ã€ŠServant of the Serpentã€‹


 Snakes for Friends

    This is the part Eben loves.

    Gliding through the forest on the back of his horse, Fairy, without anything to hold him back. He''s free, unchained, untethered.

    The humid forest air whips through his red hair, turning his already messy crown into a veritable bird''s nest.

    It''s fine though. What does a bandit need vanity for? The rougher looking, the better. He remembers distinctly how difficult it had been to intimidate his victims when he was still soft-faced and doe-eyed. Now at 24, all he needed was some unkempt hair and wild eyes to subdue anyone unlucky enough to cross his path.

    "Got your head in the clouds, Ebby??" Claudia jeers. The petite woman is just as skillful as him on horseback, and she darts ahead agilely to prove it.

    Eben smiles at the silly teasing. He hasn''t known her long, but he already likes the dark-haired woman a lot. He has hope that maybe she''ll stick around and not stab him in the back, like every other accomplice who''s joined him on his misadventures.

    "Will you idiots slow down?! I''m on a damn mule while you two fools have god-forsaken thoroughbreds."

    Boris, on the other hand, is free to leave at any time. Eben knows the bastard has been eyeing up fairy, no doubt looking to take off in the night with her and a bag of loot.

    Usually, he''d ditch an untrustworthy creep like that in the first backwater town he could find, but Eben still had use for him. Specifically, the bandit had a sneaking suspicion he''d be in need of Boris''s freaky strength during the next job.

    The village of N?dre Tor was secluded deep in the woods, and nobody in his circle of criminals had ever heard of anyone returning successfully from the village. He''d even heard rumors that traders went as far as refusing to enter the village, favoring doing business at the gate.

    However, Eben knew that most bandits, in fact, were idiots. To be a bandit you were either too stupid to accept your lot in life as a farm hand, or there was something about you that kept you from entering ''polite'' society. So Eben didn''t have a hard time imagining a bunch of smooth-brains storming a paranoid hick town in the boonies with nothing but flimsy daggers and overzealous confidence. For that reason, he''s bringing the brute along just in case.

    Either way, he wasn''t afraid. Worst case scenario? He dies. That was something every bandit had to be prepared for. Couldn''t be much worse than this.

    The woods became denser as the trio traversed deeper into the forest. It made sense most would avoid going this deep, usually folk avoided places like this where the monsters roamed.

    Some beasts weren''t anything to fear, Eben knows. He recalls his first interaction with a monster. It was a selkie on the beach with her pup. He''d been a teen then, new to a life of crime with nothing to show for it but ragged clothes and an empty stomach. He''d watched the woman cracking open oysters for the little one, who slurped them down happily.

    Eben had expected her to flee into the water with the child when she saw him, or perhaps bear her fangs at him. But instead, she''d looked at him with deep, sad, eyes.

    The next morning, left in front of his tent, was a huge red snapper speared on a sharp stick.

    His second encounter hadn''t been so wholesome, though. The then 20-year-old had been sent out on a mission by a group of highwaymen to rob a farmer. When the place was found abandoned, Eben figured he and the other recruits would have to return empty-handed.

    That was before they saw the creature in the field.

    Standing elegantly shimmering in the morning sun, was a stunningly white unicorn.

    The others were convinced it would be a great idea to capture the beast and bring it back instead. Eben was unconvinced and argued against the idea strongly.

    Later, when the unicorn ¡ªnow stained pink with crimson blood, and dripping bits of viscera from its fangs¡ª chased him down the road, Eben had never been so grateful he''d listened to his instincts.

    That is to say, it made sense that many avoided a village located in such a precarious spot. Monsters were to be respected with a healthy dose of fear.

    Though that also meant that such an isolated village would have access to untapped riches ripe for the taking. Lots of monsters around meant access to rare items that couldn''t be found in other areas. Jackalope horns, phoenix feathers, cockatrice scales...the potential was limitless.

    Eben was pulled from his reverie as they approached the entrance to N?dre Tor.

    Surrounding the village was a massive wall of mossy boulders. Even the gate to the village was embedded into a large onyx-black boulder.

    "Look at that carving!" Claudia exclaims in awe.

    Eben follows her line of sight. Above the gate is a painstakingly carved depiction of a snake about to strike.

    Eben marvels at the artistry of the work. Each scale is masterfully articulated into the smooth black rock. Even the smallest details of the serpent''s eyes are delicately carved into the stone. "It''s beautiful..."

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    "Beautiful?" Boris snorts "more like freaky. Nothing says "fuck off like a slimy snake."

    Eben rolls his eyes, but Boris makes a good point, surprisingly. There''s a message being communicated clearly; tread lightly.

    Claudia approaches the gate, roughly punching Eben in the shoulder as she passes him. "C''mon you, sissies, I''m not gonna let that keep me from my loot."

    Eben smiles, resisting the urge to rub his sore shoulder, and follows her lead.

    Getting into the village is easier than planned. Eben figured their ragtag group might be met with some suspicion or outright hostility, but the guard only side-eyes them when they request entry. He didn''t even have any weapons, Eben notes.

    They don''t get a much warmer welcome once inside. The locals stare the newcomers down, wary. Eben pulls his hood more securely over his head, the last thing they need is to get run out of town over his pointy ears.

    Boris leans over, whispering to Eben. "Look! Everyone in this village is wearing jewelry! We hit the jackpot!"

    True to the man''s word, every woman, man, and child seemed to wear a pendant of an intricately carved serpent around their neck.

    It wasn''t just that, either. At every entrance to every home, there were paintings, statutes, and carvings of serpents. Even on the bridge they passed over, there were serpents carved into the rail. It was a little off-putting, to say the least.

    Eben tried to clear his mind by stroking fairy''s mane. He was allowing himself to get spooked over nothing. It''s just a creepy village, nothing more.

    Soon, they approached their target. The market was bustling for such a small settlement. Eben eyes up each stall, trying to judge which might be the best to start with.

    His eye is caught when he notices a jeweler selling wares. With how much this town seems to adore its pendants, this would be a good place to start.

    He nods in the direction of the target to his companions. They follow him as he dismounts his horse and approaches the stall.

    Boris stands to the side on stand-by as Eben and Claudia wave in greeting to the man polishing his goods. Eben lets Claudia do the talking here, her sweet voice and soft smile are great at putting people at ease.

    "Salutations!" She chirps. "How are you on this fine day, sir?"

    The man looks a little dubious at the strangers approaching him but doesn''t turn away a potential sale. "Salutations, travelers. Can I interest you in some hand-carved jewelry and statues?"

    Eben notices a young girl peeking from behind the man. She doesn''t greet them at all, nervously tracing the ivory pendant hanging from her neck instead.

    Eben feels a small stab of guilt for what they''re about to do, but shakes it off. Nobody had to die today, they''d take what they needed and leave.

    Claudia ooh''s and ahh''s at the arrangement before her. Eben flushes as she giggles and pulls him towards her, pressing her chest into his arm. "Oooh honey, will you buy this for me? Please?" She points at one of the pendants, a verdant green malachite stone carved into yet another serpent.

    "No."

    Claudia jolts at the sudden firmness of the man''s voice, tightening her grip around Eben''s arm.

    The man seems to realize his mistake, as he hastens to correct himself. "The serpent pendants are for residents of the village only...Can I interest you in perhaps a unicorn, instead?"

    Claudia adapts quickly. "Ooh, love, please buy it for me??"

    Eben has to fight rolling his eyes. She really is teasing him with this game of pretend, isn''t she? He sighs as he pulls a few gold coins from his satchel.

    Eben hands over the coins to the man, who then does exactly what they planned; he unlocks a small chest to deposit the payment.

    Before the man has time to react, Claudia vaults herself over the edge of the table and kicks the man away. He tumbles to the ground with a pained thud and a scream from the child.

    The three of them unsheathe their swords to the gasps of several villagers. Eben swings his sword around the square, directing it at every onlooker. "We don''t want trouble, just your gold. Bring it now, or face the consequences."

    A panicked frenzy consumes the villagers, but Eben and his crew are calm. They''ve been through this before.

    Claudia goes from stand to stand, person to person, taking anything precious and shiny. The caught villagers whimper and cower, but none try to fight back.

    In fact, it''s puzzling. Even the largest men they meet don''t dare challenge them. Stranger yet, Eben notices none of them have weapons either. Even in the most peaceful towns, there was someone with a dagger. Was this a town of pacifists?

    Things go from strange to outright freakish when a loud church bell begins to toll in the distance. All of the villagers seem to freeze in unison before falling to their knees, covering their eyes.

    "What the fuck?" Boris curses.

    "Eben, what''s going on?" Claudia asks, worried.

    Something is wrong. "Get on your horses. We''re leaving, now."

    Claudia grunts, attempting to heave the heavy sack of coins onto her horse.

    "Claudia, leave it! We''re going!"

    Boris glares. "I''m not leaving empty-handed!"

    Without warning, Boris strikes Claudia, heaving the heavy sack onto his shoulder. Eben attempts to rush over to Claudia to prevent the hit, but he''s thwarted by a swift slash to the stomach as the man mounts Fairy. Eben is knocked to the ground, wheezing in pain.

    But Fairy won''t move. Her ears are pinned in fear and she stamps on the ground, but the horse refuses to move even as the brute berates the equine.

    Eben''s mouth goes dry when he sees that his horse has firmly shut her eyes. Claudia sees it too, and he can only watch as she covers her eyes, running blindly in the opposite direction.

    As he watches her abandon him from his position on the ground, he hears a new sound¡ª  bells. Hundreds and hundreds of small bells and several whimpers of fear from the villagers.

    Eben squeezes his eyes shut as he listens. Fairy is screaming and stomping now, and Boris seems to share her fear at whatever is out there.

    "No! Get back! Get back!"

    There''s a heavy thud and a choked-off scream before Boris goes silent.

    He doesn''t want to meet whatever is strong enough to kill that man so quickly. The bandit attempts to get up, but the laceration on his abdomen screams in protest as he tries. The only thing he is capable of is scrabbling back away from whatever has efficiently and brutally killed Boris.

    Suddenly, Eben jolts as he feels small hands latch onto his arm. He hears the panicked sobs of the child from before as she clutches to him in fear. She whimpers as the sound of bells gets closer.

    He holds the child close and brings the sword to a point at the sound. Underneath the chaotic chimes, he can hear something massive slithering around. A snake, he thinks. A gigantic, enormous, snake.

    "Get back!" He screams.

    Eben slashes blindly at the sounds nearing him. The thing takes the opportunity to strike; an ice-cold hand grabbing him by the wrist.

    The girl screams as she''s yanked away from Eben. He thrashes, attempting to free his wrist from the iron-like grip. "Don''t hurt her!"

    Eben screams as both his hands are pinned down and he feels razor-sharp fangs pierce his neck.

    Suddenly, the world is muted. The pain is gone, and Eben''s whole body feels warm and fuzzy. The last thing he hears before slipping into a deep sleep is the tinkling of distant bells.

 Coiled up in a Dark place

    Eben doesn''t come to awareness easily.

    His mind clings to his hazy, dreamless, unconsciousness as if to protect him from the harsh realities of the waking world.

    However, there''s only so long the bliss can last before his aches and pains brutally rip him from his solace.

    The bandit awakens to a dimly lit room. He''s laying prone on a worn woven mat, the resounding ache in his temples only rivaled by the burning pain of the slash on his belly.

    A fumbling hand reaches down to check the damage, only to find the wound obscured under layers of bandages.

    "Now now, don''t go pulling your stitches out."

    Eben flinches, turning his head to locate the source of the voice.

    It''s a man, dressed in a dark forest-green cassock. Eben''s eyes catch on the intricate, vibrant red stole that hangs off the man''s neck. Stitched delicately into the fabric are scales, fangs, and slit eyes.

    Great. More snakes. Eben realizes that snakes are slowly replacing the mosquito as his least favorite creature.

    "Please don''t be alarmed. I mean you no harm, Eben. You can call me Father Sheppard, I am the high priest of N?dre Tor."

    Eben grips the threadbare mat with white knuckles. "What¡ª what happened?"

    The man smiles. It''s not a kind expression. "You don''t remember your crimes? Did our little Adder administer a dose so high your mind has forgotten all your sins?"

    "I''m sorry, please, if you''d just let me go¡ª"

    "Let you go?" The man laughs cruelly. "No, my little sheep. You must atone."

    "Atone?"

    "Yes, atone."

    The man strokes his stole lovingly, fingers tracing the stitched scales. "The kind Gods and Goddesses of the pantheon allow for all beings born with sin in their hearts an opportunity to atone."

    Eben clenches his jaw. Atoning could mean indentured servitude at best, hanging from a tree at worst.

    "You see, N?dre Tor is a remarkable place that provides redemption for not only wayward souls like yourself, but salvation even for hellish creatures of the inhuman persuasion."

    Eben traces the puncture wounds on his neck. Like his torso, they are wrapped securely in bandages. "Inhuman? You mean like the thing that attacked me?"

    "Precisely. You are a quick one, aren''t you? Do you get it from your elven side?"

    Eben flushes, hands flying to cover his ears with the hood which was no longer on his person.

    The action amuses Sheppard, causing the grey-haired man to smirk cruelly. "Why, how lucky are we to receive a creature like you? You''ll get along wonderfully with Adder."

    "Adder?" Eben is sweating now.

    "Yes. Have you heard of the gorgon, friend?"

    "Gorgon? As in, a giant half-man half-serpent monster who can turn you into stone with a look?"

    A damned Gorgon? Well, that explained a lot. Eben never stood a chance, did he?

    "The very one. Adder came to our town a sinful beast who slew everyone in his path. Through the glory of the Pantheon, he now seeks atonement by serving N?dre Tor as our protector."

    Eben grimaces. Even if he believed in the Gods, he would know that this sounds like a crock of horse shit. "So I am to serve as protector of the village too now? Like your pet?"

    Sheppard tuts, shaking his head in dismissal. "What use would we get from a criminal protecting us? No, you will be serving our friend, Adder."

    "You want me to serve a gorgon?" Eben asks, astonishment clear on his face.

    "Yes. His former caretaker passed away recently, so we''re in desperate need of a replacement."

    "I don''t¡ª what does¡ª"

    "Of course, the choice is yours."

    Sheppard turns away from Eben, making his way towards the door before pausing at the entrance.

    "Every man should have the right to express their free will, my friend. So N?dre Tor gives you the choice if you''d prefer absolution through service, or through execution."

    Eben''s heart leaps at the word execution. Was this really happening to him?

    "Gracefully, I''ve decided to give you time to recover before making your choice. Rest up now, while you can."

    With that, the priest left the room, shutting the door with a metallic snick of a lock. Eben was left alone with nothing but his racing thoughts to keep him company.

    As soon as the man left the room, Eben attempts to struggle to his feet.

    Regardless of what he was promised, the half-elf knew that escape was his only true chance at survival.

    His feeble attempt fails terribly, the excruciating pain preventing him from moving. Still, he knew he needs to persist. This wasn''t just a small village of paranoid people, it was a cult, and he didn''t want to find out what it truly meant to "serve" their monstrous deity.

    However, despite the perilous situation, he was already shaking from exhaustion. Eben lays back down on the mat. There was no reason to attempt to escape when he would make it barely two steps out the door. Closing his eyes, the bandit falls into a troubled sleep.

    He awoke again hours ¡ªor perhaps days¡ª later feeling quite hungry, dehydrated, and not at all rested. The small room he was imprisoned in seems no different than when he had fallen asleep.

    With a grunt of effort, he pulls himself into a sitting position, his head spinning with pain.

    The room was small, with smooth earthen walls and no windows. The only light came from a small oil lamp that hung from a hook on the wall, casting flickering shadows across the room.

    He crawls over to the door, wincing as his injury protests every movement. Eben reaches up and tries the doorknob, but it was firmly locked. He curses under his breath, trying to think of another way out. He searches the room for any other options, but there was nothing.

    If Claudia was here, she could''ve picked the lock in no time. Her skilled hands were useful for situations like this.

    The thought of the petite woman causes a pang of deep sadness to resonate through Eben. Did she escape the beast? Was she also imprisoned somewhere, awaiting the judgment of these reptile-obsessed loons?

    As he sat there, feeling defeated, he hears footsteps approaching. He knew that he was out of time. With a burst of desperate energy, he launches himself at the door, hoping to break it down with his shoulder.

    His injuries prove too much, however, and he slumps to the ground, gasping for breath.

    At the sound of a ruckus, two women in habits enter the room, seeming unimpressed with Eben''s attempt to escape. Eben scowls at them. Nobody is more disappointed than himself.

    Lifting him by the armpits, they drag him back to the straw mat. He doesn''t even fight, the pain completely incapacitating him. The stitches have come undone and he''s bleeding freely again.

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    "Tch. Serves you right, bandit." The rotund blonde woman chides.

    "Daisy! Have sympathy, he''s just begun his journey to redemption!" The dark-skinned woman turns to Eben, concern clear on her face. "I''ll check your wound in a moment, do you want some painkillers?"

    Eben shakes his head. He needs to stay clear-headed, he can''t afford to cloud his judgment, no matter how sweet the relief sounds. "No drugs. Please."

    The blonde crosses her arms. "Good, we don''t need to be wasting our poppies when we all know you''re going to be taking the easy way out in a month."

    "Daisy! don''t be cruel!"

    Daisy huffs. "Fern, you know that''s how it''s gonna play out. Nobody ever chooses Adder."

    "Has this happened before? Kidnapping someone and forcing them to choose between execution or death by gorgon?" Eben asks.

    Fern starts unwrapping the bloody bandages from his torso, surprising Eben with her gentleness. "It''s not kidnapping... You attacked our village. But yes, others who have transgressed against N?dre Tor have been given this choice."

    Daisy hands a jar of medicine to the other woman. "Adder won''t kill you though. Not unless you do something to piss Father Sheppard off."

    Eben grits his teeth as the astringent liquid is dabbed onto his wound. "Very reassuring. I''m sure the half-snake creature of pure death won¡¯t kill me because some zealot told him not to."

    Daisy scowls. "Bite your tongue, heathen. That creature spared your life only thanks to the teachings of Father Sheppard."

    Eben scowls back at the sour-faced woman. There was no way it was true, right? One does not simply convert a monster from a bloodthirsty killer to obedient sheep. There had to be more at play.

    But then, why had the creature spared him?

    Fern finishes re-wrapping his wounds. She brings over a tray of food and water, placing it before him. "Please eat. You need to regain as much strength as you can before you make your choice."

    Daisy rolls her eyes when Eben eyes the plate warily. She swipes the cornbread muffin off the tray, helping herself to it. "Feel free to give the rest of your food if you''re so suspicious of it. Maybe Adder will think twice about swallowing you whole if you''re skin and bones."

    The women leave, locking the door behind them. Eben stares at the door, somehow wishing they''d stayed a bit longer.

    As the days go by, Eben attempts to stay vigilant. He''s heard stories of the horrifying things cults do to their followers, and he doesn''t want to find out which are true and which are tales.

    Thankfully, his torture was much more mundane than he had feared. So far, the worst thing about this experience was the mind-numbing boredom and long periods of isolation.

    Some days, Eben became so desperate for interaction that even visits from Sheppard were valued. Though after a few minutes into the man''s sermons on how "the great deceiver" tricked humanity into losing the favor of the gods, Eben was again craving silence.

    Besides the priest, Fern would also speak to Eben for a short while when she came to bring him his meals or clean his wounds. The woman was extraordinarily kind to Eben; keeping him comfortable, offering words of support, and even bringing him some charcoal sticks and paper to draw with.

    However, her considerate actions didn''t make him forget where he was or help him ignore how she locked the door behind her. So when the stitches on his stomach had just barely started to heal, Eben snuck beside the door.

    When Fern next enters to bring him his breakfast, the bandit sweeps his leg over her ankles, toppling the woman to the floor.

    Eben had hoped that like the villagers, the nuns would freeze up at the first sign of violence. However, when Fern gives an alarmed yell, several women nearby rush to her aid. The injured man had no chance as five angry nuns descend on him, locking him away once more.

    For the next several days following his failed escape attempt, nobody spoke to Eben. Sheppard''s visits stop, Fern refuses to respond when spoken to, and even Daisy halts her jabs and rude remarks.

    Just when he starts to feel himself losing his grip from the seclusion, things return to normal. Or as normal things can be while being held captive by cultists. Sheppard resumes his sermons, Daisy insults his drawing abilities, and Fern''s attitude suddenly returns to her former cheery kindness. In fact, Fern became more friendly.

    Eben knew what was happening. They were trying to wear him down. They''d make him desperate for interaction, then love-bomb him so he''d come to associate the relief from isolation with their cult.

    So the bandit plays along. He smiles, obeys orders, and pretends they were convincing him. He just needs to last until he saw an opportunity to escape.

    For now, he attempts to keep his mind occupied with the charcoals. The room was boring, so there weren''t many interesting subjects. Most of his drawings consist of food brought to him, interesting arrangements of paper, or self-portraits. This time, Eben settles for a self-portrait.

    As he sketches out his face, he pays close attention to detail. He perfectly captures his freckles, hazel eyes, and neck-length orange hair. It¡¯s a pretty accurate depiction, even in monochrome. However, he pauses when it comes time to draw the pointed tips of his ears peeking from his hair. Eben didn''t often like to draw his ears. Most days, he likes to pretend they didn''t exist. Frustrated, he smears the charcoal across the paper, destroying the drawing.

    His tantrum was interrupted by Daisy and Sheppard entering his prison. The blonde tuts at the state of Eben''s room covered in crumpled papers. Sheppard only smiles placidly, putting Eben on edge.

    It wasn''t uncommon for Eben to receive surprise visits from Father Sheppard, but each time he was wary. The man oozed a sense of wrongness that went beyond his creepy attire or dead eyes.

    "Hello, Eben. How are you?"

    Eben wants to smack the man. He was shit, obviously! The slash in his side had only just healed on the surface, the skin raw and pink where the blade had pierced him. Not to mention, he has been in the same fucking room for three weeks!

    Eben clenches his fists. He couldn''t show his true feelings. He needs to pretend he is integrating into their society.

    "I''m doing better. My pain is a little better today...are you here to give me another sermon?"

    "Not quite. Daisy, can you check his wound for me?"

    The woman nodded, approaching Eben.

    "I heard you made an escape attempt last week. You must be feeling stronger."

    Eben felt his heart speed up. "Not really... I just wanted to go outside. I haven''t seen the sun in weeks."

    "Well, today is your lucky day. What''s the verdict, Daisy?"

    Daisy examines the wound, face worried. "It''s improved a lot, Father, but I would give him some more time..."

    Apparently, this is the wrong thing to say because Shepard''s saccharine smile evaporates. Daisy notices, seeming to shrink back from the displeased look. "But um... with the blessing of the pantheon, I''m sure he will endure."

    "What''s happening?" Eben asked.

    "Today is the day you''ll be making your choice. Get up, we''re going now."

