KAA

your legs ached from the long, relentless march through the endless tangle of undergrowth. the heavy, dense air weighed on you, and beads of perspiration rolled down your face as the humidity suffocated you. at last, a tall tree loomed up ahead, its broad shade offering a much-needed reprieve from the relentless sun.
under the tree, the relative coolness offered some comfort, and the insects' incessant buzzing was somewhat muted. you took a much-needed deep breath. but just as you started to find a measure of peace, a sound cut through the air. movement.
your eyes darted around looking for the source of the sound, but it was difficult to pinpoint in the dense foliage of the overgrown forest. suddenly, a long, serpentine tail suddenly appeared, swaying gently in the light breeze. it was partially concealed behind a thick curtain of vines.
as the tail flickered, a sweet, soothing voice broke the quiet, “don't be frightened, little cub... trussst in me...“