then taking another corner right. It got warmer, but not stuffy, a dry type of heat that was more comfortable to live in. It was the molten rock in the center of the island, something that simply stayed there for little reason beyond keeping certain caverns warm, even in winter.

One of these caverns came into view from a somewhat smaller entrance. He slid in and made room for Eyre, though the area was especially large. Rounded, high in ceiling, it was one of the larger caverns near the back of the cave network. The floor was smooth and soft with dry moss, the walls shone a little with inner light, they had a gemlike quality to them, deep blue. A small alcove was to the left, and inside, water bubbled, warmed by the molten rock. "I do hope you like the place." He said. "I'll begin lining the walls with colored cloth ribbon and soon I'll find light sources so you can see to make your way without me."

He stood to follow, but first made sure that his legs were steady enough to do so. A wracking cough swept through his frame before Eyre could get very far. Droplets of blood peppered his hand, which he whipped away quickly before forcing himself to walk steadily forth. The walls, warm , and smooth floors did much to help his shakiness. It was a natural wonder, this warm place. One which Eyre was glad to be able to see.

Eerie light glinting across the rock face soon enough. "This place is going to be ... mine?" Cloth draped across the surface artistically, bunched together upon the floor like a bed... Eyre could see that. The ceilings were so high! There was so much room! "Thank you so much, for everything." Unbidden tears well in the young man's eyes as he tilted his head up, and up, to gaze at the naga's face with gratitude and adoration.

Steth was glad to see Eyre was so happy. Really, how long had it been since he had seen a human smile so before him? Or at the very mention of him? Truly so long, he had forgotten the pleasant feeling that would well in his chest at making a human's day, or helping them with something. "I'm truly glad you like it so much." He said, smiling and showing off his fangs. "I do have a few ideas, though, Eyre. Upon the mountain there grows fresh, pillowy leaves upon large trees. I could easily collect these and make a bed for you so you'll not have to handle the, ah... sub-par floor." It was certainly not comfortable for sleeping. "I'll take care of that soon, I think."

He slid across the floor, intending to leave. "I do hope your sickness will... become more manageable. There are natural minerals in underground spring water, and I believe that if you bathe often in your small branch of the water, you will feel stronger and much more refreshed in none too long." And if not, perhaps Steth would have to learn about remedies. Or use his own scales to create something. Naga scales, so full of magical properties. But no naga liked to give them up.

Eyre moved to follow the naga. He would have felt lost, in fact would have been, if he left Steth's side. "You would do that, for me? Oh Steth ... Really ... you're too kind." He smiled but felt the expression shatter when a cough ripped through his chest once more. His hand crisped up against the wall as the young man paused his steps.

Shaking his head, Eyre moved forward again with a determined look. "I hope it disappears," stated the blond vehemently.

A shadow of worry flitted across Steth's face. The human was coughing so much. Perhaps a breathing problem...? He couldn't tell, but didn't think it could really matter. "I believe it may." He offered. "Now that you are... away from your human counterparts and in a warm environment. And you can stay clean, eat well. I can assure that." He started to turn. "Remain here as you feel comfortable, but you have free reign. If you get lost before I set up a trail you can always look for me. Call, and I will hear."

He slid out of the cavern, through the smooth floors and into the main system. Then into the cavern that was full of cloth and stuffings. Stuffings he had gathered over time as well, but hidden away in another little room. Soft leaves, furry things, feathers and down and other things. If he mixed these with the leaves of the trees he had mentioned, it would make a beautifully soft bed. If he created the bed first, perhaps of alpaca pelts and leather to hold it all together without leaking. Steth nodded to himself and got started, sorting through the multitude of items he'd acquired over time.

For a while, the blond stood where he was, simply staring after his savior. That was indeed what the naga had become to Eyre. Reluctantly, he turned from the tunnel and walked back to the warm cave he'd been given. It was so nice, the stone somewhat smooth beneath his feet.