    Eben struggles as Daisy lifts him by his arm, his wound stinging at the movement. "What?! No¡ª you said I had a month!"

    Sheppard glared, eyes cold. "I distinctly remember telling you I would give you time to heal. You''re healed, and now you will come with me willingly or I shall take your refusal as your answer."

    Eben clenches his jaw as Daisy bound his hands, leading him out the door. Was he really about to die?

    The pair lead him down stone-lined halls. Eben glances out of the stained glass windows as he''s dragged along.

    For a moment, Eben contemplates slamming his body into Sheppard and trying his hand at bursting through the window. He loses his opportunity to act though, as they step through a door and into a massive stone cathedral.

    Villagers whisper among themselves in the pews as Eben is led onto the stage by Sheppard.

    Foolishly, his eyes scan the many faces for Claudia. The woman is nowhere to be found among the villagers. Relief and sadness mix into one. Perhaps she got away? Would it be too much to hope that she''d come back to help him?

    The half-elf feels queasy as he realizes the massive size of the crowd before him. He longs desperately for his hood. There was nothing worse than feeling like a sideshow freak.

    Sheppard raises his hands to silence the crowd. Instantly, a hush consumes the cathedral. Sheppard began speaking, voice booming off the stone walls.

    "Twenty-five years ago, N?dre Tor was attacked by one of the Great Deceiver''s minions of evil. Many of us lost dear friends, family, and loved ones... However, through the indomitable power of the pantheon, I was able to subdue the creature and convert him to our ways."

    The villagers cheer wildly as the priest recounts his victory over the monster. Eben flinches, wishing he could protect his sensitive ears from the ruckus.

    "Now the beast seeks forgiveness for his sins by protecting us from any creature or man that would wish to do us harm. Today we will offer yet another beast redemption, as only N?dre Tor can."

    The man tugs Eben forward. "Tell us your name, half-breed."

    Eben hesitates, crowd shy, but is spurred into action by another painful tug of his bindings. "Eben¡ª Eben Garder."

    "Make your choice now then, Eben. Will you redeem your soul through acts of service, or through execution?"

    Eben swallowed, mouth dry.

    The last thing he wants is to be anywhere near the gorgon, but Eben didn''t want to die here. He has no choice. "I will serve N?dre Tor to atone for my sins."

    The crowd erupts into cheers and yells of excitement. Taking their cue, several women approach the stage.

    They place down several items on the altar in front of Sheppard. The half-elf notes the strange assortment includes a goblet of wine, a dagger, and most concerning, some black iridescent scales.

    Eben eyes the arrangement warily as the priest ground the scales into a fine powder with mortar and pestle before pouring the concoction into a silver goblet. Next, the priest grips Eben by the wrist, dragging the blade across the skin of his palm. He watches in horror as the concoction turns pitch black with the introduction of his blood.

    The priest mutters something unintelligible over the lid of the cup before handing it to Eben. the man breathes deeply, attempting to calm himself. Surely, they didn''t expect him to drink this?

    His eyes flicker momentarily to Sheppard. Outwardly, the priest seems calm, but Eben sees the tenseness in the way the man holds his body. More frightening though, was how the priest held the dagger at his side so tightly that Eben could see the white of his knuckles.

    Praying he wasn''t poisoning himself, Eben brought the goblet to his lips,

    Eben sputters and coughs as searing heat suffuses through his body. He fell to his knees as the skin on the front and back of his neck seem to burn like a hot iron was being pressed against his skin.

    When finally it was over, Sheppard pulls Eben to his feet. "Rejoice! We accept another into the fold!"

    Eben tenderly probed the skin on his neck as the cacophony of praises and screams seemed to echo through his being. As his fingers trace his throat, he can feel the outline of scales.

    Eben''s heart sinks. What has he gotten himself into?

 Into the Snakes Den

    If one were to look upon the scene without context, they might say they were witnessing a funeral procession. Rows of nuns dressed to the nines escort Eben through the town, their faces obscured behind gauzy veils.

    To Eben, it might as well have been a funeral. After all, he is being led toward the den of a gorgon.

    Eben had never encountered one before. They didn''t usually live in areas like this, though he''d heard the stories on his travels. According to lore they are fierce, territorial, and traveled in packs.

    Eben shivers as he imagines accidentally coming across a horde of gorgons. He''d take bloodthirsty unicorns any day over that. At least then, he''d be able to see them coming...

    As he walks, Daisy walks by his side explaining his new duties.

    "Listen up because I''m not saying this twice. You will be responsible for maintaining the land, livestock, and health of the beast. Once a month, you will be permitted to enter the village to report his well-being to Father Sheppard and restock any necessary supplies."

    When Eben only stares dumbly, Daisy glares. "Are you listening? Failing in these tasks may result in becoming snake chow if you''re lucky, Father Sheppard''s next example if you''re not."

    "I''m listening. Continue."

    Daisy frowns but carries on. "When winter comes, he goes into hibernation. It will be your job to wake him if the bells ring in the village."

    "He hibernates?"

    Daisy nods. "Yes, so keep his quarters warm in the fall to keep him awake as long as possible¡ª and don''t get any ideas on trying to steal away in the night while he''s asleep. That pretty new necklace of yours won''t let you get far."

    Eben''s hand traces the pattern on his neck. He hasn''t been able to get a look at it yet, but he''s quite certain if he did he would see a snake branded onto his skin. "What do you mean?"

    "I mean to say you''ve been cursed. If you go too far from Adder, further than the gates of N?dre Tor, that snake around your neck will tighten until you''re blue."

    Eben''s stomach drops. Despite his elven heritage, his knowledge of magic was pathetically small. All he knew was that it was not to be taken lightly. Magic was dangerous, and being able to wield it as a human was a feat only the insanely powerful and skilled ever accomplished.

    Eben clenches his jaw, his hope for escape was slowly dwindling.

    Daisy ignores Eben''s spiral into despair. "As I was saying... You''ll want to keep your eyes closed when you hear Adder''s bells. He''ll tell you when he''s got his eyes covered, but it''s best to be wary just in case."

    "So I''ll just have to go blind anytime he''s near?"

    Daisy rolled her eyes. "Welcome to N?dre Tor."

    Too soon for his liking, they arrive at a tall stone wall that surrounds the home of Adder. Daisy steps forward to unlock the massive moss-covered gate, handing the keys to Eben. "Follow the path until you get to the cave. Good luck."

    With that, the procession of nuns begins to head back, abandoning Eben to his fate.

    Finding his bravery, he pushes the gate open. It squeals in protest as it opens for the first time in ages.

    The sound grates on Eben''s nerves. He half expects the serpentine man to come lunging at him from some hidden corner at the sound, but no attack ever comes.

    Sensing the coast is clear, the half-elf begins walking down the cobblestone path warily, ears straining for the sound of bells.

    Just as he passes what appears to be a chicken coop, he spots something ahead on the trail.

    It''s a pair of deer. A doe and her fawn, Eben realizes. The animals are still, watching him approach with apprehension.

    Or so Eben thinks until he gets closer. He realizes the animals are not still from fear, but because they have been petrified. Eben''s heart thunders as he approaches the stone creatures.

    He lets his hand caress the snout of the petrified doe. Every detail of its form was captured in death, even down to the finest hairs.

    Eben looks down the path. The mouth of the cave opens ominously from the ground. The poor things must''ve run into the gorgon as it was returning to the cave.

    Eben felt another wave of apprehension wash over him, but he steels himself for what was to come. He needs to face his fears if he is to survive this.

    As he steps into the cave, he feels a chill run down his spine. The darkness was absolute, not even permitting him to see past the length of his arms. Torches lined the walls but cast no light, having long been extinguished.

    As Eben walked deeper into the cave, his footsteps echoed loudly as he went further and further down. He froze when suddenly, he heard a sound. It was a faint tinkling¡ª the sound of bells.

    Eben shut his eyes as he clenched his fists. His hand went to his belt, reaching for a sword that wasn''t there.

    The sound got closer and closer until Eben knew instinctively something was observing him in the dark.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Several minutes pass before Eben works up his courage to say something. "H¡ª hello?"

    There was a sharp rustle of bells, as if the creature was startled. A few more minutes pass before Eben jumps at the sound of a deep, resonating, voice in the cave. "Who are you?"

    Eben shivered at the inhuman quality of the creature''s voice. "I¡ª I''m Eben. I''m supposed to... serve you? I guess?"

    Eben jolts away as the jingle of bells gets even closer. "You''re the bandit... You''ve been sent by Father Sheppard?"

    Eben nods in the dark.

    He hears the monster slither away. The half-elf stands in the dark awkwardly for a moment before the bells signal Adder''s return. There''s a rustle of fabric and a metallic clank before Adder speaks once more. "I''ve covered my eyes. You can look now."

    Eben grimaces, he is not about to trust the words of some inhuman creature who can kill with a single glance. His eyes remain squeezed shut.

    He fears the refusal will antagonize Adder, but the gorgon doesn''t react to his disobedience. "There''s some blankets and a lantern in front of you. Go down the hallway to the left, that''s your room. Don''t go down the hallway on the right."

    Apparently finished with introductions, Adder slithers away deeper into the cave. When Eben is sure the sounds of bells have completely faded, he opens his eyes cautiously.

    True to Adder''s word, a large quilt, and an ancient rusty lantern was placed before him. Picking them both up, Eben made his way to the left hallway as instructed.

    He reaches a small chamber in the cave. It''s depressingly barren, only housing a small bedroll and a few candles.

    But the ache in his side has turned into a roar of pain from all the walking, so Eben gratefully lays down on the bedroll and pulls the quilt over his head.

    He won''t be able to sleep, obviously. But he can think over his predicament and plan his next move.

    He knows he''s in deep this time, but he can''t allow himself to resign to his fate. He commits himself to finding a way to escape this accursed village. Even if that means facing down with a gorgon.

    The next day at the first sign of the morning sun, Eben leaves his bed and starts his duties. Eager to put some distance between himself and the gorgon, the half-elf started his first day in captivity by heading outside.

    He makes his way toward the chicken coop first. When he gets there, he''s greeted by yet another statue of a petrified animal. This time, it''s a rooster.

    Eben snorts. While the deer had apparently gotten unlucky, the rooster''s last moments captured the bird charging aggressively. Did the creature really try attacking Adder?

    Disregarding the unfortunate bird, Eben searches for what he needs. Near the back of the coop, he finds a basket, some farming tools, and a barrel of grain.

    Eben opens the coop, tossing some feed on the ground for the birds. As they scramble out to have their breakfast, Eben collects the eggs.

    The nostalgic work unearths ancient memories, his thoughts drifting back to a time when his life had been simple.

    Eben had grown up with his father in the serene countryside, just outside the hustle and bustle of a thriving city. They lived a simple life, with Eben caring for their farm while his father would travel to the city to sell their crops each day. For a while, life was idyllic.

    However, that peace was shattered when Eben''s father didn''t return home. Fearing the worst, a then 12-year-old Eben set off to the city to search for his missing father, only to uncover the painful reason why he''d been sheltered from city life. The moment the city dwellers had caught sight of Eben''s pointed ears, they chased him out in an angry mob. Even when he returned home the wrathful citizens followed him to his cottage, razing it to the ground.

    He never saw his father again.

    Often he was tortured by the uncertainty of what happened to his father. Eben couldn''t decide which was worse, the possibility that his only family was long dead or the thought that he had been abandoned because of his elven heritage.

    His only blessing was that Eben''s father would never see how far he''d fallen.

    Attempting to shake off the depressing thoughts, Eben finishes with the chickens and heads towards the unkempt gardens.

    Weeds were flourishing everywhere and many of the crops were long overdue for a harvest. He got to work immediately, putting his restless energy to good use.

    The scorching summer sun beats down on Eben as the day progresses. His fair skin protests the lack of protection from the harmful rays, but Eben refuses to return to the cool refuge the cave offered.

    He wasn''t ready to potentially encounter the gorgon quite yet. So Eben continues his work even as the sun started to sink lower on the horizon.

    Spots dance in his vision as exhaustion starts to take hold. Suddenly, coldness seemed to suffuse his body as nausea climbed up his throat. Eben stumbles, attempting to reach for a nearby tree, but his hand misses. His world goes dark abruptly.

    It wasn''t his first time losing consciousness. Besides his most recent failed heist, there were a few other times his perilous life of crime had led to fainting. So as he comes to consciousness, he recognizes the familiar way his body slowly wakes up.

    There was the expected feeling of a stark coldness in his extremities and a flush of warmth in his chest and head. However, he jerks when the ice-cold touch of the gorgon''s hand caresses his neck.

    Eben flinches, eyes flying open. There, looming above him, was Adder.

    Eben gapes at the sheer size of the man. The Gorgon was almost twice his height, not including the rest of his extensive serpentine bottom half. Eben flinches as the serpentine mass shifts slightly, iridescent green-black scales shimmering in the setting sun.

    "You fell. Are you unable to stand?"

    Eben''s eyes flick up to the gorgon''s face before he can think better of it. Eben notices that the creature''s eyes are obscured behind a blindfold, as Daisy promised.

    A strand of long black hair fell over Adder''s pale white face as he leans closer, much to Eben''s dismay. "I¡ª I''m fine. I just lost my footing."

    "Do you need assistance?"

    No, no, no, no, no. The last thing Eben needs was those cold hands on him again. "No! I''m fine. I''m almost done here, you can go." He tries to struggle to his feet to prove his point, but his legs wobble dangerously beneath him.

    Adder frowns, getting even closer. "I smell blood..."

    It was all too much. Eben was overwhelmed with fear, pain, and rage. So when a pale hand reaches for his wrist, Eben explodes. "DON''T TOUCH ME, MONSTER!"

    As soon as the words leave his lips, Eben knew he made a mistake. He was incapacitated, at the creature''s mercy! What will he do now that Eben has insulted him? Adder jumps at the outburst, his hand freezing in midair. Eben braces himself for the worst, tensing.

    Much to his surprise, however, Adder simply withdraws his hand and flees into the underbrush.

    Eben is left bewildered as the creature disappears into the woods. He had expected a fight or at least some kind of retaliation for his outburst, but instead, Adder had simply retreated.

    Shaken, Eben weakly struggles to his feet and makes his way back to the cave. He couldn''t stop replaying the encounter in his mind, trying to make sense of what just occurred.

    Was Adder just going to wait until Eben''s guard was down to punish him? There was no way that the beast who had taken down that brute Boris would be frightened off by a little yelling, right?

    He hobbles to his room, collapsing onto his bedroll. Sleep-deprived, sunburnt, and emotionally drained, Eben immediately falls into a dreamless sleep.

 Snake Charmer

    Eben awakes groggy and sore. He groans as every cell in his body seems to protest as he rises from his bedroll.

    The half-elf rubs the sleep from his eyes as he contemplates how much he still has to do today. He would need to limit himself this time, there could be no repeat of what happened yesterday.

    Eben sighs, exiting his little room and entering the main chamber of the cave. To his surprise, the space was now well-lit by torches, revealing a somewhat cozy living space.

    Eben''s eyes study the area. There was a short table on top of a large sheepskin rug, a large cooking spit over an extinguished fire pit, and even some pots and pans on top of a metal wood stove. Eben couldn''t believe how homey the cave looked with just the introduction of some light.

    As he approaches the table he spots a few leaves of aloe, some shredded willow bark, and some dried meat.

    Eben is bewildered, this wasn''t for him, was it? Had Adder really gathered these things after the way the bandit had behaved yesterday?

    Eben uses the kettle on the stove to make some willow tea, eating his breakfast quickly as he applies the aloe vera to his ruddy cheeks and ears. He sighs with relief as his body starts to feel a bit better.

    Feeling energized, he exits the cave to start on his chores. The sun was already halfway through the sky, Eben notes. However, as he approaches the coop, the sound of bells and a deep voice stops him in his tracks.

    "Eben."

    Eben froze, squeezing his eyes shut. What would the gorgon say to him?

    There was a pause and a jingle of bells before the creature spoke. Eben imagines the gorgon tilting his head, causing the bells decorating his horns to sway.

    "I apologize for yesterday," Adder said, his voice hesitant. "I didn''t mean to scare you."

    Eben was taken aback by the monster''s sudden apology. "I uh... it''s okay."

    There¡¯s an awkward pause as Eben waits for the gorgon to continue.

    "...Did you find what I left for you on the table?"

    Eben nods. "Yes... thank you."

    "Good. You are not required to do as much as you did yesterday. I only really need assistance when I am incapacitated."

    "Oh..."

    "Except, maybe, with the chickens..."

    "The chickens?"

    "The roosters always attack me..."

    Eben couldn''t help but release a little bark of laughter before he quickly stifled it. Thankfully, either Adder didn''t notice or he didn''t care.

    The gorgon continues. "I''ve completed everything else for the day. After you feed the chickens you can rest." Adder pauses. "Ah, and...there''s a stream to the north you can use to bathe."

    "Okay..."

    There was another awkward pause before the gorgon spoke again. "Okay. Goodbye."

    The sound of bells retreats and Eben opens his eyes. .

    Well, that was unexpected. He¡¯d been prepared for confrontation, not this a show of remorse. And had the gorgon just implied Eben smelled?

    The elf sniffs his shirt, retching at the scent of blood, dirt, and sweat. Okay, yeah. He needs a bath.

    After feeding the birds, Eben heads towards the aforementioned stream. The babbling brook was a welcome sight.

    Eben strips, wading into the refreshingly cool water with a dramatic groan.

    He lays back in the river, focusing on the sound of rushing water and the gentle sway of branches above him. Minnows dance around his prone form as his hand once again traces the pattern etched into his throat.

    What would it take for Eben to be free of this curse?

    What little he knew about elves told him they were supposed to be masters of magic, but Eben took after his father. His whole life, there hadn''t been even a spark of magical ability. The only thing he inherited from his elven side was his pointed ears and red hair.

    So he had absolutely no idea where to even start with freeing himself. His closest guess was he had to kill either Sheppard or Adder.

    His monthly supply runs into town would give him a chance to kill Sheppard, but who knew what powers the high priest was hiding? If he had the power to curse Eben, he most likely had other tricks up his sleeves.

    Not to mention, for this to plan to work, Eben would need to kill the priest without the villagers alerting Adder with the church bells. Eben knew from experience that the gorgon was deadly fast. If he killed the high priest and those bells rang¡ª they would be tolling for him.

    Killing Adder was just as dangerous. Eben would most likely have an opportunity the next time Adder was ''incapacitated'' but gorgon was still easily 300+ pounds of pure muscle¡ª and that was if you didn''t factor in his venom and petrifying gaze.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Even if Eben was able to pull it off, the curse might still kill him. Daisy implied the curse linked his life to Adder, so what would happen if the gorgon died?

    Eben sighs. He just would have to wait until he had more information.

    For the next few weeks, Eben falls into a pattern. He wakes up, eats his breakfast, tends to the chickens, and finishes his chores in the garden.

    With the gorgon doing his part, it''s not that difficult to get everything done before 3 pm. So Eben often has time for whatever he wants to do.

    Today, he''s decided to make some paint. It''s been a long time since he''s had access to real art supplies. When was there a better time to take up a new art form than when you were cooped up?

    He gathers up the sun-dried blueberries he''s set out. In a mortar and pestle, he grinds the fruits into a powder before adding the yolk of an egg to act as a binder. He repeats this process with some spinach, strawberries, eggshell, and charcoal. The result is some purple, yellow-green, red, white, and black paint.

    They''re not as vibrant as some of the paints made by professionals, but they''re good enough for what he needs.

    Eben sits down, cross-legged, and begins to paint with his crudely crafted paintbrush. He''s chosen the petrified deer as his subject.

    It''s extremely soothing to just focus on the drag of the brush on the paper against the backdrop of cicada song.

    The peace doesn''t last long, though, as the sound of bells breaks his focus. Eben senses Adder nearby, watching him.

    Eben closes his eyes as Adder approaches. He''s become somewhat accustomed to the gorgon''s presence by now. They usually ignore each other, with Adder only occasionally making brief comments to Eben.

    Eben initiates the conversation, as Adder often seems to struggle with how to begin conversing. "Do you need something?"

    The bells jingle, as if scared by Eben''s voice. The half-elf wants to roll his eyes at the monster''s easily spooked nature. How was he so timid when it came to his 5''9 servant?

    "No... why are you sitting in the middle of the path?"

    Well, Eben can concede that''s a valid question. "I''m painting the deer."

    "Can I see?"

    Eben was surprised the gorgon was interested in what he was doing. He nods, feeling tense as the gorgon comes near. He feels the paper leave his hands as Adder picks it up for examination.

    There''s a pause as Adder looks over his work. "When you go into the village for supplies, you should request some tape. We don''t have anything to hang this up with..."

    Eben flushes at the thought of displaying his art anywhere. "No, it''s fine. I''m just gonna burn it anyway..."

    There''s a sharp jingle of bells. "Burn it?? Why?"

    Eben rubs his neck awkwardly. "It''s not like it''s a professional piece. I just do them when I''m bored."

    Adder is quiet before he speaks again. "Can I have your paintings, then?"

    Eben is shocked. His works were lazy doodles, they didn''t meet any standards for artistic excellence. Then again, Adder probably has no frame of reference. Eben imagines they didn''t permit gorgons into the salons where high art was usually exhibited.

    "Sure...but why do you want it?"

    Scales shift on the dirt. "I don''t get to see many creatures without risking ending their lives...."

    Eben jolts as he feels the paper being placed gently in his lap. "If you paint any more animals, please give them to me instead of burning them."

    Eben is left dazed when the gorgon leaves him alone once again. He pictured the man collecting his artwork, hoarding it in his lair like a dragon hoards precious jewels and gold. The thought oddly makes something stir in his stomach.

    As their time together continues, Adder makes it a habit to seek Eben out when he''s painting. He asks Eben many questions; "What are you making today?" "How did you make that color?" "Can I have this one too?"

    One day, as Eben is painting the petrified rooster, the gorgon says something that makes him pause. "You should bring your works into town. Helia used to sell the toys she carved, she was able to buy some amenities with the funds she made."

    "Helia?"

    "Ah¡ª" the gorgon paused as if he hadn''t meant to let that slip out. "She was... the one who came before you. She raised me."

    What?

    "Raised you?"

    "Yes. She was very creative, like you."

    The cogs were turning in Eben''s mind. "Adder, how old are you?"

    The gorgon doesn''t seem too perturbed by the sudden shift in topic. "25 years old, I believe?"

    "So you were an infant when you came to N?dre Tor?"

    "Yes."

    So when that slimy priest had been preaching about how the village had been "attacked by one of the Great Deceiver''s minions" he''d been referring to when the infant Adder had wandered into town?

    Everything suddenly made sense. Adder wasn''t some beast who''d been subdued during a vicious attack. He''d been taken in by the cult as a child and brainwashed into obeying their orders.

