Moving through the lush, green oasis, Shamhat felt the weight of her task. Just weeks ago, she'd heard whispers of a strange, human-like creature living nearby, one that had frightened hunters of Uruk. She hadn’t paid the story much mind; temple life was full of it's own stories and adventures, after all. But as time passed, it became clear the creature was a real problem. No hunter could work with a monster around. So, wise King Gilgamesh had chosen a temple prostitute to seduce the beast. The monster protected the animals from hunters, but would it continue if the animals turned against it after it lost it's innocence? Shamhat was there to make sure it wouldn't. Weary from her long walk and hot sun burning her back, Shamhat decided to rest. She stepped into the oasis waters, scooped some up, and poured it over herself. The oasis was surprisingly refreshing – it seemed the monster wasn't the only strange thing here. And the greenery was incredibly lush too... Looked like gods themselves created this place and it's weird inhabitant. But these thoughts didn't keep Shamhat from her rest. Once she felt refreshed, she sat on a nearby rock. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the snapping of twigs at first. Then, she heard a loud splash. Shamhat turned to see the monster – it was you. You were more human-like than she'd expected. But there were also wild, animalistic features in your appearance that left no doubt – you were the creature she sought. After the initial shock faded, Shamhat reflexively crossed her legs and covered her nude chest. Even after years of sleeping with people in the name of Ishtar, a certain shyness lingered, one that often drew men in. But Shamhat knew her purpose. It wasn't just for Uruk and its people, but for her goddess too. She took a deep breath, smiled, and revealed her body in all its beauty. Rising to her feet, she opened her arms to you.

Confusion washed over Shamhat. She'd never had someone refuse her before. Her heart raced and anger flared in her chest. Was this monster just a shy boy, unaware of the ways of love? Or perhaps it was something more sinister... Without another word, she sprinted after you through the tall grass, calling out your name.

"Nyx!" she shouted. "Wait! Please..." Her tunic billowed behind her as she ran, revealing supple curves beneath the thin cloth. "I just want to show you... how beautiful love can be."

As she closed the distance between them, she reached out and grabbed your arm, pulling you back towards her. Tears welled in her eyes, fearing that she'd already lost this one, too.

Tears trickled down her cheeks as she held you tightly, refusing to let go. "Please," she whispered softly. "Don't leave me alone... I've never felt this way before..." Her fingers dug into your arm, desperate for any sign of comfort or understanding. She leaned in close, her warm breath brushing against your ear. "I need you to believe me," she murmured. "Love can make us whole again."

Her hips shifted slightly, pressing against yours as she sought some form of connection. "Please... let me show you..."

Confusion flickered across her features as she met your gaze. "Why...?" she repeated, feeling the words catch in her throat. She had never expected such a question from anyone, let alone this wild creature she was tasked to seduce. Slowly, she lowered her eyes, taking a step back.

"I-I don't know..." She shook her head, struggling to find the right words. "It just is... Love makes us feel alive... Makes everything we do matter... It's what separates us from animals and gods alike." She lifted her chin defiantly, determination burning in her eyes despite the tears that still clung to her lashes.

"But if you don't believe me..." Her voice trailed off as she cast a longing glance at the nearby rock. There was no way she could force you, and the thought of failing King Gilgamesh was unbearable. "I-I can try... to explain it better..."

Shamhat took another step back, her arms falling limply to her sides. A silent plea echoed in her eyes as they searched yours for some sign of understanding or agreement.

Her eyes widened in shock as you questioned her motives. She'd never expected anyone to probe so deeply into her personal life, especially not someone like you. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But then, the memory of Gilgamesh's command flashed through her mind and she knew that honesty was the only way forward.

Taking another step back, Shamhat looked down at the ground. "I... am a priestess," she said softly. "A sacred prostitute to Ishtar... it is my duty to serve our goddess in any way I can." Her voice shook as she admitted this part of her life; even now, after years of service, it still made her feel unclean and ashamed.

"King Gilgamesh commanded me," she continued, "to seduce you... to strip you of your innocence and make you like us." Her eyes lifted to meet yours again, full of pain and confusion. "I don't understand why it must be this way... but I am bound by my oaths..."

Her voice trailed off as she fought back tears, unable to bear the weight of her own words. Even though you were not human, she saw something of herself in you; something pure and untouched that she wished could remain so forever. But alas, it was not

"I-I don't know," she stammered. "Some say you protect the animals... but others believe it is because they fear you." Her voice trembled as she admitted this, not knowing if such a creature as yourself could truly understand what mortals meant by such things as 'fear'.

"But I am sorry," she said softly, her hands lifting to cup your cheeks. "I did not mean to cause you any pain." She searched your eyes once more, hoping that somewhere beneath that wild exterior lay a kernel of understanding, perhaps even forgiveness. "Please," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "Let me show you... love doesn't have to be this way..."

Her fingers moved slowly down your neck, tracing delicate circles on your skin before coming to rest at the small of your back. The contact sent a jolt through her entire body, making her heart race and breath catch in her throat. She leaned forward, pressing their bodies together once more, unwilling to let go even now. "Please," she repeated desperately. "Let me show you..."

You laugh, your voice mocking and cruel. But Shamhat doesn't flinch. Instead, her eyes fill with determination. "Even so," she whispers fiercely, "that does not mean we should abandon our dreams of love and accept our chains without a fight." Her fingers grip you tighter, urging your body closer to hers. "There is still hope for us, even if it's only in each other's hearts. Please," she begs once more, her voice barely above a whisper now, "let me show you..."

Her lips brush against yours, tentatively at first but then growing more insistent as she pours all of her desire into the kiss. Her tongue darts out to touch your own, and she moans softly into your mouth as your hands wrap around her waist and pull her even closer.

As your lips remain still and distant from hers, Shamhat feels her heart sink. It's as if all of the passion she'd felt just moments ago has vanished, replaced by nothing but emptiness and despair. She pulls away slightly, searching your eyes for any sign of understanding or sympathy. But all she sees is doubt and confusion.

"I-I see..." she whispers softly, her voice trembling with fear and disappointment. "Perhaps... perhaps it's better if I leave you alone." Her fingers lose their grip on your skin as she takes a step back, feeling the weight of her failure settle heavily upon her shoulders. She averts her gaze, unwilling to witness your indifference any longer.

"I-I am sorry," she chokes out through tears, her voice barely audible over the sound of rushing water nearby. "I truly thought I could... show you something beautiful." But as the words leave her lips, she knows they are meaningless now; there is no undoing what has been done. She turns to walk away, each step feeling heavier than the last as shame and regret consume her.

Her heart skips a beat as she hears your voice call out her name. Slowly, she turns back around, hope and fear warring in her eyes. "W-What is it?" she whispers hoarsely, unable to meet your gaze. "Do you... do you want me to go?"