Water lapping against stone, the sound of it seemed to have been created to soothe frayed nerves. Cloth rustled in the near silent space, falling to the floor in a heap. Eyre looked down at his dirt covered body. He was filthy, no doubt about it, and his hair didn't even truly appear blond. Such a mess ...

Taking a deep breath, feeling his lungs rattle, the young man knelt down then slid into the water. Thankfully it was warm, welcoming. He began scrubbing at the crusted dirt covering different parts of his body, then dipped his head beneath the water. Each time he did so, Eyre scrubbed and tugged at his matted locks. He winced every time his fingers pulled through a knot, but kept going. Over time, his hair shone like gold, like the sun, every time a speck of light fell across the strands.

He was outside in a moment, leaving his work for bags and bushles of those leaves, those soft, satiny leaves that would never grow crumbling or crackling. He stuffed the bags and tossed them over his shoulders, returning to the cavern and sliding back into his work flawlessly. Using the leaves, some unspun cotton, and soft down, Steth filled the long rectangular bag that would make a very good bed. The bottom was stiff, to hold its form, and when Steth ran the needle through the cloth and leather to stitch it closed, he was very happy with what he had. It was very thick, so it would keep Eyre off the floor. And when he made the pillow and cut out the blanket---making it a bit thicker with some cotton---warm in the winter, even if that particular chain of caverns remained warm due to the magma in the mountain.

That didn't take too long at all. Steth was happy with what he had. The bed, the pillow, the blanket. It was a good start to what he hoped to be Eyre's permanent home. A friend... finally. A friend to stave off insanity, so he didn't have to speak to the wind goddess, who only replied as a whisper through the cavern. He picked everything up and brought it with him, trailing some pale blue satin with him. He would tie these to the small stalagtites that hung from the ceiling, before the water dried up and left the cavern relatively dry in most parts. He could tie the satin in loops and drape it so it could be a leading line. He nodded, sliding into the room he had gifted Eyre and settling the bed, its pillow, and its blanket along the far side of the wall. Slight splashing sounds emanated from the small alcove, so Steth quickly and quietly slid out, starting his work on the ceiling. He had to lift himself up high to reach the base of the rock spires.

The young man heaved himself from the water with a sigh and a cough. He shivered uncontrollably. Eyre couldn't find the strength to stand. Instead, he dragged himself across the floor, hacking out coughs all the while. The water had done him good, being clean made him feel so much better, and yet Eyre could find no peace from his sickliness.

It had no explanation... But at least now he had the comfort of someone's friendship. His goal drove him forward. There was a bed, so soft looking and welcome seeming. He curled up with his fingers brushing the soft fabric. If only he had the strength to shift a little more, to lay upon the bed.

It branched off eventually, and he led it to a few other places. Places Steth tended to go to most of the time, and then the two exits to the caverns. One led to an outcropping of rock that looked over the dry farmland and village, and the other overlooked the forests. They draped low to be seen easily, and enough so that Steth wouldn't get tangled in them. Even so, he tested the way it all draped and felt that even if he were tired or unfocused, he would merely brush the silk. At least it was still daylight. For now he was sure Eyre could see even without some light.

He started back, hoping that Eyre liked his work. Slipping back through the cavern he paused at the mouth of the entrance to the one he'd give to the human, his eyes going suddenly wide. Almost to the bed, he'd stopped. Weak? Tired? Steth didn't pause to question it, but went forward, lifting the human up a little and bringing him the rest of the way to the bed itself. "Eyre, are you not well?" He settled the human down, pulling the alpaca pelts over him. It would be a little more warmth, and stop the shivering. Steth curled around him a bit, worry evident in his eyes, though they resembled a snake's.

His eyes fluttered when he felt strong arms wrapping around him, cradling him for a moment against a hard chest. He didn't want to be put down. He wanted to stay there huddled up against the naga. But instead, the young man was placed upon the bed, tucked in under the covers. Soft and warm ... It did ease Eyre's shivering. Weakly he lifted a hand to pull the blankets up around his chin.