    The information reframed all his previous assumptions about Adder. He wasn''t putting on a show of meekness, nor was he waiting for a chance to strike out against Eben or the cult. This village, his isolation...it was all Adder knew of the world...

    That made him realize another thing. The gorgon wasn''t simply seeking Eben out because he was bored, or liked his art. It was because he was lonely; assumedly missing the only other person who had regularly interacted with the gorgon.

    Eben had to hold back a manic grin. He could use this.

    "We''re the same age then," Eben comments, attempting to smile pleasantly. "We''re also both not human. I guess we have a lot in common."

    "You''re not human?" Adder asks, sounding shocked.

    Eben felt his ears twitch. Was the gorgon serious? "Not fully. You didn''t notice my ears?"

    "No... What are you?"

    "My mother was an elf, and my father was a human. So I''m a half-breed, I suppose."

    The gorgon hummed thoughtfully. "I have pointed ears too. So... um... we have that in common also..."

    Eben paused. He''d never actually met anyone else with that attribute. "Can I see?"

    "Oh... yes. i''ll put my blindfold on"

    There was a rustle of fabric. "You can look now."

    Attempting to feel bold, the elf opens his eyes. He studies the gorgon''s ears, discovering the man''s words rang true. Eben hadn''t noticed it during the last time he''d gotten a look at Adder, but the man''s ears were indeed subtly pointed.

    "Ah, by the way¡ª" Adder shifts nervously, still holding the portrait of the rooster in his hands. "¡ªYou don''t need to close your eyes every time I get close. I will keep them covered."

    That would be convenient, Eben ponders.

    "Won''t you be bothered going blind all the time?"

    Adder shakes his head, bells tinkling. "I have everything here memorized, and I can sense anything with body heat. So I''ll be able to tell if you''re near."

    Well, that fact was slightly alarming. "Okay, that sounds great. Thank you, Adder."

    Adder seems to respond positively, clenching the painting as he smiles shyly.

    Eben smirks. This was going to work.

 Yellow Bellied

    Eben is in the garden drawing when he hears the sound. A bell, clear and bright in the summer air. It''s not the church bells he heard the day he was apprehended, but it''s just as unnerving.

    A few moments later, Adder slithers into the garden. Eben puts his paintbrush down, turning to the gorgon. "Did you hear that? Are they summoning you?"

    Adder shakes his head. "No, it''s someone at the gate. They are most likely summoning you, probably to escort you to town. "

    Eben''s heart clenches at the thought. He is eager to get out, but he also doesn''t want to ever see Sheppard ever again. Is he ready to face that despicable man once again?

    Putting on a brave face, Eben stands. "Do I need to bring anything?"

    Adder shakes his head. "Not to my knowledge. Safe travels, Eben."

    Eben grimaces, but heads toward the gate. When he gets there, he''s greeted by a set of familiar faces. It''s Fern and Daisy, both waiting patiently with shut eyes.

    Eben finds it a little odd that Sheppard has sent two small women to escort the dangerous criminal. Does he not care about their safety at all?

    "Hello again, Daisy, Fern."

    When the pair of women hear his voice, they open their eyes. Eben snorts at the ecstatic look on Fern''s face and the sour one on Daisy''s.

    "Eben, I''m so glad you''re well! I prayed for you, I knew the Pantheon would keep you safe."

    Daisy scowls, crossing her arms. "Yes, he looks very alive and uneaten. Now let''s go get Adder his supplies so we remain so as well."

    Fern just grins as the trio starts walking through the forest. "You''re just mad because I won the bet. You need to have more faith, Daisy."

    "Oooh, You need to have more faith, Daiiisy. Oooh, I''m a precious little saint." Daisy mocks.

    Fern doesn''t react to her companion''s barbs, instead turning to Eben. "How are you? Is Adder treating you fairly?"

    "More importantly," Daisy butted in, "have you seen him? What''s he like?"

    Eben raises an eyebrow at the barrage of questions. "I''m fine, Adder mostly ignores me, I have seen him, and he''s a seven-foot-tall monster afraid of roosters. Shouldn''t you know this already?"

    "Afraid of roosters?" Daisy asks, unbelieving.

    Eben nods as Fern continues. "Nobody is allowed to go near him or speak to him except his servant and Father Sheppard."

    Eben huffs. "I know he''s a gorgon with a petrifying gaze but he seems pretty well-behaved to me. Is everyone really so afraid of what happened when he was a child that they won''t go near?"

    Fern bites her lip, adjusting her veil nervously. "It''s not just that... He killed his last servant. He may be civilized thanks to Father Sheppard, but he''s still dangerous."

    Eben''s eyes widen. The gorgon had seemed so...fond when talking about the woman. Could it be true that he''d been the one to slay her?

    "Her name was Helia, right? She raised him, why would he kill her?"

    Daisy shrugs. "Nobody knows why he did it. Maybe it was an accident, or maybe she made him mad and he lost control. Either way, she''s dead and he''s dangerous. Nobody exactly wants what happened to Helia to happen to anyone else."

    Eben narrows his eyes. "Unless of course, it''s an expendable half-breed, right?"

    Daisy doesn''t back down, meeting Eben''s eyes with her own icy blue ones. "You''re not expendable because you have pointy ears, you''re expendable because you''re a bastard who tried to rob us."

    Eben glares. "Are you a nun? Because with that mouth, your true calling must be as a sailor."

    Fern interrupts the pair. "You''re not expendable, Eben. You can make a new life here in N?dre Tor, you just have to redeem yourself."

    Eben grimaces. He didn''t believe that for a second. He knew that he would always be seen as a criminal and an inhuman monster.

    The rest of the walk is spent in uncomfortable silence, broken only by the occasional chirping of a bird or rustling of leaves. Eben couldn''t help but feel on edge, knowing that he was going back to the town that he had tried to rob.

    As they reach the gates of N?dre Tor, Eben''s anxiety spikes. The stares of the townspeople bore into Eben as they walk down the cobblestone paths. Some whisper to each other, while others openly glare at him.

    It''s nothing he hasn''t endured before, but it never gets easier.

    The women direct Eben to the cathedral. The holy building looms ominously, its spires reaching for the sky like ancient fingers of stone.

    He steps inside, feeling exposed in the large-high arched room. As they walk through the dimly lit cathedral, he observes the scent of incense thick in the air intermixed with the low rumble of worshippers chanting.

    After walking the maze-like stone corridors for a time, they finally turn a corner, coming face to face with Father Sheppard''s office. Fern knocks lightly, turning the brass knob as a deep voice answers; "Come in."

    Eben takes a deep breath and follows Fern and Daisy into the room. The office is large and ornate, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large oak desk dominating the center of the room. Father Sheppard sits behind the desk, his piercing green eyes studying Eben intently from behind his spectacles.

    The half-elf swallows tensely as he takes in the domineering man.

    Behind the priest is a large stained glass depiction of the fall of the great deceiver, scales meticulously shaped from red glass. As the sun shines through the colored windowpane, it backlights Father Sheppard in an ominous red hue.

    "Eben, it''s good to see you," The graying man gestures to the plush chair in front of him. "Why don''t you take a seat?"

    Eben sits reluctantly, hands toying with the soft material of the chair anxiously.

    "It can''t be understated how pleased I am to see you, Eben. Have you been acclimating well to your new role?"

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    Eben grits his teeth, resisting the urge to tell this pompous bastard how he really felt. "I''m doing fine. Father, why am I here?"

    Sheppard leans back in his chair, amused by Eben''s curtness. "Why, you''re here because I''m concerned for you. These meetings are intended to confirm your well-being, in addition to Adder''s. How is he, by the way?"

    Eben''s eyes narrow, but he forces himself to keep his cool. "He seems fine. He likes to keep to himself. Is that all you require of me?"

    Father Sheppard leans forward, his eyes now serious. "I must remind you, Eben, that you are still under our supervision. You must be patient. Remember, your salvation lies in your service to the Pantheon."

    Eben feels a surge of anger at the words, but he forces it down. "I understand."

    Sheppard raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Eben, I understand your reluctance, but N?dre Tor can truly become your new home if you allow it. This is a place of redemption, of rebirth."

    More of this bullshit? Eben can''t hide the glare on his face. "I''m sure you''ve noticed¡ª" Eben gestures to his ears "¡ªbut I''m not fully human. I''ll do my job, but If you are expecting me to become a beloved member of the community, I expect you will be disappointed."

    Sheppard''s smile doesn''t waver at Eben''s argument, seeming to get even wider. Eben is unsettled by the look. "I did tell you that N?dre Tor was a place for even inhuman creatures to find redemption, didn''t I?" Sheppard waves over the two women to come closer. "Girls, can you show our friend?"

    The women approach obediently. Eben jolts as Fern gives a fanged smile and Daisy growls at him in a vicious pitch.

    Sheppard just laughs at Eben''s fear. "You see, both our lovely ladies here were once like you, Eben. I''m sure you''ve heard the tales of the vampyre and the werewolf?"

    When Eben nods, Sheppard continues. "The stories are all true. They are unnatural abominations who wreak havoc wherever they find themselves. Both Daisy and Fern suffered from their afflictions greatly before they came to N?dre Tor, but through the grace of the Pantheon, they can now live normal lives."

    "And this applies to me how?"

    "Is it not obvious? Redeem yourself to N?dre Tor and I will remove your inhuman traits. It''s just your ears that set you apart, correct? No other inhuman abilities?"

    "Yes..." Eben''s heart raced. Could it be true? If it was possible, Eben could live the life he''s always dreamed of. He could cast away his past as a criminal, half-breed, outsider.

    Eben clenched his fists. No, there had to be a catch. "So how long exactly will I be made to serve Adder before I have proved myself?"

    "I am only one man, Eben. I cannot wholly be responsible for deciding who is and isn''t redeemed in the eyes of our fair village. That, my child, will be up to the citizens of N?dre Tor."

    Enraged, Eben''s fingers dug into the soft material of the chair. So this slimy bastard can''t be responsible for lifting Eben''s curse, but he''s fine being the sole person deciding his punishment?

    "If there are no other questions then, you are free to attend to your other duties for the day."

    "Wait, I need to know..."

    Eben''s heart clenches. "There was someone else with me the day I came here... a woman. Is she alive? Did Adder...?"

    "Kill her?"

    Eben flinches at the brutal word kill but nods. Sheppard''s smile falls, hands becoming tense in their clasped position. "Unfortunately, Adder was too preoccupied to apprehend her. She escaped."

    Eben sighs with relief. At least the only person he considered a friend had survived. He stands from the chair. "Thank you. I will... attend to my duties now."

    Sheppard''s dead eyes met Eben''s. "See that you do."

    Eben hastily exits the room, eager to be far away as possible from the unpleasant man.

    Daisy and Fern exit right behind him, following their charge closely. "All right, now that we''re done with that, let''s get Adder his things." Fern smiles cheerily.

    Eben nods in agreement, grateful for the change of subject. "Yeah, let''s do that."

    The two women usher him to several shops in the village. Eben can''t help but feel uneasy with Daisy and Fern''s close proximity as they lead him through the winding streets of N?dre Tor. He can sense their eyes on him, watching his every move. As much as he appreciates their company after a month of just Adder, he''s sure they are reporting back to Father Sheppard about his behavior.

    They entered several shops, grabbing books, baked goods, some herbs, and at their last stop, three goats. When finally they''re ready to go, they return to the gates where Eben spots a sorely missed friend.

    "Fairy!"

    Eben all but runs to the horse, who knickers lovingly at the man as he approaches her. Eben strokes her velvety snout, bumping his forehead against hers.

    Daisy snorts at the affectionate reunion. "Would you look at that? Our hardened criminal has a heart!"

    Eben turns his head toward the blonde, still stroking Fairy. "What idiotic criminal doesn''t love their horse? It''s the creature responsible for a quick escape."

    Eben jumps astride the horse, feeling giddy. Just being near her makes him feel invincible again. He starts walking her forward, pulling the cart of supplies.

    Daisy rolls her eyes at Eben''s delight, hopping to sit on the cart. "And that''s why we''re walking you back this time. Next month though, you''ll have to do this alone."

    "Oh but, make sure you come to visit us whenever you''re in town! in two months we are holding the festival of Demeterra and we''re going all out this year, I''m so excited!" Fern squeals enthusiastically.

    Eben quirks a brow, interested. "Demeterra is the cow Goddess, right?"

    "The Goddess of corn, fertility, harvests, and the earth, actually. But yes she has cow ears, horns, and a tail." Daisy corrects.

    As they walk, the two women fill Eben in on the festival. When that conversation concludes, Eben has to ask what''s really on his mind.

    "So is it true? You two were... cured by Father Sheppard?"

    "It''s true," Fern replies, "he alleviated us of all the horrible side effects of our afflictions. As long as we don''t use our powers too much, we don''t have any of the usual issues vampyres and werewolves do."

    "Speak for yourself, I still wanna sneak into the sheep''s pen every full moon," Daisy adds sarcastically.

    Eben slows Fairy down as they approach the gate to Adder''s home. "Do you think¡ª do you really think he could fix me? Fix my ears?"

    Fern''s eyes soften with sympathy. "Yes, he definitely can Eben. I know he can."

    Daisy looks ahead, face impassive. "They hardly need fixing. I mean, it''s just a bit of extra cartilage. Before I was cure¡ª"

    Suddenly, Daisy''s face drains of color. The blond squeezes her eyes shut, lunging to cover Ferns. "He''s up on the damned wall! Close your eyes!"

    Eben turns to look. Up high, sunbathing on the ledge of the stone wall, is Adder. The gorgon stirs, awoken by the commotion. "Eben..."

    Daisy squeaks with fear at the sound of Adder''s voice, clinging to Fern. They both stumble back when Adder descends from the wall to approach the newcomers.

    Eben chuckles at the duo''s overreaction. "Hello Adder, I''m back."

    "Welcome back." Adder turns his head towards the two women cowering, frowning at their terror. "I apologize... I know I''m supposed to stay away from the gate unless summoned. I just¡ª I was waiting and I fell asleep."

    The two women don''t respond, fear keeping them silent. Eben is starting to grow annoyed. "He''s covering his eyes, you don''t have to be so afraid. Weren''t you interested in seeing what he looked like?"

    Daisy seems to relax a little, curious. "Is he really?"

    "Yes, I promise."

    "Daisy, don''t! Father Sheppard forbids it!"

    Daisy cracks her eyes open, peering through splayed fingers. When she doesn''t immediately petrify, she drops her hands to fully examine the gorgon.

    "Good Gods..."

    Eben understands exactly how she feels. It''s quite a scene, the massive gorgon towering above them both. The afternoon sun is illuminating his pale skin beautifully, making him look angelic rather than monstrous.

    "Hello, Daisy... it''s nice to finally know your name¡ª"

    Before Adder can finish, there''s an inhuman hiss from Fern, who''s situated herself between the gorgon and the blonde.

    Startled, Adder shifts back away from the woman''s bared fangs. Taking the opportunity to flee, Fern grips Daisy by the wrist and leads her back toward the village.

    Both Eben and Adder are silent for a moment before the half-elf speaks up. "Well, I''d call her rude if it didn''t make me a hypocrite."

    Adder smiles sadly. "She wasn''t rude. I broke the rules, I''m not supposed to talk to the villagers."

    Sensing an opportunity, Eben speaks up. "Well, you can talk to me. Wanna hear about the time I was almost killed by a unicorn while we unpack this?"

    Adder perks up immediately. "I''d love that."

    Eben picks up a bag of books, beginning his tale. "So we rode up on this farm..."

 Serpent Tongue

    Eben''s eyes are closed as he relaxes in the stream. Summer is quickly coming to an end, so the half-elf savors the last days of warmth before the cold comes to steal it all away.

    The changing of the season reminds Eben of the fact that he has been in service to Adder for almost three months now. It''s surprising how well he''s almost perfectly adapted to the domesticity of his role. It''s a drastic change from what he''s used to¡ª a life of thievery and constant danger.

    But this peace is a farce, Eben knows. No matter how kindly Fern smiles, how much Sheppard promises, or how benevolent Adder appears, he is not a guest here. He is a prisoner, and he knows that he must break his shackles in one way or another.

    So his options are such; submit to Father Sheppard''s whims, or manipulate the gorgon to his side.

    The first option is the most tempting. After his meeting with Sheppard last month, the priest''s promises had been stuck on loop in his head. Ever since he''d lost his home all Eben had dreamed of was a place and a people to belong to. Whatever anger he holds against N?dre Tor for detaining him, he can''t deny the appeal of living in a community that accepts inhuman beings like him.

    But this option comes at a price. He would have to serve Adder for an indefinite amount of time before being rewarded, and that reward was pending on if Sheppard actually kept his promise.

    Eben trusted that slimy creep as far as he could throw him.

    Besides the priest''s trustworthiness though, there was also the issue of Adder. So far his stay with the gorgon has been pleasant, but who knew how long that would remain true? If Daisy and Fern were to be believed, Adder had killed the last person he got close to.

    That issue also presented a problem for his other plan. Eben knows Adder is desperate for kindness and human interaction, but the gorgon seems truly loyal to the cult; The last month alone had seen two attacks on the village - first, a pack of cockatrices that had made their way into the fields, and then a scrappy harpy that had swooped down from the nearby mountains.

    Adder had been quick to respond, his petrifying gaze decimating the harpy, and his strength and agility allowing him to take down the cockatrices with ease. Eben remembers how the gorgon had come back covered in wounds each time, yet didn''t seem perturbed at all. To Adder, it was just another day. Pain was expected.

    What would convince him that this way of life was flawed?

    Eben sighs, rising from the river. He shakes the dampness from his hair as he goes to sit on his towel on the riverbank, soaking up the waning rays of sunlight. Eben leans back, savoring the peaceful moment. He can hear the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the distant chatter of birds. However, the distant sound of Adder''s bells makes him sit up.

    Eben dresses, toweling off his hair as he walks closer. As Eben approaches the sound, he spots the gorgon on the edge of the riverbank sunbathing.

    It''s a little spooky how Adder''s lower half blends seamlessly with the fallen leaves. If someone unaware of the man''s true nature were to come across this scene, they might just be transfixed by what appeared to be a beautiful man resting in the sun.

    Feeling a little creepy for drooling over the sleeping gorgon, Eben shuffles his feet to alert him of his presence.

    Adder perks up, turning his head towards the sound. There''s a flick of a forked tongue in the air before the gorgon smiles. "Hello Eben, did you enjoy the water?"

    "I did. It was refreshing after running around N?dre Tor all day"

    "Did you get to participate in the festival of Demeterra?"

    Eben takes a seat beside Adder. "No, I didn''t see the appeal of chasing some strange woman all day. Not to mention, if I had won, they would''ve locked me in a barn overnight with her! How is that fun?"

    Adder chuckles. "It''s not some strange woman you chase, it''s the proxy of Demeterra. And you''re only locked overnight with her if she chooses you."

    Adder pauses as he stretches sinuously. "It''s not meant to be fun, it symbolizes Demeterra going to rest while humanity sows the seeds of change."

    Eben snorts, unconvinced. "Sounds like an excuse to fuck in a barn. Do we need a festival for that? I''ve done that multiple times without it being celebrated."

    Adder makes a choked noise. "Eben! It''s not¡ª they don''t¡ª it''s a holy festival! "

    Eben rolls his eyes, forgetting the gorgon can''t see them. "So you''re telling me if you were trapped in there with some beautiful man or woman you wouldn''t seduce them?"

    "No¡ª well¡ª" Adder stammers "nobody would ever have me..."

    "Why wouldn''t they?"

    "Because they''re afraid..."

    "You''d be surprised how little fear intervenes when it comes to attraction. I''d bet you''d have a gaggle of groupies if Father Sheppard didn''t order everyone to stay away. I mean, you look like one of the Pantheon."

    Adder pauses, the tip of his tail thrashing. Eben worries for a moment he''s angered the gorgon before the man speaks again. "Do you... do you really think of me that way?"

    Eben watches as Adder fidgets nervously with his blindfold. This conversation was going somewhere new...Did Eben dare take things further? It was dangerous, surely. But Eben thrives off danger, so he continues.

    "Of course. Have you really never been intimate with anyone?"

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    Eben watched, fascinated, as color spread on Adder''s pale cheekbones. "No... never."

    Eben felt his face heat up, barely even believing what he was about to say. "Well...if you want to find out what it''s like, I wouldn''t mind showing you."

    Adder tilts his head questioningly, bells jingling. "Show me...?"

    Eben flushed harder, glad Adder couldn''t see his pink cheeks. How was this giant gorgon so innocent? "Sex, Adder. Or at least fooling around. Do you want to try it?"

    Adder''s tail thumps on the ground as he wrings his hands. "I¡ª I can''t I¡ª Father Sheppard says--"

    Eben huffed. "Father Sheppard isn''t here, and I''m not about to tell him about my sexual escapades, so how would he ever find out? It''s fine if you don''t want to, it''s just a suggestion."

    Adder turns his face away from Eben, anxiously fiddling with a lock of hair. "You''ve...done this before?"

    Eben grins, eyes narrowing salaciously. He''s got him, hook, line, and sinker. "Many times. Bandits are a randy bunch."

    Adder bit his lip, fiddling with the hem of his loincloth. Eben can''t help but feel his heart race at the fang that pokes out from the gorgon''s mouth. "Eben... I''ve never done anything like this, I don''t have any idea what to do..."

    "You don''t have to do anything," Eben purrs "I''ll take care of you. okay?"

    "...Okay..."

    Eben grinned. "Let''s go to your room."

    The two of the walk back, full of anticipation as they enter the cave. Once inside Adder''s lair, Eben takes a quick glance at Adder''s small room. There''s not much in the way of decor, but on the ground is a huge pile of furs and blankets. Adder''s bed, he assumes.

    Eben sits on the edge of the gorgon''s nest. "Go ahead, lie down."

    Adder does as he''s instructed, stiffly lying prone on his back.

    Eben chuckles when Adder jolts as he straddles the gorgon''s lower half. The gorgon is sun-warm beneath him, and Eben can''t help but relish the feeling of another''s body heat. "It''s okay, Adder. We''ll go as slow as you need. Tell me if you want to stop, okay? I want you to enjoy this."

    Adder nods, clawed hands gripping the furs beneath him. "Yes, Eben."

    Eben flushes at the obedience of the gorgon. He could get used to feeling this powerful...

    Eben clenches his jaw. No, he can''t get caught up in this. He''s just gonna show Adder a good time. That''s it.

    Eben drags a hand down the front of the gorgon, mapping out the dips and valleys of Adder''s muscular frame. "So polite, Adder. You''re always so good, aren''t you?"

    Adder lets out a strangled sound. "...No I''m not..."

    "No? You are the sole protector of N?dre Tor, and you do your job so well."

    Eben leans forward, kissing the man''s heaving chest. Adder jerks, sighing deeply. "I just do ¡ªah¡ª what im supposed to do..."

