Sacrifice to the Snake Demon

[HotTexasCowboy]

Travelers had reported sighting it for years now. As they moved along paths to faraway villages, more and more reports of seeing the giant snake. As large as a human, maybe even two or more humans, and as thick as any warrior known to the realm. Few had come close enough to make out full details, but descriptions of the beast built up over time. Some described it as rising up on its coils, taller than any man, with a scale covered face that resembled something humanoid but fearsome. It had been reported with horns, but also eyes and a mouth almost like a human. When erect, it seemed to have arms at its sides. Others had said it wore a cloak in cold weather. Others, announcing an intent to hunt it, or at least get closer to see it, never returned.

Now, herders and ranchers in the outskirts of the village were reporting raids on their flocks and herds. Full sized rams and bulls, disappearing without a trace, and tracking their hoof prints in the grass showed the sudden end of their prints at a pressed down furrow that led back toward the mountains. Priests scoured not only the scriptures, but ancient texts usually forbidden to good worshipers. They summoned the village to the temple to announce their findings

The conclusion was that a snake demon had somehow been brought up from the depths to afflict them. Such a beast was immortal and could not be slain by weapons. It was protected by scales the acted like armor to any blade or arrow. It was a beast governed by its hungers. It could have risen from hell out the steam pits that appeared in places around the glowing mountain. The ancient texts said such demons were intelligent, but governed by their hungers. It must have devoured most of the game around the mountain, and now was seeking to satisfy itself from the herds. When it had devastated the animals, it would go after the only other creatures left.

There was only one way to ward off the demon, the priests concluded. The flesh and blood of a pure virgin maiden would satisfy the creature for a period of years. No one knew why or how this was possible, but the ancient texts were adamant that such a sacrifice did the trick and protected the population. After prayer and reflection, a vote was taken, and then a lottery of all the maidens. A team of carpenters, guarded by a dozen men carrying staffs and pitchforks, ascended to the foothills of the glowing mountain and built a raised altar. Mounted on the altar was a stout post, with a rope tied to the top.

The chosen sacrifice was brought to the altar, tied in place, and then the men left with haste, determined to be far away before their sacrifice brought forth the demon...

 

[Syrie]

Everyone had bee worried and terrified of the monster that had been plaguing their village. Much discussion had passed and for a while the villagers appeared to have been safe. However, soon their livestock had ran out and the carnivorous beast still lingered and as did his hunger. When the Priests had taken in keen interest and the meeting was held, a dreaded raffle was had. Once the winning ticket had been read, a mother screamed out and pleaded with the priests to reconsider. Her daughter's ticket had been called. She feared that the raffle had been rigged from the beginning. Her daughter was shunned the moment she was born, her crimson-pink hues being apparent that she was only half human. Iris, the young maiden reassured her mother it was for the best. The Priests allowed the mother one day and one night to prepare and have her final farewell with her daughter. That night Iris attempted to condole her mother and reassure that everything would be alright, even though she herself was truly dreading the following day to come.

The villagers appeared to waste no time in gathering the young maiden up. She was clad in nothing but a white silk dress with thin straps draped so tenderly over each pale shoulder. It was of no surprise to her of her 'escort'. They wanted to ensure that their sacrifice found her way with no hiccups along the way. Once she was brought to the alter, fear found is tight grip around her and her body trembled as she began to struggle while she was being tied to the alter. She began to plead and beg for the villagers to stop, desperately trying to gain her freedom from her sealed fate. The villagers appeared to possess no remorse in their eyes as they stared at the young maiden. They were was only silence from their lips until one finally spoke. "Don't you understand, this is for the best? Your sacrifice will ensure the safety of our village. With you, we all shall be saved." He spoke his words coming in a sincere, cold tone.

Iris stared away to the side, her vision becoming blurred. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The villagers soon quickly left in a haste, leaving Iris alone, bound to the alter. She continued to struggle, her wrists becoming raw from the constriction of the ropes. She stared up at them, glaring with her teary eyes. Soft whimpers escaped as she listened to her surroundings. Her keen hearing picking up on each sound. At the moment, there was nothing but crickets and the eerie hum of the wind as it whisped through the trees, brushing through the leaves. Her small, subtle breasts heaved with each passing breath as she attempted to regain her calm. There was a sudden silence that brought her to full alert, her body tightening and tensing as she went on edge. The powerful aura of the one who had been terrorizing her village encased her small, petite frame. She stared with wide eyes, trying to see into the darkness if she could see him.

|| ooc: Sorry for it being so short and if it's a crap post. @.@||​