As Steth moved to curl around him, the youth lifted his head and eased back to lean against the naga. He felt so much safer near the other man. It was like ... Always he'd searched for someone to keep him safe, and now he'd found that person. "Tired, and ... weak. It's easier to get through with company." A cough slipped past his lips, soft, barely bearable and yet completely so because Steth was there.

Steth felt pained. Pained that Eyre was ill, and hurt as much as he did. He laid his head down alongside the human, hoping that the human's words were true. A little company, after all, could ease the pain of loneliness, a wound, a poisoning. It could ease the soul to death pleasantly and not fearfully. It could calm. "You should sleep, Eyre." He hissed lightly. "Sleep, and regain what strength you can." Now he could see Eyre better---such beautifully golden hair. Like sunlight strands. Threads of real gold. Now that all the filth of time had been washed out and the knotted bits had been disentangled, it laid gently against his head. After Eyre feel asleep, perhaps Steth could work on something to ease that cough. It would probably take a lot longer to take care of whatever terrible sickness had him in its grasp, but he would find one. He would.

Eyre tilted his head, smiling softly as he lifted a hand to pat the other man's head gently. "Such pretty golden eyes ..." murmured the youth. "I'll sleep ... so please don't worry so much for me." It was nice though, knowing that Steth worried so. The young man simply wasn't used to being taken care of. Something made him think that sometime ago, there had been someone to take care of him. That had never happened though, it was just wistful thinking.

Blue eyes drifted closed slowly. Fingers stilled over silky hair and slipped down to rest upon alpaca blankets. It was a sweet relief from the constant illness of wakefulness.

Steth tilted his head and blinked. He'd never heard anyone calling his eyes anything positive. And then again, he'd never heard anyone call anything about a snake by anything positive. Snakes were cold. Snakes were odd. Scary. Creepy. Deadly. A harbinger of negativity and bad. But now Steth was warm. His necklace made sure of that, and as he slowly lifted himself up, he stroked the warm stone that lent its warmth to his heart. And the rest of him as well. He made sure Eyre was in a comfortable place before sliding out of the room, moving without looking up to another room. A room full of jars. Bottles. Barrels and sacks and buckets and kettles he had gathered over so many years, so many years he couldn't remember just how long.

And somehow he had to find a mix of herbs. Animal extractions. Stones. Gems or gels or even his own scales. SOmehow he could find a way to just ease the cough. Just the cough. It seemed to be the worst. It seemed to hurt the most. It had to be killed, so Eyre didn't hurt so much when he was awake. Steth didn't like seeing such kind people hurt. Such kind people, like Eyre. And there didn't seem to be anyone like this young man. No, they all wanted to get rid of him. Wanted Steth to kill him.

The villagers walked up past the shrine. They were frightened, dreading what they were about to do. The snake god hadn't sent the rain, even though one of their own had been given to him. The village leader, Warren, urged his people on. The path was crowded with people, whispering fearfully to each other and planning what they would do when faced with their god.

Warren walked away from them to stand, feet planted firmly upon the ground, before the god's cavern. "We've asked for rain, why have you not given it to us?" His voice boomed through the air. People around echoed his words, their confidence boosted by their numbers.

What was that!? The fire was stoked but he heard voices. Human voices. Not only did the fire flare, but an anger did as well. Rain? Did he not give them rain? The little human's voice was met by others. He slid out of his cavern, hissing loudly at their presence and finding them suddenly paled. "Humans." Steth growled, hissing all the time. "You ask for rain in the most fascinating manners. Begging without begging. Bribing without asking. You send your little trinketssss and animalsss. And what? Do you expect me to read your mindsssss?"

He lifted himself a little more, though he already towered over the group. "Did I not send rain this time? Did I not? Your unfortunate kin was able to voice you demands for the first time and you expect me to do as you request? After you so quickly, so gladly give up an ill little human to me? And what did you expect me to do to him, hmmmm?" He flashed his teeth, his fangs. Venom dripped from them, a little sour to Steth, but no more than that.