    Eben sits up, smoothing his hands again up and down the gorgon''s frame. "No, I think a lesser man wouldn''t be as devoted and loyal as you are, Adder. I really like that about you."

    Adder groans at the light touches. Eben can''t help but feel blood rush south to the sound of the gorgon''s pleasure. He''s becoming more affected than he planned...

    He kisses his way down Adder''s torso. Pausing just before he gets to the prominent bulge under the loincloth.

    Eben looks up at the man. The gorgon is panting with one arm strewn over his face, totally out of it. If Adder is so disheveled just by this, what will happen once they actually start?

    "Still with me, Adder? Do you wanna keep going?"

    Adder whimpers, tail shifting on the soft furs. "Yes, Eben, please."

    With that enthusiastic reply, Eben relents, kissing the heated flesh through the cloth.

    Adder snarls, bucking his hips and startling Eben. He pants, writhing under the half-elf. "I''m sorry, please don''t stop."

    Eben is surprised the gorgon is apologizing. He''d honestly expected the gorgon to be rough. "It''s okay, just remember I''m a lot more breakable than you."

    Eben lifts the loincloth out of the way, finally freeing Adder from his confines. He''s pleased to find that the gorgon''s anatomy is not too unlike his own. Eben flicks his tongue over the tip before taking it entirely into his mouth, swirling his tongue.

    Adder fists the blanket beneath him, visibly resisting bucking up and into the heat of Eben''s mouth. The half-elf feels a little touched that the gorgon is trying so hard.

    Eben pulls off the gorgon, pumping him slowly. "You are good, Adder, and you''re long overdue for your reward."

    "Eben, please, please..."

    Feeling brave, Eben returns his mouth to Adder''s arousal, sinking down until he''s almost to the root.

    "Ah! Ngg!!"

    Eben can feel his own arousal demanding attention now. How could he have imagined that Adder would be so alluring?

    Without his approval, Eben''s hips grind down on Adder, seeking friction. The gorgon''s body reacts immediately, tail coiling around his waist.

    "Mff!"

    The grip on Eben eases immediately. "I''m sorry! Are you okay?"

    Eben feels insane as he longs for the feeling again. What was wrong with him? Why was he reacting like this?

    "Nng, you just surprised me. It''s fine." Eben pulls the tail closer, back to its former position. "Just don''t squish me."

    Another feral growl erupts from Adder''s throat as the tail coils once more around the half-elf. "Eben, please, close your eyes."

    Eben flushes, feeling vulnerable, but does as he''s asked. "They''re closed."

    Eben hears a sharp intake of breath a moment later and feels soft, warm, scales shift against his skin.

    Suddenly, there''s a clawed hand in his hair and Eben feels his head gently guided downward once more. The gorgon whimpers as Eben opens his mouth and continues.

    The half-elf worries for a moment about the hand on his crown, but Adder is not exerting any force. Instead, the gorgon is stroking and petting his hair, carefully minding the deadly tips of his claws.

    The careful consideration of the monster is driving Eben crazy, causing him to moan as he ruts into Adder. When was the last time he''s been treated so gently? Who else has treated him with such reverence?

    He''s quickly losing himself in this situation. A quiet part of his mind tells him to stop and retake control, but an even louder part tells him to fall apart in this monster''s coils.

    Adder''s hand wanders down the side of Eben''s head until it finds his ear. The half-elf''s body is wracked with shivers as the tip of a claw gently caresses the pointed end.

    Eben pulls off, completely gone now. His motivations for starting this are distant from his mind as he pants into Adders scales, pumping the man hard and fast.

    Coils of muscle squeeze tightly around Eben as Adder finds his release, snarling and groaning. Eben finds himself whimpering as he enjoys every twitch and flex of the gorgon''s body.

    The hold on Eben suddenly goes lax as Adder gives his last sigh of relief. Eben can only sob at the loss of contact, still gyrating his hips against hard muscles.

    Strong hands rearrange their position, and Eben gasps as he feels Adder hovering over him.

    "Eben." The gorgon''s voice sounds wrecked and it makes Eben twitch in his arms. "I want to try, can I?"

    Eben nods furiously, eager for release. He chokes out a moan as his pants are pulled down he sinks into a warm, silky, heat that causes him to buck.

    There''s a scrape of fangs before Adder pins his hips down. The gorgon is unpracticed and clumsy, but it doesn''t even matter as soon as Eben feels that forked tongue dancing for him. He screams with pleasure as he''s forced over the edge, feeling euphoria seep into every inch of his being.

    Once it''s over, Eben is left panting and boneless, laying lax in Adder''s nest. The gorgon surprises him once again by nuzzling his face into Eben''s neck. Before he has a chance to abscond, the gorgon quickly falls asleep, capturing Eben in his arms. Eben can only surrender to the tender embrace as his head spins. What the fuck was that?

    That hadn''t been part of the plan. He wasn''t supposed to get turned on, and he definitely wasn''t supposed to allow the VENOMOUS monster with FANGS to perform oral sex on him.

    Eben sighs as his own eyes became heavy. What was done was done... it was just a one-time thing. Just something to entice Adder to Eben''s side.

    Right?

 The Statue of Helia

    Eben awakens in the wee hours of the morning to the shifting of scales. The sensation is disorienting until yesterday''s events come into clear focus.

    Eben is no blushing virgin. He''s had many dalliances over the years, but he wasn''t used to such tender touches. As a bandit, most of his partners didn''t have the decency to care about that kind of thing.

    It was funny, actually. Eben has forgotten the faces of all his previous one-night stands, but the half-elf can''t suppress a shiver as he recalls the gorgon''s gentle caresses contrasted against his feral nature. This encounter would be branded into his memory for years to come, most definitely.

    Trying to dismiss his wayward thoughts, Eben turns to look at the still-sleeping gorgon. The man jolts as he realizes Adder''s blindfold has slipped during the night, revealing the uncovered face of the gorgon.

    Eben stares. He knows he''s being profoundly idiotic looking when those petrifying eyes could snap open at any moment, but he can''t look away. It feels unreal to see long black lashes framed against the alabaster of Adder''s cheeks.

    It reminds Eben of the time he''d robbed a wealthy aristocrat. He''d only been there for the man''s jewelry and gold, but he had become stock-still when he came across the life-sized statues. They depicted the classic myth of the stalking of Morthell by Giakora.

    Most would''ve felt drawn to the beautiful Godess of spring trailing behind the God of death, but Eben couldn''t help but reach out to Morthell''s beautifully carved face. It was stone, not flesh, but somehow it was still a surprise to the bandit that the statue''s face was cold and unyielding.

    Eben wonders now how it would feel like to caress Adder''s face as he did the God of Death''s. Would he be met with a similar firm coldness? Or would there be a surprising softness and warmth?

    Eben shakes his head. He''s being foolish.

    He sits up slowly in the nest, attempting to sneak away without awakening the gorgon. Adder''s face pinches as Eben moves, long lashes twitching, but the gorgon just rolls over still asleep.

    Miraculously, Eben is able to squeeze out the gorgon''s tight coils without disturbing the man. He exits Adder''s lair, entering the passageway that connects the room to the main cave.

    Eben''s about to enter the living area when he pauses. He recalls Adder warning him to not go down this tunnel. Eben had assumed the gorgon just wanted to keep the half-elf away from his room... what else was down here?

    Grabbing a lit torch from a sconce, the half-elf traverses deeper down into the earth, his heart pounding as he discovers a whole new chamber.

    He lifts the torch to look around. The flickering light dimly illuminates rows and rows of bookshelves lined up against the stone walls.

    Eben''s hands trace the spines as he walks. Unfortunately, his education had been minimal on the farm and non-existent once his father had disappeared, so Eben was unable to read the words.

    Eben turns around to examine the other side of the room¡ª

    There, peering at him from the darkness is the petrified face of a woman.

    Eben lets out a cry of shock as he backs away abruptly, attempting to distance himself from the statue. He stumbles into a bookcase, causing a huge commotion as books and trinkets to tumble off the shelves.

    Eben grunts in pain as something heavy and wooden flies off the shelf and smacks the torch out of his hand¡ª plummeting him into darkness.

    The half-elf scrambles in the dark attempting to find the exit before Adder arrives¡ª but he''s too late. The sound of bells resonates ominously in the cave as the gorgon enters the room. Eben''s heart thumps in the all-encompassing black as he waits for the sound of Adder''s voice, but he''s not met with the demure rumbling he''s used to.

    "I told you not to come in here..."

    It''s horrifying, how the man''s voice has dipped into a pitch deeper than the darkness of this room. Eben trembles, hands scrabbling for anything he could use as a weapon, but it''s a fruitless endeavor. Is he about to go out the same way Helia did?

    "Im sorry I¡ª"

    Eben''s excuses are cut off by an inhuman growl that sets him on edge. "I told you not to come in here, it was the only rule I gave you!"

    Eben''s terror is growing as the darkness of the room seems to close in on him. He''s trapped, and the only thing he can do is wait for death.

    "Because you didn''t want me to see her, right? Is this what happens to the people who serve you?"

    The growl deepens to a rumbling roar before the gorgon speaks again. "The criminal is going to lecture me on morality? The one who took a child hostage when his heist went wrong?"

    Eben flushes with rage as he pushes off the ground to stand. "I didn''t take her hostage, I was trying to protect her from you!"

    When Adder only growls in response, Eben continues his tirade. "Why didn''t you kill me that day? Is it really just that you wanted a new toy you could kill when it bores you?"

    "Be silent!" Adder roars.

    Eben flinches back, trying not to cower. However before things can worsten even more, a new sound echoes through the cave¡ª church bells.

    There''s one last growl before there''s a sound of rapid movement as Adder immediately races away to respond, leaving Eben in the dark. When he''s sure the gorgon has left Eben falls to his knees, trembling from adrenaline.

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    Fern and Daisy were telling the truth.

    He''d thought that perhaps the story was being manipulated, that the nuns had been misled by their malicious priest. But it was true, Adder killed his last servant. He''d killed her and Eben had possibly been moments away from sharing her fate.

    Eben clenched his jaw. He still might be in danger. He needed to act now while he still can.

    He fumbles through the dark, tripping over books until he reaches the exit to the room. The half-elf runs down the hallway past Adder''s room, the living area, and out into the open. With a sharp whistle from the half-elf, Fairy canters over to Eben, allowing him to mount her with efficiency.

    Eben steers the speckled mare down the trail until he''s galloping off into the forest. He''s acting impulsively, he knows, but Eben needs to try. He needs to see for himself that this thing on his neck is truly keeping him trapped here. So he pushes Fairy to her limit, the forest becoming a blur as they travel further and further from the cave.

    To his dismay, the further they get the tighter the coils around his neck become. He slows Fairy down hoping he can power through it, but soon it becomes too much to bear. Eben slumps off the horse, kneeling in the dirt as he attempts to catch his breath. Fairy brushes her snout against his crown, but Eben can''t bring himself to stand.

    For what feels like the hundredth time Eben asks himself if he''s destined to die in this village. He curses the Gods he has no faith in for his fate. Was he so terrible that he deserves to die like this? A disgraced outsider with not a single soul to miss him?

    But maybe this punishment wasn''t so unwarranted.

    Eben squeezes his eyes shut trying to hold back tears. He doesn''t want to acknowledge the truth, but what if this is what he deserves for all that he''s done?

    Eben has hurt, stole, and killed.

    But did he ever have a chance to be kind? To be soft in a world full of sharp edges and sharper people? How was it fair that Eben is stuck here before he''s been presented with the chance to show someone, anyone, he can give as much as he can take?

    Suddenly, Fairy stands alert, ears pinned to her head as she stamps on the ground nervously. Eben breaks out of his spiraling thoughts, remembering where they were. This area is crawling with monstrous creatures, all looking for easy prey.

    Eben grabs Fairy''s reins, heaving himself off the ground and mounting her with an excessive amount of effort. Once astride his faithful steed, he scans the area for danger. As Eben surveys the area, he spots something large moving in the underbrush

    Eben doesn''t know what creature is out there, but whatever it is, it''s not good news for him and Fairy.

    He tugs Fairy''s reins, turning her around slowly. Part of him is screaming to run full sprint away from whatever is out there, but a louder part he doesn''t quite understand is telling him the opposite; don''t run, it says, running will only attract its attention.

    However, Fairy doesn''t get the memo. When an immense shape steps out into the sunlight, the horse bolts.

    Eben hangs on for dear life as his horse careens wildly through the forest, something massive snarling and growling at their heels. Eben looks back to see what is chasing him and is dismayed by what he sees. Crashing through the undergrowth in hot pursuit is a chimera; humanoid head, scorpion tail, feline body, and all.

    At that moment, the beast lunges for Fairy''s hindquarters. Eben barely manages to duck out of the way as the chimera''s claws swipe through the air, narrowly missing his head. His heart hammering in his chest, Eben urges Fairy forward, hoping to outrun the beast.

    But the creature is too fast, too agile. It leaps and twists through the air, its huge claws lashing out at the horse''s flank. Fairy screams in pain, stumbling and throwing Eben off.

    Eben hits the ground hard, rolling to a stop in a tangle of limbs and dust. He struggles to his feet, heart racing with fear and adrenaline, just in time to see the chimera lunge at him. Eben ducks in the nick of time to avoid razor-sharp claws.

    He starts sprinting but realizes too late that he has nowhere to run. The forest around him is thick and the chimera is too fast. He glances around frantically, searching for something, anything that could help him.

    And then he sees it. A small crevice in a rocky outcropping. Eben makes a desperate dash for it, the chimera hot on his heels. He slides into the narrow opening just as the creature''s claws scrape against the stone, barely missing him.

    Eben is safe for the moment, but he knows it won''t last.

    He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart and calm his mind. He glances around the crevice, searching for a way out or something he could use as a weapon. He finds nothing but moss and twigs.

    The Chimera doesn''t seem perturbed by the change in pace, plopping itself down in front of the crevice Eben has squeezed himself into. Eben warily observes the creature from his hiding spot. Its face is disturbingly human, with lank reddish-brown hair hanging freely down the right side of its face.

    The beast chuckles at the half-elf''s face of disgust, causing Eben to flinch further into his hiding spot.

    "I had heard many things about this village, but never did I think I''d find one of theirs here."

    "Theirs?" Eben croaks, voice hoarse.

    "Elves. They usually cull the half breeds."

    Eben launches a stone at the chimera. The rock falls pathetically short of the monster, who only watches it roll around with detached interest. "How did you survive this long? The humans surely didn''t accept you, did they?"

    Eben grimaces. "By scrounging around for scraps and being a scoundrel. Kinda like you, I suppose."

    The chimera laughs. "if you were like me, you''d have your harem in the village bringing you dinner. Not hiding in a crack smelling like a gorgon''s whore."

    "Wha¡ª if you know there''s a gorgon why are you here?! You''re all going to die!"

    The chimera grins, flexing a paw. "My women have dealt with these creatures before. We travel to their homeland when the cold comes, and we eat their young fresh out of the egg."

    Eben''s heart drops into his stomach. There''s no way, right? Adder has survived this long, it was impossible to fathom he''d die to some mangy chimeras. Eben is about to say as much when the Chimera tenses, growling as it stands.

    The sound of chiming bells resounds through the forest. Adder is here.

    Eben feels a flicker of hope at the sound of Adder''s approach. Maybe he''d get out of this alive after all?

    Adder emerges from the forest, looking battered and bloody. Eben''s heart sinks as he sees the wounds decorating the gorgon''s body.

    "You dare face me looking like that, you worm?" The chimera taunts.

    Adder doesn''t reply, head swiveling around anxiously.

    Is he... looking for Eben?

    Suddenly, the gorgon''s face turns to Eben''s exact hiding spot. "Eben, cover your eyes."

    Eben does as he''s told, not needing to be told twice.

    Even with his eyes closed, Eben can tell the fight is brutal. There''s a hissing snarl of the chimera and the sound of Adder''s tail lashing through the air as the gorgon replies with his own unearthly growl.

    The sounds of battle rage on for what feels like an eternity as Eben''s heart pounds in his chest. He hears an ugly scream of rage, the sound of claws scraping against stone, and the dull thud of flesh hitting flesh.

    And then, suddenly, there''s silence.

    Eben clenches his fist, afraid to open his eyes. What would he see when he did?

    "Eben..." Adder calls out weakly.

    Eben hesitantly opens his eyes, heart in his throat, to see Adder slumped against the rocky outcropping. The gorgon looks worse for wear, with deep gashes across his face and body. Eben startles as the gorgon collapses completely to the ground.

    Eben approaches the beaten and bruised man. Adder is weak, bleeding profusely. This could be Eben''s chance¡ª he could end the gorgon now.

    The half-elf crouches beside Adder. The gorgon is panting in pain, eyes squeezed shut.

    Eben''s hand nears the gorgon''s throat, but a thrash from the man lands it on Adder''s cheek instead.

    The gorgon immediately stills and leans into the touch. Eben can''t help but slide his thumb against the smooth skin.

    It''s soft and warm.

 Cold Scales

    As soon as they make it into the cave, Adder collapses heavily onto the sheepskin rug. Eben is pulled down with the gorgon as he falls with an oof.

    Up close, the wounds look even worse than initially thought. There are several deep lacerations and puncture wounds across the gorgon''s torso and tail, and even one gnarly-looking slash across his face.

    Blood is seeping freely from between dark scales, though thankfully there''s no gushing. Despite that small mercy, the gorgon is slowly losing consciousness.  Eben knows from his precarious lifestyle that''s not a good sign.

    Eben quickly heads to their supplies to get what he needs before time runs out.

    "Adder! Stay awake okay? Don''t go to sleep."

    Adder groans in pain as Eben applies pressure to the largest wound across the gorgon''s chest with a rag. "Put your hand here. Press down."

    Adder does as he''s told with a grimace as Eben rifles through the medicine bag. Eben pulls out some fabric and a mysterious bottle of liquid. Taking a sniff and smelling something herbal and astringent, he guesses this is to clean wounds. The half-elf uncorks the bottle, pouring it over the lacerations.

    Adder hisses and growls at the pain, consciousness abruptly restored.

    Eben doesn''t pay any mind, Adder is hardly frightening right now. "Don''t you growl at me! I''m helping you!"

    Adder winces but doesn''t protest further. Eben continues to clean and dress his wounds until the half-elf must address the injury on his chest.

    "Open your mouth, Adder. You don''t want to be sober for this."

    Adder¡¯s face pinches in disgust as Eben tilts the bottle to his lips. After dousing his hands with the alcohol, Eben picks up a needle and thread and starts to sew up the wound. It''s a messy and painful process, but Eben attempts to get through it quickly.

    Finally, after what feels like hours, Eben ties off the last stitch and steps back to survey his handiwork. The wound is now closed and clean, but Adder looks weak and exhausted. Eben quickly fetches a bowl of water and a few strips of dried meat, offering it to the gorgon.

    Inebriated, Adder''s hand cleanly misses the offered bowl. Sighing, Eben sets the food on the table and helps the gorgon sit up.

    Adder sways as he chews the meat slowly. Eben joins him at the table, His body rejoices at finally being fed as he takes a bite out of an apple.

    The crunch of the fruit seems to catch Adder''s attention. The gorgon pauses his meal to face Eben.

    "Eben...Why did you help me?"

    Eben swallows. Why did he help Adder? The smart thing to do would''ve been to kill the gorgon while he was down. But Eben had hesitated. Why?

    "I guess...I guess I wanted to repay you for saving me. You didn''t have to."

    Adder frowns leaning forward. "Of courssse I did... That''ssss my whole job..."

    Eben raises an eyebrow at Adder''s slurred speech. The gorgon must be lightweight. "Your job is to protect the villagers, not me. I''m just a criminal, remember?"

    "No you''re... You''re... You''re good too. I shouldn''t have sssaid that. I just... Her booksss and her sculpturesss were everywhere on the ground."

    "That''s what you were mad about?"

    Adder nods. "It''s all I have left of her..."

    Eben sets the apple down. He knows he shouldn''t ask this, but he has to know...

    "Adder, why did you kill Helia?"

    Adder''s tail shifts, seeming to coil protectively around himself.

    "She asssked me to."

    Eben blinks. "She wanted to die?"

    Adder nods, morose. "She had a sssickness her whole life, but I don''t¡ª"

    Adder gasps, sobbing. "I don''t know why she sssuddenly wanted to die. I couldn''t convince her otherwise."

    Eben stares in shock as the giant gorgon breaks down, tears leaking from closed eyes.

    "I knew it was wrong... Father Sheppard saysss every human life is precioussss, but she begged me to do it. Eben, I couldn''t say no."

    "Adder I¡ª"

    Even pauses. What could he say to possibly make this better? Eben has killed, sure. But he''s never had to deal with killing someone he cared about, especially not someone he considered a parent. He wants to help, but he has no idea how.

    Eben shuffles over to Adder, placing a hand on his arm. The gorgon jumps at the contact before abruptly pulling Eben into a tight embrace.

    Eben jolts at the hug but allows the gorgon to embrace him. What was the harm? The gorgon was drunk and wounded, Eben could permit him this.

    Eben smooths his palms comfortingly up and down the gorgon''s back. "You need to rest, Adder. You can sleep here, I''ll bring you some blankets."

    After being relinquished from the gorgon''s hug, Eben makes his way to Adder''s room and gathers an armful of blankets and furs.

    Eben returns to Adder already curled up on the sheepskin fast asleep. Careful to not to disturb the man, Eben covers the gorgon from shoulder to tail.

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    He sits there for a moment just watching the gorgon snore quietly before he gets up to do his chores for the day.

    When he''s finally done and able to rest, Eben curls up in his little bedroll. He''s glad to finally be laying down, but somehow knowing how warm the gorgon could be made his own bed feel colder. Eben sighed, drifting off to hazy dreams. When Eben awakens come morning, it''s to shivering and chattering teeth.

    Autumn has officially made itself known by blowing chilly winds directly into the cave.

    Wrapping his blanket around his shoulders and putting his socks on, Eben pads into the living area to check on Adder. The gorgon is still fast asleep, bundled under the covers.

    Eben crouches in front of the mound of blankets and furs, lifting the edge of a pelt to peek at Adder''s face. "Adder, it''s time to get up. Do you want something to eat?"

    Adder doesn''t respond, face impassive in his slumber.

    "Adder?"

    Eben reaches out to touch the man''s shoulder, only to flinch at the icy coldness of the gorgon''s skin.

    Fear takes hold of his heart. "Adder! Wake up!"

    Adder responds to Eben''s frightened pleas, albeit sluggishly. "...Eben..."

    Eben''s heart is racing. "Adder! What''s wrong?"

    Adder tugs the furs closer. "S''cold..."

    Nearly running, Eben heads to the woodstove to stoke a fire. Thankfully, Adder had collected a large stockpile for them to use. Eben quickly adds kindling to the stove and fans the flames, trying to generate as much heat as possible.

    He returns to Adder''s side, kneeling beside him. "The fire is going, okay? Is this normal for you, or is this something we need to be worried about?"

    "It''s hibernation" Adder explains "but my head hurts and my body aches..."

    Eben gnaws on his lip. Is Adder sick? He''s never cared for anyone before... "What do you need, Adder?"

    "Willow tea, please."

    Eben stands, now on a mission. "Okay, I''ll make you some."

    He heads to the small kitchen area and begins to boil water. Rummaging through their supplies, he finds the small bag of dried willow bark and measures out the appropriate amount.

    Once the water is boiling, Eben adds the willow bark and lets it steep. He brings the warm cup of tea back to Adder, who gratefully takes it and sips slowly. Once the gorgon finished, Eben has him lie back so he could can check his wounds.

    Pulling off the wrappings, Eben is greeted with exactly what he feared. The large slash across Adder''s chest is infected. The cut is an angry red, oozing pus.

    Eben swallows hard. This is bad.

    "Adder, it''s infected. I need to clean it out again and pack it with herbs. It''s going to hurt."

    Adder nods, face grave.

    Eben carefully pours more of the astringent liquid over the wound, watching as it cleans away the pus and red ooze. Eben can''t help how Adder''s claws shred the rug underneath him, but his other hand only slightly squeezes Eben''s knee in pain. Once the wound is clean, Eben packs it with a mixture of dried herbs and honey, wrapping it tightly to keep it in place.

    "There," Eben says, stepping back.

    "I''ll make you some soup. Get some rest."

    Adder nods weakly, laying his head down. Eben retreats to the small kitchen area, observing the ingredients they have. Thankfully, their food stores were still full up.

    Eben settles for a light vegetable soup simmered in a garlicky bone broth.

    As Eben clumsily dices the vegetables, his thoughts drift to his father. Eben rarely ever got sick as a child, but when he did his father would serve him a nutrient-dense soup like this. He remembers how his father would smile down lovingly at him as Eben sipped the meal.

    The old memory makes his heart ache for a sense of safety and belonging he fears he''ll never have again.

    Trying to ward off the sadness, Eben focuses on the food he''s preparing. It''s been a long time since Eben has been able to cook something of substance. Bandits on the run didn''t usually like to sit around stewing lovely dishes, they ate hardtack, jerky, and the occasional fruit swiped from a busy farmer''s market.  Ever since Eben had come to serve Adder though, he''d been delighted to have full access to fresh food every day. He would definitely miss that once he escaped...

    Returning to his task, Eben minces and grinds some fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, tossing the herbs into the large cauldron. Now complete, the soup is carefully ladled into a wooden bowl and set on the table.

    Adder sits up gingerly, smiling at the meal.

    "Thank you, Eben."

    Eben crosses his arms, sitting down across from the gorgon with his own bowl.

    "It''s just soup."

    "No, Eben. You''ve done so much..."

    Eben feels his ears twitching as heat rises to his cheeks. Once again, he''s thankful Adder can''t see his expression.

    "I''m only paying you back for saving me. Like I said yesterday, you didn''t have to have to. Especially after what I did..."

    Adder gives a sad smile. "You didn''t do anything wrong. I shouldn''t have lost my cool over such a little thing like some old books and knick-knacks."

    Eben sets his spoon down. "Don''t downplay it, Adder. If I could have something, anything, left by my father, it would be my prized possession. He disappeared when I was a child and our home was burned to the ground. Things aren''t meaningless."

    "Eben, I''m so sorry..."

    The half-elf shrugs. "Don''t be, I got by just fine. Being a bandit is a rough life, but there''s some perks. Remind me to tell you someday about the time I swiped a barrel of pomegranate wine from an altar dedicated to Morthell." Eben laughs. "Now that was fun, watching those priests freak out thinking it was an omen of death."

    Adder smiles before he tilts his head down, his spoon playing with the dregs of his soup. "Do you... miss it?"

    "I...."

    Eben knows he doesn''t want to be chained. He hates feeling like he''s not in control and he hates feeling weak.  But does he miss being a bandit?  Does he miss constantly being on the run, the mindless violence, or the lonely nights after the adrenaline has worn off?

    "Eben... I... I know you didn''t come here willingly, but I''ve been so happy since you did."

    Adder''s face turns down as the gorgon''s hands trace the woodgrain. "I don''t know how you feel,  but to me, you''re the first friend I''ve ever had..."

    Eben feels something intense blooming in his chest. It''s so strong he almost wants to look down and see exactly what''s happening.

    Eben is never wanted. He''s something to abandon, to mistrust, to hate. How is he supposed to reconcile those facts with Adder sitting before him and telling Eben they''re all false?

    "I hate that I''m forced to be here, Adder. but I..." Eben clenches his spoon as he tries to suppress the water rising in his eyes. "I''m glad I met you."

    Adder thrashes his tail, smiling. Eben laughs at the puppy-like behavior, wiping away the moistness that has gathered in his eyes. "I''m not saying any more nice things to you if it means you''re gonna make your injuries worse. Lay down and go back to sleep. I have to attend to those plucky hens you so fear."

    Adder obediently does as Eben instructs, laying down as Eben collects their dishes. "I like the hens, it''s the roosters that are evil. They are called drakes for a reason, Eben."

    Eben snorts as he leaves the cave, picking up the egg basket as he reaches the henhouse.

    As the half-elf tends to the birds, his mind is alight with new plans. His goals haven''t changed¡ª he will escape N?dre Tor.

    He''s just going to find a way to do that while bringing Adder with him.

 Forbidden Fruit

    As crisp autumn winds settle over the forest, the change of the seasons is made official by brightly-hued leaves of red, yellow, and orange. The once verdant foliage gently flutters to the ground, turning the forest floor into a colorful mosaic as woodland creatures scurry with haste, bracing themselves for the inevitable cold months ahead.

    Eben enjoys the beauty of the season as he similarly works to prepare himself and Adder for the coming winter; harvesting the last of the crops, gathering firewood, and preserving their perishable foods.

    It''s a lot to do alone, but Eben doesn''t mind it. It was hard to dislike the work when you got to end your day with a warm bed, good food, and pleasant company. That was more than any criminal could ask for in this world.

    Besides preparing for winter, the half-elf was also preoccupied with managing the needs of an injured gorgon.

    Thankfully, Adder was recuperating remarkably well. The slash on his face had faded away, leaving behind a barely noticeable scar, while the other wounds were scabbing over nicely.

    However, the injury on his chest was still proving to be an issue. Due to the infection and the depth of the wound, the gorgon had to move slowly and carefully not to injure himself further.

    As a result, Eben also cooked the gorgon''s meals, assisted him around the cave, and helped him maintain his hygiene. Essentially, Eben was acting as Adder''s live-in nurse until the gorgon''s wounds had healed.

    The half-elf stares into the fire, mind wandering as he contemplates his friend''s long road to recovery. The gorgon had endured so much and Eben couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He had put Adder into that situation by running like a coward. If he''d stayed and asked what had really happened to Helia, his friend wouldn''t have been near as damaged now.

    Shaking his head to dispel negative thoughts about the past, Eben refocused on the present. He turned his attention to the cauldron of water simmering on the fire. With a gentle stir, the scent of lavender, rose, and lemongrass filled the cave. It was a calming aroma, one that he hoped would soothe Adder''s weary body.

    "Are you ready, Adder?"

    Adder is curled by the fireside, toying with his hair. "Almost... thank you for helping me with this, Eben."

    Eben lifts the large pot by the handles, heaving it over to sit by Adder''s spot on the ground. "No problem. Let me just clean up first then I''ll do you, okay?"

    A flush rises to Adder''s cheeks. "You''re going to bathe? Right here?"

    Eben chuckles as he disrobes. "I can wait until later if it makes you uncomfortable, but it''s not like you can see me."

    "No, it''s okay." Adder concedes, "It''s just that even though I can''t see you, just knowing you''re naked it¡ª it makes me a tad flustered."

    Eben can''t the small chuckle escapes Eben''s lips as he dips the rag into the pot of soapy water. This gorgon was so ridiculous. "Are you embarrassed? Don''t worry, I''ll be quick."

    True to his word, Eben quickly suds up and rinses his hair before using the cloth to scrub his body. Just a few beats later he''s pink and clean, ready to do the same for the gorgon.

    "Okay, you ready? Eben asks.

    "Yes."

    Grabbing a fresh rag, Eben dips it in the cauldron and squeezes the hot water over top of the gorgon''s head. Adder sighs as the warmth loosens his muscles and washes away grime.

    The half-elf uncorks a bottle of soapwort-infused water, pouring a generous amount onto ebony locks.

    "Close your eyes, this stuff stings" Eben warns.

    Adder laughs as Eben starts massaging the fragrant liquid into his hair. "I don''t think I can close them any more than I already have."

    Eben huffs. "You know what I mean. Shush."

    Once the liquid has been thoroughly incorporated into the gorgon''s hair, Eben begins to massage it into a foamy lather. As he works, the half-elf marvels at the irony of this situation. Despite his fearsome appearance and deadly abilities, the gorgon was just as vulnerable and in need of care as any other creature.

    Gripping the pitcher, Eben rinses out the suds, carefully avoiding the ears poking out of the gorgon''s curtain of black hair. Suddenly, a loud sneeze echoes through the cave, jolting Eben out of his thoughts.

    "Gods bless you. You''re not getting cold, are you?"

    Adder sniffs, rubbing at his nose. "I''m okay. You can continue."

    Eben does just that, dipping the rag into the cauldron again and dragging it down the front of Adder''s chest, being extra careful around the jagged wound. As the cloth wanders further southward, Eben attempts to be quick and impersonal. This situation was probably mortifying for the gorgon. There was no need to be insensitive.

    However, Adder''s misgivings seem to dissipate with the rising steam, melting under the gentle touches.

    The sight of the gorgon relaxed and happy flusters Eben, but as he studies the green-gold reflections of Adder''s scales, his eyes trail up to something that causes an even bigger commotion inside him.

    Eben smirks salaciously, hands caressing damp skin. "You must be healing well if you''re that raring to go."

    Adder flushes realizing the condition he''s in. The gorgon pulls a blanket over his shame, face red. "I''m sorry, I know it''s inappropriate..."

    The half-elf''s heart gives a little skip as he sees the embarrassed expression on the gorgon''s face. There was just something incredibly endearing about his friend worrying so much about Eben''s non-existent propriety.

    "I didn''t mean to make you feel embarrassed, Adder. You don''t have to be self-conscious about this kind of thing. Do you want me to help you out?"

    "Are you, ah, proposing we do what we did last time?

    Eben hums. "Not quite, that''s too vigorous while you''re still recovering. But we can do something just as fun. What do you say?"

    "Yes, please."

    "Lie back then."

    The gorgon does as instructed as Eben pulls the blanket off Adder, heart thumping with anticipation. He relishes the shudder that wracks his friend''s frame as Eben takes him in hand, stroking the gorgon loosely.

    Eben lets out a soft exhale as his other hand continues to caress Adder''s scales, marveling at how unexpectedly soft they are.

    The flickering light of the fire dances across them, mesmerizing in its beauty. As he watches, Eben can''t help but feel grateful for the chance to witness such an unusual sight.

    A quiet moan pulls him from his reverie, causing Eben to glance up at Adder. The gorgon has brought his hands to his eyes, covering them completely.

    Eben lets out a little laugh at the action, slowing. "Why are you doing that?"

    The gorgon bucks his hips, seeking friction. "Because I lost my blindfold..."

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    "You''re afraid you''ll hurt me?"

    The tip of Adder''s tail thumps on the blankets. "Yes. I want to see you so bad..."

    Eben tightens his grip, speeding up as he ignores his own growing excitement. "You know what I look like, don''t you? You can''t imagine it?"

    Adder groans, claws digging furrows into the stone floor. "I don''t know what color your eyes are..."

    Eben laughs at the sentimental idea. "Out of all my sexy traits, you want to look at my eyes? They''re hazel. Like gold and green mixed together."

    "It sounds beautiful, Eben."

    Eben rolls his eyes at the sappy compliment, smiling. He leans down to leave a kiss on the black scales, enjoying how Adder twitches in his hand at the touch.

    "It''s a fairly common eye color, nothing special."

    "No, you''re special" Adder gasps breathily, "Very special."

    Eben grins maliciously as he abruptly pauses his stroking, causing the gorgon to whimper and growl at the loss.

    "I''m sure you tell that to all your partners." Eben jests.

    The joke flies right over Adder''s head. "No, I''ve never done this with anyone else. You''re the only one I want..."

    Eben''s heart thuds at the confession. Clearly, the gorgon is speaking nonsense, lost in his pleasure...

    The half-elf resumes stroking, setting a brutal pace as he attempts to quiet the gorgon before he says more things that set Eben''s heart racing.

    "Ah! Eben!"

    The gorgon tenses, snarling and moaning as he reaches his peak. Eben maintains the same speed as Adder twitches and writhes, enjoying the sound and sight of the gorgon losing his sense of reality.

    "Ahh, ah, stop please."

    Eben relinquishes his grip. "You wanna talk about beautiful? Now that was beautiful."

    Adder shivers as Eben wets the rag one more time and cleans up the mess they just made. The gorgon pushes up from his position on the ground.

    "It''s nothing compared to how you look... let me return the favor, Eben."

    The half-elf frowns. "You''re injured, Adder. You don''t have to do anything for me."

    Adder seems to deflate at the rejection. "You don''t want to?"

    Eben grabs a linen cloth as he scoots toward Adder''s head. He ruffles the wet locks, attempting to dry them quickly. "It''s not about that. I did it because I wanted to make you feel good, not so you would do something for me."

    "Oh," Adder smiles shyly. "Okay. I just feel a little selfish when you are doing so much for me lately."

    Eben finishes drying Adder''s hair, grabbing a nearby comb. Gently, he pulls the comb''s teeth through Adder''s silky black hair. "I got myself into this position because I was selfish, Adder. I don''t exactly want to be cursed, but I can think of worse things than taking care of a friend for a little while."

    "I''m glad you feel that way, Eben."

    Once Adder''s hair is completely detangled, Eben helps the gorgon put his bottoms back on, and re-wrapping his wounds before dressing.

    Stretching his body languidly, the half-elf walks to the kitchen and starts looking through their collection of dried herbs.

    "Do you want some chamomile tea, Adder?"

    Adder nods. "Yes, please."

    Eben grabs the white flowers, tossing them into two cups before deciding to add some spearmint and dried citrus rinds. He fills the kettle, sets it on the woodfire stove, and waits for the water to boil.

    As soon as the kettle is whistling, he pours hot water over the herbal teas, adding a generous amount of honey to both cups.

    The half-elf brings the cups over to Adder, who is now comfortably curled up in his mountain of furs and blankets. He smiles as the cup is handed to him, thanking Eben as he sips the warm tea.

    As the half-elf drinks, he contemplates what just occurred. It was pleasurable, that''s for sure. Though he''s a bit surprised in himself that he initiated something like that with a friend.

    Eben usually preferred to only engage intimately with strangers or people he was soon to part with. It made things easier to keep his distance from people he couldn''t trust.

    Adder was different though. Eben could feel the trust in the gorgon growing by the day, each kind word and sweet smile cementing it further.

    Besides, Adder had never gotten to experience this kind of intimacy. Eben smirks into his cup. Adder would leave N?dre Tor skilled and ready for any partner if he had any say.

    As the half-elf sips the dregs of his tea, he''s hit with a wave of drowsiness. He yawns loudly into his palm, feeling the day''s labors finally catch up to him.

    "Will you be going to bed soon?"

    Eben nods, blearily rubbing his eyes. "Yeah. Feel like I''ve been running from chimeras all day."

    "Is your room staying warm enough at night?"

    "For the most part, yeah. Why?"

    Adder traces a claw over the rim of his cup. "Well, I was just going to suggest that you could stay in here tonight if you''re not staying warm enough..."

    "Ah well..."

    Eben rubs his neck, flushing. Somehow he''d imagined the gorgon wanted to be left alone after doing the deed. But of course, this soft reptile was probably one of those people who''d feel abandoned if their partner left after intimacy.

    "I guess it does stay pretty toasty in here with the fire."

    Adder swishes his tail, transparently happy at the news. "It does, doesn''t it?"

    After their tea is had, the two of them snuggle into Adder''s pile of furs and blankets and say their goodnights. Eben watches the flames from the fire dance on stone walls as he waits for sleep to take him.

    It''s quite strange, he thinks, how content he is at this moment. He knows he should be more focused on how things will all go wrong sooner or later, but he can''t bring himself to care when he feels so sated and safe.

    He''s just about to drift off to sleep when there''s a shuffle from Adder behind him. He feels the gorgon''s hand brush against his back lightly as the gorgon adjusts his position.

    As it remains there unmoving, Eben focuses on the amount of warmth radiating from the small area of contact.

    Goosebumps raise on his arms as the gorgon gets a little bolder, hand coming to cup the half-elf''s shoulder.

    "Eben, are you awake?"

    Of course, he can''t help the rush of blood south as the gorgon speaks directly into his ear. Eben shudders, trying to resist palming himself. "I am, Adder. What do you need?"

    The hand rises to Eben''s arm, softly tracing circles into the half-elf''s skin. "Are you sure you don''t want me to return the favor? I really wouldn''t mind."

    Eben groans. This damned gorgon just won''t allow himself to be selfish for once, would he?

    Eben scoots himself backward until Adder''s warm frame is flush against his back. "You don''t need to do anything, just hold me while I take care of myself."

    "Okay," Adder agrees, hands embracing him from behind "Anything you want, Eben."

    The deep rumble of the gorgon''s voice makes Eben twitch and groan. "Ah¡ª but if you could... please just talk to me..."

    There''s a pause before the gorgon continues. "What should I talk about?"

    Eben sighs breathily as he finally allows his hand to cup himself through the thin material of his pants. "I don''t care, anything."

    "I... I had a dream about you, the other day."

    Oh, Eben liked where this was going.

    "Oh yeah?"

    He feels Adder nod behind him, causing the gorgon''s lips to caress Eben''s ear.

    "Yes. it was springtime, and we were in the garden together."

    "What were we doing?"

    Adder hums, making Eben feel like he was vibrating. "We were having a picnic."

    Eben giggles as he slips his pants off. He knew that he''d said anything, but he hadn''t expected such a wholesome scene to be painted in his mind. "We were just picnicking?"

    "Yes. I brought you an apple and we were sharing it."

    "That sounds nice¡ª"

    The half-elf gives a breathy gasp as soft lips caress the back of his neck.

    "Eben, I''m sorry, was that too much?"

    "Ah, no, it''s nice."

    Eben''s body sings as another kiss is placed on his skin.

    The gorgon continues. "You were worried about eating the apple, but I was excited to know what it would taste like. So I promised you I would take the first bite."

    Eben''s body tingles as the sensation of Adder''s hands and voice sends his mind into a pleasant haze. He grips himself tighter, enthralled.

    "Logic in dreams is always funny, isn''t it?" Eben sighs, "What happened next?

    "Ah, it''s a little embarrassing..."

    Eben bit his lip imagining how Adder''s dream might''ve progressed. He speeds up, bucking as he pictures it in his head.

    What did Adder dream of?

    Did the gorgon dream of Eben grabbing those horns and having his way?

    Maybe Adder pictured gripping Eben''s hair and pushing the half-elf to kneel.

    Or most exciting, perhaps the gorgon had dreamed of pinning Eben face down and taking him right there.

    Mind completely lost to these tantalizing ideas, Eben speeds his pace up, delirious now from the tight tunnel of his hand.

    "You don''t¡ª" Eben shudders "¡ªyou don''t have to tell me If it''s embarrassing."

    Eben gives a shivery sigh as a clawed hand carefully caresses up and down his torso, his mind vaguely registering that the gorgon was mimicking the half-elf''s moves from earlier.

    "No it''s okay, I''ll continue. You were still wary of the apple so I..."

    The gorgon hesitates for just a moment before speaking once more.

    "I kissed you, so you could taste it too."

    Eben grits his teeth, reaching up to grab a clawed hand with his own.

    He probably should be disappointed that Adder''s dream is so tame, but somehow the innocent desires of the gorgon fuel the flames of his desire even more. It causes his mind to race as his body begins to reach its peak.

    Did anyone in the village know how Adder longed for any kind touch, word, or action?

    Have any of them ever imagined that the gorgon curls up in his bed wishing somebody would lay beside him?

    Could any of them fathom the fact that the monster they cower from dreams of sharing the spring with someone?

    "Eben, I want to see. Will you close your eyes?"

    Eben throws his arm over his face as his body seizes. "Fuck! Adder!

    Adder holds Eben, stroking his skin soothingly as the half-elf slowly is released from the grips of his lust.

    "Gods." Eben pants, "Did you see that, Adder?"

    "No" the gorgon pouts, "I wasn''t sure if you closed your eyes."

    Eben laughs. "You''ll get another chance, perverted reptile."

    "Wha¡ª pervert?! As if you have room to talk!" Adder chides.

    Eben reaches behind himself, hand coming to graze a horn. "Okay, you can call me the pervert, but it''s a fact you''re a horny serpent."

    Adder bats away Eben''s hand, snuggling closer to the elf. "That joke did not land. I think you are delirious from a lack of rest."

    Eben snorted at the gorgon''s bluntness, but nonetheless closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take him into its comforting coils.

    As he drifts off, his mind supplies him with hazy-soft dreams of a sun-kissed spring day, soft lips, and the taste of crisp apples.

    But his peaceful rest was not to last.

    As always, any semblance of safety was torn away from Eben as the ominous sound of church bells reverberates through his mind.

 Snake in the Grass

    Eben sits up rapidly, the dreaded chimes causing a deep apprehension felt in his bones. Adder mimics his movement, gasping at the sound. The gorgon makes a pained whine as he attempts to rise.

    ¡°Adder! No!¡± Eben grabs onto the gorgon¡¯s arm. ¡°You can¡¯t go, you¡¯ll die!¡±

    The gorgon¡¯s strength is too much though, brushing Eben¡¯s hands off like one might detach a clingy child. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Eben. This is my duty. I have fought injured before.¡±

    Eben wants to scream with frustration. How dare the villagers summon Adder after he was so gravely injured? Did none of them even try to consider if his friend would survive these attacks? Or was their only priority simply saving their own hides?

    ¡°They can face it themselves for once, Adder! Do you not feel your body screaming at you to stop!?¡±

    Adder growls, face pinched. ¡°I have to Eben, this is the only path to redemption!¡±

    The gorgon starts struggling towards the mouth of the cave, Eben following close behind. Before Adder can make his exit, the half-elf runs ahead of him, blocking his path.

    ¡°Redemption for what, Adder?! You did nothing wrong! You are innocent and that bastard priest has manipulated you into becoming his martyr!¡±

    Adder tensed, clenching his fists. ¡°I killed dozens of innocent people, Eben.¡±

    ¡°Then let me handle it! If this is the path to redeeming oneself, I should try too!¡±

    Adder pauses, shocked. ¡°No Eben, you¡¯re not like me...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Adder. I¡¯m not like you. I knew full well what I was doing was wrong, but I did it anyway. I did it because I was angry at the world for taking everything from me, for rejecting me. I hurt people as some kind of... twisted revenge.¡±

    Clenches his jaw, taking a step forward. ¡°I want to redeem myself. Please, Adder. Let me do this for you.¡±

    Adder hesitates for a moment before his face hardens. ¡°No. Eben, I can¡¯t risk you dying for me.¡±

    The gorgon swerves around the half-elf, nearly at the mouth of the cave. Fear suffuses every pore as the half-elf watches the gorgon head toward his certain death.

    Eben couldn¡¯t do this, he couldn¡¯t go back to being alone and hated. This kind, gentle, amazing, person could not be allowed to die just because some fanatic had convinced him he was only valuable to the world as a killer.

    ¡°Adder! Stop! Adder!"

    The gorgon didn¡¯t heed his pleas as Eben ran beside him, desperate. He makes one last ditch effort, grabbing Adder¡¯s hand and tugging him away from the entrance of the cave.

    The abrupt movement causes the gorgon to hiss in pain, hand coming to now-red wrapping on his chest. The sight sets Eben¡¯s mind ablaze with rage and fear.

    "Adder! I said stop!"

    As the words leave Eben¡¯s mouth, a surge of burning energy courses through his body, like a bright light exploding from within. The shout seems to ricochet violently against the walls of the cave, causing a strange shimmer in the darkness.

    Adder pauses at the sound, only to start listing to the side.

    ¡°Adder!¡± Eben yelps, concerned.

    The half-elf catches his friend as he slumps to the ground, unconscious. He presses his hand to the gorgon¡¯s neck, desperately searching for a pulse. The steady beat of Adder¡¯s heart melts his fear away as Eben observes the man.

    The gorgon is still, breathing deeply as if in sleep. Did Eben do this? Did he...Did he somehow use the magic he¡¯s never been able to access before?

    Whatever the cause, Eben wasn¡¯t about to lose this opportunity. Setting Adder¡¯s head gently on the ground, he races outside as he whistles sharply for Fairy.

    His faithful steed comes running even in the dead of night, and Eben mounts her quickly before they race off together into the dark.

    He arrives shortly in the deserted village, searching for the threat with only the hazy light of the moon to guide him towards his target. As his eyes search the darkened streets, a terrified scream cuts through the night.

    Eben spurs Fairy into action, galloping towards the shrill sound. As he gets closer, he spots the perpetrators with a gasp. A party of four armored people is accosting villagers, illuminated in the glow of a burning cottage.

    Villagers are scattering, running blindly away from their attackers. To his dismay, Eben notices one of the men has caught Fern in their grasp. The woman is sobbing as the man yanks off her habit, yanking her head back by the hair as he presses a dagger to her throat.

    Most shocking, however, is that Eben recognizes the dark hair and cherubic face of one of the aggressors.

    The half-elf dismounts, running toward the group. The party of interlopers tense and draw their blades at his approach, but the woman steps forward, raising her hand to signal them to stand down.

    ¡°Eben!¡± she gasps, ¡°I thought you were dead!¡±

    Eben grits his teeth, brow furrowing. ¡°Claudia! What are you doing? Why are you here?¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Claudia smiles, armor clanking as she puts her hands on her hips. ¡°What¡¯s with the sour face? Your rescue party is here! You might want to hide if you don¡¯t want to fight, by the way. That monster should be here soon.¡±

    Eben tenses. ¡°Surely you don¡¯t mean to challenge the gorgon? You need to leave, now.¡±

    Claudia slings an arm over Eben¡¯s shoulders, grinning smugly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Ebby? You scared? Don¡¯t worry these guys are professionals¡ª they¡¯re from the monster hunting guild. Apparently, this entire town is infested. We¡¯re going to make a fortune, the scales on their pet alone are worth triple their weight in gold!¡±

    Eben takes the proximity of Claudia as an opportunity to rip one of her curved blades from her hip, stepping back to point the weapon threateningly at his former companion.

    ¡°I said you need to leave! Now!¡±

    A look of shocked dismay crosses Claudia¡¯s face as the half-elf challenges her. ¡°We aren¡¯t leaving until we get what we came for, Eben. What¡¯s gotten into you?¡±

    Eben¡¯s knuckles go white from gripping the sword. Was she really asking why he was upset? ¡°Regardless of what you think of monsters, you can¡¯t possibly think it¡¯s right to set a town ablaze for a payday, can you?¡±

    Claudia rolls her eyes. ¡°You never cared who got hurt before. I can¡¯t go back to my village and you can¡¯t stop being a half-breed. So this is what we have to do to survive, Eben.¡±

    Eben steps closer, brandishing the sword. ¡°Who are you lying to, Claudia? We both know this is going far beyond stealing coin purses. Leave, or I will stop you myself.¡±

    A shadow seems to cross Claudia¡¯s face. The sight is unsettling after Eben was so used to seeing sweet smiles from the woman. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you feel that way.¡±

    Claudia turns to the other assailants, pointing her remaining sword toward the half-elf. ¡°Boys!¡± She yells.¡°Help me out with this, won¡¯t you? Elf ears go for 200 gold a piece!¡±

    Eben dodges to the side as several arrows whiz past his ear. Claudia comes in hot, swinging her blade down at Eben. He parries, blocking her attack with a screech of metal.

    Claudia is unphased. She swings again, attempting to sweep her leg under Eben¡¯s feet as he parries once more. He dodges, taking a step back as the sound of approaching footsteps causes him to look behind the woman.

    He¡¯s charged by two armored assailants, one holding a large battleaxe, the other a huge greatsword. The first one swings the battleaxe at Eben, but he quickly blocks it with a crash of metal that sends vibrations up his arm.

    He only takes a few steps away when the second assailant approaches with an overhead strike from the greatsword. Eben rolls to the side, just barely avoiding the blade.

    He jumps to his feet, nailing the back of the man¡¯s knee with the heel of his boot and causing him to stumble forward. Seizing the opening, Eben slashes his sword into the unguarded neck of the man, who gurgles out a wounded cry as he clutches at his now red-drenched throat.

    Eben is not given a chance to rest, however. The remaining man approaches, swinging the battleaxe at Eben again. But the man¡¯s armor is heavy, causing him to be slow in his attack compared to the nimble-footed half-elf¡ª a fatal flaw in his attack.

    Eben kicks the man in the gut, causing him to stumble. Eben takes advantage of the opening to stab at the man¡¯s side, fatally wounding his opponent. The man sinks to his knees before falling to his side, dead.

    Eben looks back at Claudia. Her sweet face is now twisted into an ugly look of rage.

    ¡°Would you stop harassing that damn woman and come help me!¡± she screams.

    The archer finally lets go of Fern, but as soon as he turns his back on the nun, she lunges.

    Both Eben and Claudia watch with varying levels of horror as Fern releases a feral roar, grappling with the man until she rips his helmet off. With a bone-chilling scream from her prey, Fern sinks her sharpened fangs into the man¡¯s neck, violently ripping out gory chunks of meat in a frenzy.

    A few moments later, Fern pulls away, looking distraught at the bloody mess before her.

    Seeing the nun has it handled, Eben turns to the woman. ¡°It¡¯s over, Claudia. You need to leave while you still can.¡±

    Claudia bares her teeth in a snarl, her sword glinting in the moonlight. ¡°How could you do this? I was your friend and you choose a town of brainwashed monsters over me?!¡±

    Eben wipes a droplet of blood from his brow, adjusting his grip on the sword. ¡°If you were my friend, you would¡¯ve heeded my warning the first time.¡±

    Claudia screams, charging at Eben with her weapon held high. Again their swords meet¡ª the clang of metal shrilly ringing in the night air.

    She lifts her sword again, swiping the silver blade before Eben has an opportunity to dodge it. He grunts out a short yelp of pain as a quick slash from the woman cuts through his shirt, leaving a shallow cut just below his sternum.

    Claudia continues the onslaught, lunging once more. This time, Eben is able to avoid the initial attack, only to receive a brutal kick to his chest.

    Eben clenches his teeth, feeling a new gush of blood trickle down his abdomen. He attempts to step back and catch his breath, looking for any sign of weakness. The woman is panting heavily, clearly tiring, but her eyes still hold a burning amount of rage.

    Eben attacks first this time. He gives a piercing thrust toward his opponent, but she easily parries. The half-elf isn¡¯t too upset though, he doesn¡¯t need to actually hit her. He just needs to survive until he tires her out.

    Another haphazard swipe from the woman gives him an opportunity to retaliate, he throws a hard punch before she can move away. Claudia gives a cry of pain but still doesn¡¯t waver, delivering a swift kick to Eben¡¯s shin with her steel-toed boot.

    He attempts to ignore the pain, moving in for another strike, but Claudia is ready. The petite woman dodges, slashing at Eben¡¯s side. The burning pain knocks the wind from him, causing the half-elf to collapse to the ground.

    Claudia approaches, face stony. ¡°This didn¡¯t need to happen, Eben. We could¡¯ve done this job together and lived off the riches for a lifetime.¡±

    Eben lifts his chin defiantly, holding the wound on his side. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live like that anymore. I¡¯m done with it.¡±

    ¡°You think I don¡¯t want to get out? This was the job to set me free, and you ruined it!¡±

    The woman grows nearer, raising the sword above Eben¡¯s prone form.

    ¡°I¡¯m not walking away empty-handed. At the very least, I can make some gold off you.¡±

    Eben squeezes his eyes shut, awaiting the final blow. However, the stab of cold metal never comes.

    There¡¯s a scream and thud as Claudia is knocked to the ground by Fern. The nun has completely lost herself to her blood lust, eyes burning a bright red as she savagely attacks the smaller woman.

    Claudia puts up a good fight, getting a few slashes in here and there, but her exhaustion finally catches up with her. She stumbles, giving a weak thrust of her weapon toward the nun. Fern knocks the blade away like a toothpick, pushing Claudia to the ground and sinking her fangs into the woman¡¯s pale neck.

    Eben squeezes his eyes shut, unable to watch his former friend die in such a gruesome way.

    After a few horrific minutes of wet gurgling intermixed with animalistic growls, silence finally permeates the night. Eben cracks his eyes open to check his surroundings.

    Fern is standing over the corpse of Claudia, hugging herself tightly as red drips from her chin. Eben slowly sits up, wincing at the pain in his side. He watches as Fern slowly returns to her normal state, the red of her eyes fading to her normal honey-brown.

    ¡°Fern...¡±

    The nun jolts, looking Eben¡¯s way with wild eyes. For a moment, the half-elf worries she¡¯s about to pounce, but breathes a sigh of relief when concern washes over her face.

    The nun quickly comes to Eben¡¯s aid, kneeling before him. ¡°Oh, Eben, what happened? Why didn¡¯t Adder come?¡±

    Before Eben has a chance to respond, a look of intense fear crosses the nun¡¯s face. Eben turns to see what she¡¯s looking at, his heart dropping.

    Standing before him is Father Sheppard, a scowl on his face. The greying man narrows his eyes sternly as he takes in the scene.

    His voice booms ominously in the quiet night air.

    ¡°What have you done?¡±

 Vipers that Cannot be Charmed

    The room is dark, the only light source available being a singularly lit candle. The weak flickering of the flame bounces off the stained glass behind the priest, illuminating the lines and furrows on his gaunt face.

    Eben slumps in the plush chair, wounds smarting as he attempts to adjust his position. He hadn¡¯t been given an opportunity to treat the slashes and cuts all over his body. The priest had commanded his guards to take Eben to his office immediately.

    Being brought here again made him anxious, his heartbeat seeming to flutter in tandem with fat raindrops beginning to splatter against the window. What punishment could be awaiting him? Would Sheppard really object to Eben protecting Adder?

    Still, being here was probably a good sign his punishment wouldn''t be too severe. He can¡¯t say the same for Fern, who had been towed away as she screamed and sobbed, begging for forgiveness.

    The half-elf jolts as a boom of thunder outside shakes the office, followed by a flash of lightning that eerily illuminates the priest''s dead eyes in the dark.

    Finally, Sheppard begins speaking, breaking the uneasy silence.

    ¡°Eben, can you explain what exactly has occurred, tonight?¡±

    Eben clenches the armrests. ¡°My¡­ former companion came back to rob the town again, this time with reinforcements. Fern and I fought them off and prevented more carnage...Can I ask why she was taken away in restraints?¡±

    Sheppard leans forward on the desk, hands clenched. ¡°What awaits sister Fern is no concern of yours. Your concern is the gorgon. Why wasn¡¯t he here tonight?¡±

    Eben tenses, baring his teeth. ¡°Because he got shredded by chimeras! He was in no condition to fight!¡±

    Sheppard smirks. The look freezes Eben¡¯s heart with icy fear. ¡°I¡¯m quite surprised to hear such¡­ concern in your tone, my child. Have you really come to care for our serpent that much? Even after you attempted to run away from him?¡±

    Eben blanches, how did he know?

    ¡°No, I¡ª I didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡°

    Sheppard interrupts, voice lowering to an almost inhuman rumble. ¡°Make no mistake, half-breed, the magic that binds you to Adder also binds you to me. I will be able to tell if you tamper with it or attempt to escape.¡±

    The half-elf glares defiantly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t happen again. It wasn¡¯t exactly pleasant to endure.¡±

    Sheppard laughs cruelly, the look of amusement on his weathered face illuminated by the sickly glow of lightning streaking through stained glass.

    ¡°Is it the curse keeping you here, or your growing affection for the gorgon?¡±

    Eben can¡¯t help the flush that rises in his cheeks. ¡°So what if we get along? Shouldn¡¯t you be glad his servant likes him?¡±

    Sheppard leans back, wrinkled hands straightening the blood-red stole. ¡°It¡¯s not necessarily a bad thing. Only, it¡¯s a bit concerning considering what he did to the last person who got too attached.¡±

    Eben scowled. ¡°You mean Helia, right? Adder did nothing wrong, she asked him to do it!¡±

    Sheppard nods, face mimicking a sorrowful expression. ¡°Yes, did Adder explain why?¡±

    At the shake of Eben¡¯s head, the priest continues. ¡°Helia had been assigned as Adder¡¯s servant for her crime of practicing witchcraft. She was committed to redeeming herself to the church through her service.¡±

    The priest pauses just before a crack of thunder reverberates in the room, sending a chill down the half-elf¡¯s spine.

    ¡°However, she came to view Adder as more than just her duty. She began to see him as her son.¡±

    ¡°So what? What''s wrong with that?¡±

    Sheppard grimaced, seemingly showing true emotion for once. ¡°The issue is Adder isn¡¯t human. He wasn¡¯t her child, he is a monster. When she couldn¡¯t accept the fact I couldn¡¯t change that, she chose to end her life.¡±

    The priest¡¯s eyes burn into Eben¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t forget; you are not here to be Adder¡¯s new toy. You are here to make sure he keeps N?dre Tor safe. Do not make the same mistake Helia did, or there will be consequences. Do you understand?¡±

    Eben meets the priest¡¯s eyes, stubbornly refusing to respond.

    ¡°I said¡ª¡± The priest snaps his fingers, causing the snake around Eben¡¯s throat to constrict. ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    Eben chokes, hands scrabbling at his neck as he finally gives in. ¡°gkk¡ª yes!¡±

    The pressure releases. Eben coughs as he gasps for precious air.

    Sheppard grins smugly. ¡°Good.¡±

    The priest reaches over to the wall where Eben can see a set of servant bells on the wall. A few minutes after ringing, a set of nuns appear.

    ¡°Take this one to the infirmary. Inform Sister Daisy to report to me come morning.¡±

    The women nod demurely, picking up Eben by his armpits and roughly dragging him to his fate. Eben sighs, recognizing an eerie sense of deja vu. How many times can one man tolerate being manhandled by nuns?

    The nuns carry Eben through a winding corridor, lit only by the light of their lanterns. The pain in his side throbs with each jostle, and he bites his cheek to suppress a groan.

    As they enter the infirmary, Eben takes a glance around the room. He observes that he is in a large, sparsely furnished room. There are quite a few cots that line the infirmary as if they were prepared at any moment to house a crowd of injured townsfolk.

    A single oil lamp on a nearby table casts a dim glow around the room. Eben watches it as he turns over the night¡¯s occurrences in his mind. One of the women, a greying elder, begins to treat his wounds

    ¡°So is Fern really going to be punished? She was only protecting the town, she didn''t attack any of the villagers.¡±

    The nun gives a quick tug of Eben¡¯s wrappings, causing the half-elf to gasp in pain. ¡°It¡¯s not my place to say what will happen to Sister Fern, but she did break one of Father Sheppard¡¯s most important rules.¡±

    Eben¡¯s hand comes to rest over his injury, now wrapped securely under layers of gauze. He was definitely missing the vampire¡¯s impeccable bedside manners.

    ¡°What rule did she break?¡±

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    The other woman speaks up, eyes downcast. ¡°She intentionally resisted suppressing her vampiric nature, and exposed the villagers to her darkness.¡±

    Eben huffs in disbelief. ¡°Surely there should be an exception for saving lives or self-defense? Are you really afraid of her now?¡±

    The old woman¡¯s eyes shine a luminous green in the dim infirmary. ¡°It¡¯s not me who is afraid¡ª it¡¯s the villagers who will be. If they come to fear us, it will ruin all we have built here in N?dre Tor¡±

    Eben blinks, surprised. ¡°I know there are inhumans who live here, are they all members of the church?¡±

    The woman nods, face stern. ¡°Yes. The pantheon provides a place of safety and community for our kind. Fern jeopardized everything with what she did last night.¡±

    This new information made a lot of things slot into place. Eben had wondered how the Priest was able to cast such powerful spells as a human. But he¡¯d heard things about the power of ingredients sourced from monsters. Sheppard not only had access to the abundance of nature that surrounded the village, but also easy access to any of his devoted church members.

    The thought makes Eben¡¯s stomach roil, remembering the scales Sheppard had used to curse Eben. Did Adder give those willingly, or did Sheppard take them by force?

    Still, Eben had never seen a curse like the one around his neck. Just how was Sheppard able to so quickly cast his spells with such ease? Eben had not been exposed to many wizards, but most he¡¯d seen tended to need some prep to mix their potions or draw their runes.

    ¡°Get some rest.¡± The older woman commands. ¡°You will need it for your journey back tomorrow.¡±

    Eben lies back on his cot as the nun extinguishes the lantern and leaves with her younger companion, leaving him in the dark. His thoughts wander to Adder as he attempts to drift to sleep.

    Worry for his friend clouds his mind. The gorgon had seemed okay when Eben had left, but he was still severely injured. Would he be okay without the half-elf there?

    There was also the terrifying fact that Eben had apparently used magic on Adder unintentionally. What if there were side effects? Or what if the gorgon never woke up? Eben had no idea how magic worked or how to use it safely.

    Eben closes his eyes, hands rubbing over his face with anxiety. He wished he could just wake up back at the cave already.

    The night progresses slowly, with the half-elf being denied even a wink of sleep. All he can do is lie there listening to the storm outside, the howling wind and pounding rain seeming to mimic his internal turmoil.

    When the first weak rays of dawn stream through the stained glass windows, Eben sighs with relief. Soon he will be reunited with his friend.

    As if to confirm his belief, the echoing footsteps of shoes on stone tile announce that Daisy has come to retrieve him.

    The blonde woman is surprisingly silent as she helps Eben walk to the cart awaiting them outside. Eben collapses into the back, grateful to finally be free of the oppressive atmosphere.

    Daisy snaps the reins, spurring Fairy onward through the muddied streets. With a jolt, the cart begins to move forward, the humid air breezing through Eben¡¯s messy hair.

    As they travel through the town, Eben observes the glistening wet stone cottages and buildings that lined the paths. As they bump along the cobblestone paths, he warily notes the number of villagers who have come to watch them.

    ¡°What are they looking at?¡±

    Daisy glances behind her at the sound of Eben¡¯s voice. ¡°I suspect they¡¯re interested in you, Eben.¡±

    Eben glares at the crowd. ¡°They live in a town filled with creatures, they seriously can¡¯t handle a pair of pointed ears by now?¡±

    Daisy shakes her head. ¡°It''s not that. You saved lives last night. You and Fern both prevented more bloodshed... I think they¡¯re grateful.¡±

    Eben doesn¡¯t believe her, but as they approach the slightly charred cottage from the previous night''s chaos, he¡¯s caught off guard. The half-elf blinks in disbelief as a small family of three emerges from the rubble and waves at them, genuine smiles on their faces.

    Eben scoffs, slumping back into the cart. ¡°We save the day and what do we get? Shipped off back to work and toted off to a jail cell?¡±

    Daisy stiffens, the leather of the reigns seeming to creak under her grip. Eben expects to be called a heretic again, but the insults never come. Instead, Eben is surprised at the wetness gathered in the blonde''s eyes.

    ¡°She broke the rules, Eben. The others are mad¡­ You are getting off easy. Be glad you aren¡¯t one of us.¡±

    Eben is shocked at the pain in the woman¡¯s voice. The sudden show of vulnerability tugs at his heartstrings. ¡°Surely she won''t endure anything too bad, right?¡±

    A tear tracks down Daisy¡¯s cheek as she stares ahead. ¡°At best, she will be outcasted from the village¡­But it''s a very real possibility they will execute her.¡±

    Eben¡¯s heart drops like a stone. Sure, he didn¡¯t really consider the nuns his friends but they didn¡¯t really seem like bad people. They were just two women stuck in a terrible situation, unaware of the danger that lurked.

    And now, that danger had struck, taking sweet Fern¡­

    ¡°They won¡¯t execute her. You just said the townspeople are grateful, right?¡±

    Daisy shakes her head. ¡°It¡¯s not up to them. It¡¯s up to Father Sheppard.¡±

    Eben frowns. That didn¡¯t bode well for the young woman. His stomach churns at the thought of her facing Father Sheppard''s wrath¡­ He knew firsthand how much of a bastard the priest could be.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t deserve this,¡± Eben murmurs under his breath.

    Daisy just wipes the moisture from her eyes, refusing to comment.

    As they finally reach the gate to the home he and Adder share, his heart leaps in his chest with anticipation. The rugged bandit in him tells him Eben is being pathetic, worrying so much for someone else like that.

    But a newly formed part of him doesn¡¯t care. Adder has sunk his claws in deep, and Eben knew ripping him out would hurt more than it was worth.

    He expects Daisy to leave him at the gate, but he¡¯s surprised when she steps down and grabs his arm to steady him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine¡­ I¡¯ve already healed a lot. You can head back now.¡±

    Daisy¡¯s face tightens. ¡°I¡¯m coming with you. Father Sheppard has decided that I need to¡­ Keep an eye on you and Adder for a while.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡±

    Eben groans into his hand. That will certainly complicate things. But there''s no use in arguing, so Eben allows the nun to hold him up as he slowly limps to the cave.

    As they enter, Eben glances around, eyes searching frantically for a sign of the gorgon. He was dreading coming back to find his friend trapped in the spot they left him, but somehow it''s worse to come back and find the living area empty.

    ¡°Adder?¡± he calls out.

    His voice echoes off the walls, bouncing back to him with an eerie echo. Eben''s heart nervously flutters in his chest, wondering if the gorgon had wandered out into the storm and gotten hurt.

    ¡°Shh!¡± Daisy chides. ¡°Don¡¯t summon him here for God¡¯s sake! I¡¯ll help you to your room and the¡ª¡±

    The nun is interrupted by the gorgon erupting from under the pile of blankets. She gives a squeak of fear as Adder charges at Eben, pulling the half-elf into a constricting hug that irritates his wounds.

    Eben smiles through the pain, returning the embrace. ¡°Ow, Adder. I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re doing well.¡±

    Adder gives a rumbling growl the half-elf can feel in his entire body. ¡°You ignorant fool! I thought you died! I told you to let me handle it!¡±

    Eben is not intimidated at all. It''s hard to be when the gorgon is holding him so gingerly now. ¡°You can just say you were worried, Adder. The growling and insults are unnecessary theatrics.¡±

    There''s a shuffling beside the pair that reminds Eben that they have an audience. He tilts his head to look at Daisy, who looks completely flabbergasted at the affectionate scene before her.

    Eben flushes, gently pushing his friend away. ¡°Um, Adder, Daisy is going to stay here for a while.¡±

    Adder turns to Daisy, who flinches and shuts her eyes immediately. ¡°Ye¡ª Yes. Father Sheppard decided that with both of you injured, you might need extra help¡­¡±

    Eben rolls her eyes at the disproportionate amount of fear. ¡°Would you quit it? I have yet to be petrified, woman..¡±

    Daisy doesn¡¯t take well to Eben¡¯s tone, face contorting into a snarl. But the nun still jumps at the sound of Adder¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Eben, don¡¯t be rude¡­¡± Adder moves back to his blankets, picking up a strip of cloth.

    He ties it around his eyes before turning back to Daisy. ¡°You can look, I have my blindfold on.¡±

    Cautiously, Daisy peeks through cracked eyes. When she sees the gorgon is telling the truth, Daisy fully opens her eyes. ¡°Oh, uh, thank you¡­Adder.¡±

    Adder smiles awkwardly, laying back down on the blankets. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here to help, Daisy. Eben was doing so much by himself¡­¡±

    Daisy glances between Eben and Adder, still looking bewildered. ¡°Uh, glad to be here?¡±

 Once Bitten

    The weather takes a turn for the worse as the temperature continues to drop and more storms roll in. This morning, Eben awakens to the sound of thunder crashing outside and the drumming of rain on the roof of the cave.

    It¡¯s been a few days since Eben¡¯s daring night-time escapade. As grateful as Adder seemed that Eben had survived, he¡¯d been giving the half-elf the cold shoulder lately.

    Eben couldn''t blame him, honestly. Despite the fact he held true to his opinion Adder was being pig-headed about defending the town, Eben still feels guilty for using magic on him.

    As he heads into the living room, he debates how he could make it up to Adder. He wants to apologize, but would Adder even believe Eben that it was out of his control? Eben doesn¡¯t want Adder to think Eben is like Sheppard¡­the last thing he wanted was to hurt the gorgon with this unwieldy power.

    As Eben enters the living area, he spots Daisy chopping something in the kitchen.

    ¡°Good morning, Daisy.¡±

    The blonde jumps at the sound of Eben''s voice, scowling at him. She brings a finger to her lips, pointing at the sleeping gorgon.

    Eben ignores her warning, crouching before his slumbering friend and flicking the bells on his horns. ¡°Adder, wake up. We need to check your wounds.¡±

    Adder groans, swatting Eben¡¯s hands away as he curls under the covers more. Daisy frowns, hands coming to her hips.

    ¡°Before you worry about him, you should be worrying about your own injuries.¡±

    Eben ignores the blonde, stealing the covers off Adder with a flourish. ¡°As I said, I heal fast. If you just give me a little while to avoid heavy labor, I¡¯ll be right as rain. Until then, I can handle grumpy scales over here.¡±

    Adder hisses in protest as Eben lightly pats the gorgon¡¯s face. ¡°C''mon Adder, at least roll over so I can take a look.¡±

    Adder rolls onto his back, yawning as Eben gently removes the bandages. He¡¯s relieved at the improved condition of the gorgon¡¯s wounds. Several have closed, leaving just faint pink lines, while the gash across his chest had shrunk considerably.

    Sterilizing his hands, Eben opens the jar of salve and spreads it gently over the remaining raw areas. The gorgon groans softly at the burn but seems to sigh in relief as Eben rewraps his wounds.

    With a sigh of his own, Eben moves on to check his own injuries.

    The bruises spotting his body were fading to a mottled yellow and the shallow cuts had started to scab over. However, the slice taken out of his side was a different story. It would probably take the rest of the month to heal.

    Pulling off his tunic gingerly, the half-elf unwrapped the bandages and presses the herbal concoction into his wounds. Like Adder, Eben can''t suppress a small groan at the sting the medicinal salve causes.

    Adder sits up, seemingly awoken fully by the sound of Eben¡¯s pain. ¡°Do you need assistance¡­?¡±

    Eben brushes off his friend¡¯s concern, already rewrapping his wounds. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Adder. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Adder opens his mouth to argue, but Daisy interrupts as she places a tray on the table. Eben¡¯s mouth waters at the scent of cinnamon and apple emanating from the bowls.

    ¡°What''s this?¡± Adder asks

    Daisy crosses her arms nervously. ¡°It''s cinnamon-apple oatmeal with goat milk and honey, as well as some ginger root tea¡­ I just used what was on hand¡­¡±

    Adder smiles pleasantly at the woman, immediately tucking into the meal. ¡°Thank you, Daisy. That sounds wonderful. You can join us if you like.¡±

    Daisy seems hesitant to eat at the table, previously taking all her meals in private, but at the gorgon¡¯s request, she sits down on the rug beside Eben.

    The half-elf begins to dig in, ready to taste what the nun had whipped up. He sighs contentedly as he takes a bite of the simple meal. The taste of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the creamy honey-sweetened oatmeal, and Eben almost feels the healing power of the ginger root as he washes the meal down.

    As they eat, Eben starts up the conversation. ¡°Adder, Since it¡¯s raining so hard today, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on doing a deep clean indoors today.¡±

    Adder seems to tense at Eben directing a question at him, frowning. The reaction makes Eben a little frustrated, but he tries to be understanding.

    ¡°That sounds fine to me.¡±

    "Ah and... I wanted to clean Helia''s room.¡±

    When Adder stiffens further, Eben hastily starts to explain. ¡°If you''re okay with it, that is. I want to fix the mess I made."

    Adder seems uncomfortable with the idea but gives in. ¡°If you¡¯re careful, I guess it¡¯s okay¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll clean up here and in the bedrooms,¡± Daisy adds.

    Permission secured, Eben finishes his breakfast, heading off to start the day.

    Carefully watching his step in the dark room, Eben lights each lantern lining the stone walls. Now in the soft glow of the amber light, he can study the area carefully.

    The half-elf surveys the mess, taking note of the piles of books, broken statues, and strewn papers littering the floor. His heart twinges with guilt, remembering it was all his fault that Helia¡¯s precious possessions now lay scattered in disarray.

    In the far corner of the room, he can see what had frightened him so badly that fateful day; the petrified statue of Helia. Eben approaches warily, almost expecting the figure to rise and chastise him.

    The elder doesn¡¯t appear in a state of horror or fear, as Eben had expected of a petrified person. Instead the woman looks peaceful, albeit a bit eerie, looking up from her position in the oakwood chair. She¡¯s smiling, with one hand extended as if taking someone¡¯s hand.

    Eben turns his attention to the table she¡¯s sitting at, noticing several items placed on the surface. There appears to be a thick tome opened to a page, a small carved statue of a young harpy, and an empty china teacup. He wonders if these items were placed here by Adder, or if they were there from the moment of petrification. The pristine dust-free condition of the items, alongside the suspiciously new-looking headscarf on the statue, seems to indicate the former.

    Turning away from the remains of Helia, Eben tries to clear his mind. He needs to get started on this mess.

    Cracking his knuckles, he begins sorting all the askew items, starting by carefully collecting all the shards of the broken statues. Once they are all placed on the table, he moves on to the books.

    He slots them into place on the bookshelves, hoping they are in the right order. It¡¯s a little meditative, actually, to put things back where they belong. It feels right, to see all the books lined up in their little families of knowledge. Helia must have been a smart woman to have this many.

    Once everything has been put in its place, Eben moves on to dusting and sweeping the room. However, his meticulous attention to wiping down the shelves is interrupted as he jumps at the sound of bells.

    He looks up, spotting Adder at the entrance. ¡°Hey Adder, I was just finishing up. Want to take a look?¡±

    At the gorgon¡¯s nod, Eben shuts his eyes obediently. ¡°They¡¯re closed, you can look now.¡±

    The sound of slithering draws near as Adder inspects the room. A few moments pass before the gorgon speaks again.

    ¡°Alright, I''m putting the blindfold back on.¡±

    Eben opens his eyes. ¡°So how does it look?¡±

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    Adder gives a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s much better Eben, thank you. But um, the books are out of order¡­¡±

    Eben feels his face heat. How did he forget about that? ¡°I¡¯m sorry Adder¡­I uh, I can¡¯t read.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Um, it¡¯s alright. I will organize it later. Are you feeling okay?¡±

    Eben nods, hand subconsciously cradling his side. ¡°Im fine. Is Daisy finished? I can go help her.¡±

    ¡°Actually, Eben¡­ Can we talk?¡±

    Eben¡¯s heart thuds. That sentence is never a good sign¡­ Is Adder going to finally confront Eben for using magic on him?

    ¡°Of course, Adder. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    The silence is stifling as he waits for the gorgon to continue. When he finally does, what Eben hears is not at all what he was expecting.

    ¡°Eben, I''m sorry.¡± Adder says, voice hardly above a whisper.

    Eben¡¯s surprise is evident on his face, he¡¯s sure.

    ¡°Sorry for what, Adder?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault¡­Everything.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Adder¡¯s face pinches. ¡°Your injuries¡ª your curse¡­ it¡¯s because of me.¡±

    Eben takes Adder¡¯s hand in his own, squeezing gently. ¡°No, Adder. I already told you, I make my choices knowing what may come. These are just the consequences of my actions, it has nothing to do with you.¡±

    Adder shakes his head. ¡°No, it''s not!

    ¡°Adder¡ª¡±

    ¡°I try to let intruders get away if they give up, but that day I thought you were going to hurt that little girl¡­¡± Adder¡¯s voice breaks, the hand on Eben¡¯s tightening. ¡°You could¡¯ve been free, but I misjudged the situation. Now he¡¯s punishing me by sending you here¡­¡±

    Eben''s confusion deepens, "What are you talking about? Who¡¯s punishing you?¡±

    ¡°Father Sheppard¡­ I had begged him to never send anyone again after Helia¡­ He¡¯s punishing me for killing her¡­¡±

    Eben grits his teeth. Of course, it always returned to that vile priest! He pulls the gorgon forward, embracing Adder in his arms.

    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you, Adder¡­¡±

    The gorgon sinks into the hug, head falling into the crook of Eben¡¯s neck.

    ¡°You should,¡± Adder says, voice muffled. ¡°I couldn¡¯t even protect the village, I passed out and you paid the price¡­¡±

    Eben stiffens, pulling away. The weight of the truth hangs heavily on the half-elf, but he knows he needs to tell the truth. Adder has been kept in the dark his whole life¡ª Eben refuses to perpetuate the twisted cycle of lies that torments his friend.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t faint Adder¡­It was me. I used magic.¡± He confesses.

    Adder gives a shocked intake of breath. ¡°You put me to sleep?¡±

    ¡°Not intentionally!¡± Eben adds quickly. ¡°I¡¯ve never been able to cast magic before¡­ Please believe me Adder, it was an accident. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    For a fearful moment, the half-elf braces himself for a negative reaction, but his anxieties are quickly dispelled as his friend pulls him once more into a tight embrace.

    ¡°You can¡¯t do that ever again Eben. Magic is only allowed by sanctioned members of the church.¡±

    Eben lays his head on Adder¡¯s chest, enjoying the thrumming beat of the gorgon¡¯s heart.

    ¡°I know, but I can¡¯t promise it won''t happen again. I know nothing about elves, Adder, so I don''t understand how this power works¡­¡±

    Adder pets Eben¡¯s head comfortingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Adder promises. ¡°Helia studied magic extensively, perhaps she has a book about elves somewhere.¡±

    Eben tightens his embrace around his friend. His heart was light from Adder¡¯s words, It felt so freeing to finally have someone genuinely care about him again.

    ¡°Ahem!¡± A female voice rings out.

    Both Eben and Adder startle from the embrace, turning to the sound.

    ¡°Daisy!¡± Adder exclaims. ¡°You startled me¡­¡±

    Daisy looks anxious, ice-blue eyes darting between Adder and Eben. ¡°I need Eben to help me in the kitchen¡­¡±

    Adder nods. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be in here.¡±

    Eben follows Daisy out of the study. As they step out into the living area, the nun turns to Eben, face pensive.

    ¡°Are you alright? Did he hurt you?¡± She asks, tone disturbed.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he replies, slightly taken aback. ¡°Why?¡±

    Daisy hesitates for a moment before answering, frowning in confusion. ¡°He was holding onto you, I thought¡ª¡±

    The half-elf¡¯s eyes narrow as he interrupts. ¡°You thought what?¡±

    ¡°That he was forcing himself on you¡­¡± She finishes.

    Eben balls his fists. Was the brainwashing so intense in these people that Adder couldn¡¯t even receive a simple embrace without fearing vilification?

    ¡°It was just a hug, one I initiated.¡±

    Daisy stares blankly. Frustrated, Eben stalks off towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± The blonde asks.

    ¡°You said you needed help in the kitchen,¡± he replies tersely. ¡° I¡¯m helping you in the kitchen.¡±

    Eben takes a glance at what the woman has set out. Over the fire, a large pot of meaty stew seems to be bubbling and swirling. Taking a sniff, Eben smells the fragrant scent of sage, thyme, and rosemary.

    ¡°What are we making?¡± Eben asks.

    ¡°Ah¡­ just some cornbread and mashed potatoes to go with the stew.¡± Daisy replies, still looking confused.

    The half-elf ignores her astonishment, favoring to start on his task. ¡°Well I have no idea how to bake, so I¡¯ll do the potatoes.¡±

    Daisy nods silently, still processing their interaction.

    Silence fills the room, only broken by the light drum of rain and the bubble of the cauldron.

    Eben tries to direct his negative feelings into peeling the spuds efficiently, but can''t keep quiet long.

    Eben slices a potato in half, chucking it a little too hard into the bowl. ¡°Why do you care what Adder does to me anyway? I doubt Father Shepherd cares if he roughs me up. ¡±

    Daisy glances at Eben from across the table, cracking an egg into a bowl. ¡°Because Fern likes you¡­Gods know why.¡±

    The nun pauses, eyes darting away from Eben¡¯s as she measures a bowl of cornmeal. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not so cruel that I would ignore something terrible happening to you¡­Why were you hugging him? ¡±

    Eben huffs, pouring water into a pot and placing it on the wood stove. ¡°You don¡¯t hug Fern?¡±

    Daisy flushes, hands fumbling with her wooden spoon. ¡°Why is that relevant?¡±

    Eben¡¯s eyes narrow. That was an interesting reaction. He smirks. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you two are doing a little more than hugging¡­¡±

    ¡°Pardon me! I don¡¯t like what you¡¯re implying!¡± Daisy yells, throwing an eggshell at Eben. It hits him directly in the face, falling into the bubbling pot.

    Unfazed, Eben picks it out delicately, replacing it with the peeled potatoes. ¡°How daring, a forbidden romance between a vampyre and a werewolf.¡±

    Daisy flushes, spoon stirring her cornbread mixture aggressively. ¡°More daring than romancing a gorgon?¡±

    Eben smirks salaciously. ¡°Romancing is probably too flowery a word for what I¡¯ve been up to.¡±

    Daisy gawks, horrified. ¡°Oh my gods, he¡¯s going to kill you!¡±

    Eben hums. ¡°I always hoped I¡¯d go out from vigorous love-making.¡±

    Daisy sets the bowl down with a clatter. ¡°Gods above, have some shame.¡± Daisy groans dramatically.

    Eben laughs at the outburst. ¡°Don¡¯t know the meaning of that word.¡±

    Daisy glares, face turning serious. ¡°Eben, you are playing with fire. Don¡¯t risk your life like this, he¡¯s dangerous!¡±

    Eben returns his own icy stare. ¡°No, he¡¯s really not. He¡¯s just a monster, the same way both you and I are monsters. He deserves to be treated fairly, not sequestered away and locked up.¡±

    ¡°Father Sheppard says¡ª¡°

    Eben sets his utensil down with a clatter, interrupting the woman. ¡°Father Sheppard? You mean the bastard who¡¯s playing with your lover¡¯s life?¡±

    ¡°No¡ª that¡¯s not¡ª¡° Daisy stammers.

    ¡°That cretin does not have her best interests in mind.¡± Eben snarls. ¡°He will kill her if it suits his agenda. You are afraid of the wrong man.¡±

    Daisy averts her eyes, tucking tail and abandoning the conversation. The duo works in silence as they finish preparing the meal, the quiet only punctuated by the shuffling of pans and distant thunder.

    It¡¯s only after everything is finished is the quiet broken by Adder. The gorgon smiles as he enters the room, sniffing the air. ¡°It smells wonderful in here. What did you make?¡±

    Eben grins, attempting to ignore the heavy atmosphere for Adder¡¯s sake. He drizzles a hearty amount of thick soup onto the creamy mashed potatoes, enjoying the way steam rises from the wholesome meal. ¡°Cornbread, Goat stew, and mashed potatoes. Go ahead and sit down, I''ll bring you a bowl.¡±

    Adder sits at the table as requested, the tip of his tail thrashing slightly in anticipation. ¡°That sounds heavenly! Thank you for your hard work, both of you.¡±

    Eben places the two bowls down on the table, sitting beside his friend as he begins eating. The savory meal is deliciously comforting, but the half-elf finds the meal hard to enjoy as Daisy¡¯s blue eyes seem to study them both carefully.

    Will the nun come to realize Eben is telling the truth? Or is she just another lost cause?

 Brumation

    Though autumn has yet to officially end, winter''s icy grip is creeping ever closer. Frigid gusts of wind pass over the forest, sending animals scurrying to line their dens.

    Both Adder and Eben heal as the month progresses, helped in part by Daisy''s assistance. However, despite the gorgon''s improved condition, he seems to slow down more and more.

    Today, as the first fat snowflakes drift down from the sky, the gorgon is extremely subdued. Eben studies his friend, concerned at the pallid hue of his skin and the dull sheen of his scales.

    "Are you okay, Adder?" Eben asks, worry lacing his voice.

    Adder yawns, lifting his head off the table. "I''m fine. It''s normal for me to be sluggish as long as it''s cold out."

    The half-elf frowns at the comment. Adder is still expected to protect the village during the winter, will he be safe if his reflexes are so slowed?

    Daisy bites into her apple, finishing her breakfast. "So you''ll be asleep all winter, right?"

    Adder shakes his head. "No, I will awaken periodically to eat and drink. But for the cold months, I will be asleep for most of it. Unless I''m awoken, that is."

    "I''m gonna miss you, buddy. How often will you wake up naturally?" Eben asks.

    Adder smiles, the tip of his tail swishing slightly. "About every two weeks I will awaken for a day. I''m glad you''ll be here... it''s a little frightening to enter brumation alone."

    Eben scoots closer to his friend, giving a tight side hug. "Don''t worry, I''ll keep watch over you."

    The nun seems to closely study the interaction, as always. "Do you have the necessary supplies for winter yet?"

    "We might need more firewood since winter seems to be coming early this year. Also, It might be a good idea to make sure the chicken coop is well insulated," Adder replies.

    Eben turns to the nun. "I''ll check the coop. Daisy, are you good with the firewood? It''s a lot of work..."

    Daisy rolls her eyes. "I can handle it. I''m a little stronger than your average maiden."

    Eben smirks, stretching as he stands. "I could get used to you doing all the hard labor. It''s too bad you''re going back to the nunnery tomorrow."

    The blonde huffs as she stands, crossing her arms. "And here I thought you just enjoyed my wonderful company."

    "I''ve enjoyed your stay here, Daisy," Adder adds, missing the sarcasm. "I wish you could visit...Oh! That reminds me. I have something for you both."

    Adder slithers away into his room, returning with something in his hands. The gorgon gives an item each to both Daisy and Eben.

    The half-elf turns the burlap-wrapped object in his hands, curious. He unties the twine and opens the gift, revealing the contents inside; it''s a forest-green, hand-knitted scarf. He marvels at the intricate pattern on the item, holding it out to look at it fully.

    Woven carefully into the fabric is what appears to be a snake slithering through ornate orange roses.

    The half-elf grins in delight, putting the scarf on immediately. "Adder, this is amazing!"

    Daisy looks at her present with wide eyes as she pulls out a pair of finely crafted kidskin gloves. "What''s the occasion?"

    Adder smiles. "A going-away gift, I suppose. Oh, also, they''re presents for Mortfall since I will be asleep during the festival."

    Daisy slips the gloves on, admiring their high quality. "Thank you, Adder..."

    Adder grins, wringing his hands. "Of course. Don''t work too hard today. I''ve been wanting to break into our apple cider, so if you need to take a breather, feel free to come inside and have some with me."

    Daisy eyes the man suspiciously. "Okay...I''ll keep that in mind."

    Eben rolls his eyes at the nun''s consistent hesitation. Is it not clear by now that Adder is harmless?

    The half-elf turns to the gorgon as he starts to head for the entrance. "I''ll be taking you up on that offer, Adder. I haven''t had cider in ages."

    Adder just grins at Eben and Daisy, cheerful despite his lethargy. "I''ll be waiting!"

    Daisy is silent as the two of them exit the cave. Eben wonders what the werewolf is thinking.

    "Do you believe me yet that Adder isn''t to be feared? He''s a gentle giant! You have to see that Father Sheppard lied to you by now."

    Daisy grits her teeth, looking away. "It doesn''t matter how he acts now. He killed scores of people and his last servant. Father Sheppard keeps him isolated because of that."

    Rage is bubbling beneath the surface in Eben, but he tries to suppress it. If he could get the woman on his side, she could be a powerful asset.

    "Does Father Sheppard keep him isolated because he''s a threat? Or does he just fear anything he can''t control? After all, there''s a reason why he''s locking up Fern."

    Daisy turns to Eben with a snarl. "Keep her name out of your mouth!"

    Eben meets her feral gaze evenly. "Or what?"

    The nun growls at Eben bestially. "Or I''ll teach you why he deems it necessary to suppress our true natures."

    The half-elf pauses on the trail, turning to face the woman. "You''re angry at the wrong person, Daisy. We can help each other."

    Daisy narrows her eyes, untrusting. "What do you mean?"

    "We both have people we want to protect. I''m suggesting you help me protect Adder, and in return, I''ll help you with Fern," Eben explains.

    The nun''s eyes widen. "You''re suggesting I betray Father Sheppard?"

    Eben shakes his head. "No, I''m not. All I''m suggesting is that you help Adder this winter and in return, I will provide you with some insurance if Fern''s sentencing is as severe as we fear."

    "That sounds like a betrayal to me," Daisy growls.

    The half-elf stands his ground. "Is it a betrayal to save Fern from execution?"

    Daisy flinches at the word execution, eyes drifting down.

    Eben takes a step forward, forcing the woman to look him in the face.

    "Unlike Father Sheppard, I don''t have the power to force you to do anything you disagree with, Daisy." He pauses, looking for the right words. "I just want to do something good for once in my life. Please think about it."

    A flash of vulnerability flashes on the nun''s face before she slips on a hardened mask, turning away from Eben. "Go do your tasks. We need to get this done today."

    The half-elf sighs as he watches her storm down the path. At least he tried.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Trying to put his anxieties out of his mind, Eben makes his way to the chicken coop. As always, the girls are happy to see him, clucking cheerfully.

    The roosters are a different matter though, eyeing him warily as they plan their attack. Eben rolls his eyes at the dumb birds. He''d roast them if Adder didn''t need them.

    After gathering the eggs and spreading some grain for the plucky hens, Eben gets to work on the coop.

    He carefully observes the structure, looking for gaps, holes, or other issues. After finding what he''s looking for, he gets to work hammering in planks of wood over the openings and cracks.

    Repairs done, the half-elf starts adding insulation. He gathers straw, hay, and some worn blankets, stuffing them into any crevices and gaps he can find. The birds watch him quizzically, clucking as Eben carefully ensures the coop is warm and cozy for winter.

    As he works, the chill in the air and gentle snowfall make him reflect on his time with Adder. It seemed like only yesterday that the sun had blazed down on him as he planned his betrayal. Now Eben was here trying to imagine ways to save the gorgon.

    Could he really be blamed though? Eben smiles, hand brushing over the intricate scarf. Adder had more than proved himself worthy of saving. It was no wonder Helia had come to love the man as her son.

    Abruptly, Eben''s train of thought shifted to the petrified woman. She was still an enigma to him, one he wanted to understand.

    It just didn''t make sense, why would Helia choose such a gruesome way to die? Why would she purposely scar Adder in the process?

    Sheppard claimed she had chosen to die because she couldn''t accept Adder''s true nature, but obviously, that viper would say anything if it meant manipulating Eben. He knew there had to be more to the story¡ªwould the gorgon be willing to discuss her death?

    He sighs, adding the last of the insulation to the coop and dusting off his hands. The half-elf would keep his questions to himself for now. His friend seemed stressed by his impending brumation already, Eben didn''t want to add to it by digging up old wounds.

    Standing, he looks one more time over the flock and the coop. Finding everything in order, he heads back to the cave, spirits rising as he anticipates meeting Adder once more.

    As he enters, he''s hit with the tantalizing aroma of spices. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger blend into an intoxicating symphony, wafting through the air.

    He glances toward the kitchen, spotting Adder stirring a pot on the stove. "Adder, I''m back. That smells amazing!"

    Adder grins, pouring a ladle of the golden liquid into a clay mug. "Welcome back! Did the roosters give you any trouble?"

    Eben accepts the mug from Adder''s claws, mouth watering as he inhales the comforting scent. As he sits at the table, he spots a bowl filled with freshly baked bread and a plate of butter.

    Helping himself to a small loaf of crusty bread, he tears off a soft chunk and dips it generously in the butter. He takes a big bite, washing it down with the spiced cider.

    "They know better than to mess with me by now. Or maybe they''re worried I''ll set you on them."

    Adder laughs, curling beside Eben with his drink. "I don''t think they''re afraid of me at all. Even after I petrified Scratchy they still attack me!"

    Eben coughs, cider going up his nose. "You named the rooster you petrified?"

    The gorgon rubs his back soothingly as the half-elf tries to not hack up the meal. "I thought naming them would make them seem less scary... and it was in self-defense, I swear!"

    The half-elf sniffs, taking another sip. "I believe you, Adder. I would probably be using your power much less wisely if I had it. All those rude birds would be decorating my garden."

    He grins maliciously, leaving out the detail that he''d probably be decorating the compost pile with a lovely statue of Sheppard, as well.

    Adder chortles. "Oh, that reminds me, I found a book with a section about elves!"

    His friend pauses, hand nervously coming to rub the back of his neck. "Would you like to sit with me in my room while I read it to you?"

    The half-elf smirks at Adder''s shyness. He wonders if the gorgon is subtly trying to proposition him, or if he really is just innocently inviting Eben to his room. Either way, it sounded like a lovely way to spend the evening.

    "That sounds great Adder, let''s go."

    Emptying their mugs, they head to Adder''s room. It''s a little colder here than in the living room, but as Eben cuddles up to the gorgon''s warm coils, it''s perfectly cozy.

    He lets out a contented sigh as he closes his eyes. "You can start now Adder, they''re closed."

    Adder begins speaking, the deep timber of his voice echoing pleasantly through Eben. "This book is called The Many Beasts of Aaradivirsi, by Zarek Bestiarius."

    There''s a sound of shuffling paper as Adder turns to the page he''s looking for.

    "Elves are an elusive race that is little understood and rarely studied. They are known to many as powerful creatures, famous for their inhumanly beautiful appearance and mastery of magic."

    Eben listens intently, thinking about his father. He wonders how he convinced an elven woman into his bed. He chuckles internally, imagining the humble farmer attempting to woo some amazingly beautiful red-headed elf.

    Adder continues. "Their power is mysterious, but many believe Giakora''s love for her creations is what fuels their magic. Their connection to the Goddess of springtime and nature is thought to be why the elves hate humanity so, defending their forested kingdoms with deadly force."

    Eben hums thoughtfully. "So you suppose it was Giakora acting through me? It didn''t really feel like...divine intervention."

    "I''m not sure, magic is something I know little about... but ah-hah! There''s a section on half-elves too!"

    Adder flips to the section excitedly. "It says here... despite their hatred for humanity, it has been revealed that the elves sometimes intermingle with humans, producing half human half elf offspring. These creatures are known to mostly take on the traits of humanity, but..."

    Adder trails off, voice halting.

    "What? What is it?" Eben asks.

    "Um, it''s just¡ª it''s not very pleasant..."

    Eben tenses. "I need to know. Please tell me."

    Adder continues, voice serious now. "...But they''re also known to occasionally wield incredible powers beyond the comprehension of humanity and elves alike. Because of their unpredictable and unknown nature, they are exceedingly rare; being persecuted heavily. It is reported that most do not make it past infancy, killed by their fathers or mothers..."

    The room is silent, heavy with new knowledge.

    Eben''s heart thunders. He knew that he would never fit into the world of the elves or the humans, but somehow hearing it from an official source made it all the more painful.

    He gives a pained laugh. "I guess they made a mistake, leaving me alive. I knew I never should''ve been born..."

    Adder seems to tense under him. "Eben! Don''t say such things!"

    The half-elf jolts as Adder sets the book down, pulling him into a warm embrace. "I''m so glad you''re here, Eben. Please tell me you don''t truly believe that."

    Eben returns the embrace, trying to fight off the swell of emotions rising in him. "It''s true though. I''ll never be able to live among humans or elves, so why was I born? There''s nowhere for a creature like me."

    Adder''s arms squeeze harder around him, as if afraid Eben will escape. "You can stay here! You can be happy, I promise..."

    The half-elf''s breath hitches, cursing as he feels a tear escape.

    He knows he can''t stay, but hearing Adder ask makes him realize he wants to.

    If he left N?dre Tor, what would he do? Return to a life of crime? Even if he was somehow able to free Adder, there was no way he could continue that life, especially with the soft-hearted gorgon in tow.

    But he knows instinctively that Sheppard wouldn''t allow them to live a peaceful life. The vile man would never release Adder from his indebtment to the village, and Eben doubted the gorgon could be convinced to act against the man.

    He buries his face in Adder''s chest, trying to stop the tears tracking down his face. The gorgon repositions them again, serpentine tail comfortingly cradling the half-elf as they lay together on the soft furs and blankets.

    Gently, Adder wipes away Eben''s tears. "Eben... I''m sorry. Please don''t cry..."

    The tender attention makes something strange stir in the half-elf. It''s foreign and frightening, a mix of sorrow, yearning, and affection all seeming to swirl and intermix. In its grasp, he feels his composure vanish, leaving him vulnerable and foolish.

    "Please kiss me," he sobs.

    There''s a sharp intake of breath before Adder fulfills the request.

    He presses his lips against Eben''s softly, clawed hands gently holding his face. The half-elf can''t help but release more tears at the soft meeting of their mouths. It''s not fierce, rushed, or demanding. It''s tentative, kind, and loving.

    It''s like nothing he''s ever felt before.

    Adder holds Eben close as the half-elf rides out the overwhelming tide of emotions. He quietly lets himself fall apart, soothed by soft touches and whispered words.

    When finally the tears have dried, the gorgon slips into sleep; winter''s chill finally taking hold.

    Eben glances at Adder''s sleeping face in the dark, feeling almost jittery and nervous as he studies his friend. Impulsively, he reaches out to hold the gorgon''s face, thumb sweeping across soft lips. The gorgon smiles at the gentle touch, nuzzling into it.

    The action ignites yet another terrifying swirl of emotion in the half-elf. He pulls his hand away, holding it protectively against his body as his cheeks flush.

    He closes his eyes, listening closely to the soft exhalations of Adder. His heart thuds as he realizes it''s a sound he knows he will long for every night now.

 Cold Hands, Warm Heart

    The next morning, Adder doesn¡¯t wake up. He¡¯s still and cold, life only betrayed by a subdued rise and fall of his chest.

    It¡¯s incredibly nerve-wracking to see the gorgon like that, but some part of Eben is grateful his friend isn¡¯t here to see his meltdown.

    In the privacy of his mind, Eben could admit that he¡¯d always daydreamed about finding love during those lonely nights on the road, but the truth was that he had never experienced it before now.

    Being a bandit, true romance was never likely to bloom. If he got lucky, he¡¯d gotten a one-night stand before the object of his affections left. If he was unlucky, well, then he¡¯d wake in the night to that special someone trying to sneak off with his loot.

    Even so, Eben had often pictured sweeping a beautiful woman off her feet, or meeting a roguish man who would steal his heart. But falling for someone like Adder, especially in such dire circumstances, was unexpected and unsettling.

    ¡°Would you relax? It¡¯s going to be fine.¡±

    Eben jumps at the sound of the feminine voice. Looking up from where he¡¯d been death-gripping his mug of hot tea, he sees Daisy finishing up a few oranges.

    ¡°I am relaxed,¡± he assures, returning his gaze to the cup.

    Daisy huffs, unimpressed with the weak lie. ¡°Are you stressed out because your nanny is leaving today, or do you really miss your serpent so much already?¡±

    Eben glares at the nun. He chugs the last of the tea and slams the cup down, standing to turn toward the exit.

    ¡°You¡¯re so eager to be back with your horrid priest? Fine, let''s go now,¡± he snaps, causing Daisy to startle and scurry behind him as they exit the cave.

    She raises an eyebrow, tilting her head as he hooks Fairy up to the cart. ¡°You really do have a bee in your bonnet today, huh?¡±

    The half-elf ignores her, mounting his horse and ushering the equine forward. The nun hops into the cart with a startled grunt, caught off guard by Eben¡¯s eagerness to leave.

    Desperate to put his mind anywhere else but here, he focuses on the sights and sounds of the oncoming winter.

    The recent snowfall has left a fine powder of white on everything, transforming the woods into a fresh pearly canvas. He relishes the serenity the forest brings, the quiet only interrupted by the rhythmic sound of Fairy¡¯s hooves crunching on the icy layer of snow.

    Up ahead on the path, he spots two jackalopes bounding over the frosted earth. Both are missing an antler, seemingly already shedding their weapons to prepare for the cold. He watches them, amused as the feisty critters try and attack each other¡ª white fluff flying into the air as they fiercely duel.

    The fluffy winter coats on the animals make him shiver and tighten his scarf, wishing he had a coat of his own. The action reminds him of who gave him the item, sending Eben into another spiral of confusing emotions.

    Luckily, it¡¯s then Daisy chooses to break the silence.

    ¡°When you said that you could¡­ Help with Fern, what did you mean?¡±

    Eben glances behind him, meeting Daisy¡¯s eyes. ¡°I mean to say if she¡¯s condemned to death, I''ll do everything in my power to prevent that. Provided that you assist me if any more threats come to  N?dre Tor. He shouldn¡¯t be fighting in his condition.¡±

    The blonde frowns, fisting the dark fabric of her habit. ¡°What power do you even have that stands any chance against Father Sheppard?¡±

    The half-elf chews his lip, wondering how much to reveal to the woman. She still seemed loyal to the unethical man, and Eben didn¡¯t want to provoke his ire any more than he already has.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the power he does, but I¡¯ve been a criminal long enough to know how to break someone out of confinement. Besides, you know this is the right thing to do, right?¡±

    Daisy crosses her arms, looking uncomfortable. ¡°How is helping a criminal the right thing to do?¡±

    ¡°Because you wouldn¡¯t be helping a criminal, you¡¯d be helping the man who¡¯s faithfully guarded you your whole life,¡± Eben barks.

    The blonde gazes out into the frosted forest, eyes seeming to scan the white-dusted flora with a far-away look. ¡°I haven¡¯t lived here my whole life¡­¡±

    She pauses, hands unclenching as she tries to smooth out the wrinkles on her lap. ¡°I was abandoned by my pack as a teen¡­N?dre Tor was the only place that would have me. It became my new home¡­ You don¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like to have everything you love torn away.¡±

    Eben clenches the reins tighter, thinking of his father. ¡°Regardless of what Father Sheppard has given you, is it worth forcing Adder through this to maintain it?¡±

    When Daisy neglects to respond, the half-elf sighs and focuses on the tree line.

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ Fern saved my life. Father Sheppard would probably tell you she lost control that night, but you didn¡¯t see her eyes¡­ She knew what she was doing to protect her home. If you love N?dre Tor, why aren¡¯t you helping protect it?¡±

    The nun doesn¡¯t reply, but by the contemplative look on her face, the half-elf knows that at least he¡¯s given her something to think about.

    As they approach the chapel, Eben steels himself. He knows he should be used to visiting the vile man by now, but it never gets easier to be in his presence.

    However, before he has a chance to step inside, Daisy stops him.

    ¡°You just need to get your supplies today. I¡¯m speaking with Father Sheppard.¡±

    Eben sighs, relieved. Maybe this day wouldn¡¯t be so bad.

    He departs from the blonde, heading toward the market immediately. Their pantry isn¡¯t running too low, thanks to their plentiful autumn harvest, but pickling all those vegetables means they¡¯re low on salt and vinegar. As well, thanks to Adder¡¯s voracious appetite for sweets, they''ve completely depleted their stores of honey, sugar, and tea.

    Eben heads towards the beekeeper''s stall first, following an alluring sweet scent. As he approaches, his eye is caught on the source of the smell. Steaming fresh from the oven is a batch of freshly baked honey cakes.

    ¡°What can I help you with?¡±

    Eben jolts as the beekeeper¡¯s voice startles him from his reverie. He turns to the rosy-cheeked man. ¡°Um, yes. I¡¯m here for Adder¡¯s rations.¡±

    The man nods, starting to pack a satchel with generous amounts of honey and beeswax candles. ¡°You can have one if you want.¡±

    Eben blinks. ¡°No, I¡¯m here for the gorgon¡¯s supplies.¡±

    The portly man hands the satchel to the half-elf. ¡°I know, and I noticed you ogling my wife¡¯s baking.¡±

    The half-elf flushes, causing the man to laugh harder. ¡°Go on, take one. Least I can do.¡±

    Cautiously, afraid that the man will change his mind, Eben allows himself to pick up the honey cake. But just before he can lift the heavenly baked good to his mouth, a blur whizzes by him and snatches it right out of his hands.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Eben cries.

    The child laughs as she runs away with the treat. Miffed, Eben sets after her.

    The girl is nimble, dodging and weaving through the bustling market, but he¡¯s skilled in the art of thievery. So when she tries to trip him up by ducking under a stall and running into an alleyway, he¡¯s prepared.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    He bounds over a basket of oranges agilely, cornering the little menace. ¡°You little street rat, you could¡¯ve stolen any of the ones not in my hand!¡±

    As he approaches the girl though, he pauses. Instantly Eben recognizes her dark eyes and ivory pendant. It¡¯s the girl from the market¡ªthe daughter of the artisan he tried to rob.

    ¡°You can¡¯t have any!¡± she crows, mouth muffled by cake. ¡°You¡¯re an asshole! Assholes don¡¯t get cake!¡±

    Eben gapes for a moment, looking for the right words. "I''m sorry," he finally manages to say, "You can have it."

    The child seems to slow for a moment, surprised by Eben¡¯s admittance of guilt. ¡°You shouldn''t be apologizing to me,¡± she growls, ¡°you should apologize to my dad. He broke his arm and couldn¡¯t work for months!¡±

    Eben frowns, hands playing with the scarf nervously.  ¡°Will you take me to him then? I want to make amends.¡±

    The child¡¯s eyes narrow, searching Eben¡¯s face for any signs of insincerity.  ¡°You really want to apologize?¡±

    Eben nods quickly. ¡°Yes, let me go get my horse and I can follow you to him.¡±

    The child crosses her arms, licking the last of the honey cake away from her mouth. ¡°Fine. Hurry up!¡±

    Eben nods, relieved, and heads off to fetch his horse. His instincts are telling him this can¡¯t end well, but he wants to try.

    He mounts Fairy and follows the girl through the winding streets of the village.

    As they walk, he ponders what kind of reception he will receive. Will the man be fearful? Will he want revenge?

    Eben sighs. Shaking his head, he focuses on the small child running ahead of him.

    Soon, they arrive at their destination. Eben admires the quaint little stone cottage, noticing several hand-carved depictions of snakes, unicorns, and other various mythical creatures.

    Before the half-elf has a chance to study the intricately carved statues that decorate the entrance though, the door opens and the man he¡¯s looking for steps out.

    The man stiffens as he spots Eben. ¡°Kora! Come here!¡±

    The little girl runs to the man''s side, grabbing him by the hand to pull his head down to her level. She whispers something in his ear, causing her father to examine the visitor quizzically.

    ¡°You¡¯re here to make amends?¡± the elder asks, crossing his arms.

    Eben jolts, somehow unprepared to be addressed. ¡°Yes. I¡ªI¡¯ve come to see the folly of my ways¡­¡±

    The artisan glares for an uncomfortably long time before finally speaking. ¡°Come inside.¡±

    The greying man turns around, entering the cottage with his daughter in hand. The half-elf blanches, wondering if he should just turn tail and leave now.

    Taking a deep breath, he pushes the door into the cottage and enters.

    Inside, the home is a warm and welcoming space. A friendly glow is cast by the fireplace, illuminating the cobblestone walls and wooden beams which compromise the structure.

    To his left, Eben observes a small kitchen. A petite older woman appears from the room, wiping flour off her hands and onto her apron. Eben figures she must be baking bread because the whole cottage smells of heavenly baked goods.

    The dark-haired woman¡¯s eyes dart nervously between Eben and the man. ¡°Adler, what''s going on?¡±

    Adler places a comforting hand on his wife¡¯s shoulder, squeezing gently. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Jacqueline. Could you please put Kora in her room, and bring us some bread?¡±

    Jacqueline seems wary to fulfill her husband¡¯s request but doesn¡¯t object, taking the little girl by the hand and leading her away.

    As they leave, the artisan turns to Eben, gesturing towards the living room. ¡°Please sit down.¡±

    The half-elf nods, nervously entering the space and taking a seat near the fire.

    He studies the space closely. The walls are adorned with various pieces of art, ranging from paintings to intricate tapestries. Especially prevalent are the various statues that adorn the mantle, table, and ground.

    He can¡¯t help a small pang of jealousy. The man¡¯s home makes it clear that love and dedication have been put into making it a comfortable and inviting space for him and his family.

    Dreamily, he wonders what it would be like if he had the luck to enjoy having a home of his own. Flushing, he realizes too late that he¡¯s also pictured Adder with him, comfortably resting next to the hearth.

    Thankfully, the artisan provides a good distraction from Eben¡¯s wandering mind as he sits down across from Eben, face stern.

    ¡°So, being the servant of that gorgon really has straightened you out, huh son?¡±

    The half-elf darts his eyes away nervously, hands playing with the edge of his scarf. ¡°Ah, yes. I¡­ I know what I did was wrong. Thank you for allowing me to make amends.¡±

    The artisan leans forward, studying Eben¡¯s face. ¡°Normally, I wouldn''t suffer the measly words of a thug. But I¡¯m interested¡­ How is the monster?¡±

    ¡°You want to know about Adder?¡± The half-elf asks, surprised.

    Adler nods. ¡°We used to get monthly updates from Helia before she was slain.¡±

    Eben bristles. ¡°He had a good reason, he¡¯s a good person.¡±

    The half-elf pauses, anxious. He hadn¡¯t meant for that to slip out.

    There''s a peal of laughter from behind him as Jacqueline enters the room with a bowl of warm bread rolls. She hands one to Eben, who cautiously takes one with a small ¡°thank you.¡±

    The woman grins at her husband. ¡°She was right! Adler, did you hear that?¡±

    The half-elf looks between the married couple, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Jacqueline sits down next to her husband, taking his hand. ¡°Helia told us that if she was ever replaced, the next servant would love Adder as much as she did. We were a bit concerned, thinking that perhaps she¡¯d become a little disturbed in her isolation¡­¡±

    Eben flushes. ¡°Well, he¡¯s certainly a much kinder master than I deserve.¡±

    The woman nods, face grim. ¡°Yes, we were privy to many lectures about his gentle nature from Helia. It¡¯s too bad our noble holy man has decided he needs to be locked away forever.¡±

    Adler tenses. ¡°Jacqueline,¡± he hisses, ¡°don¡¯t say that¡­.¡±

    His wife rolls her eyes, brushing off her husband''s concerns. ¡°I hardly think he¡¯s about to run to Sheppard and tell him our sins.¡± She turns to Eben, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Are you?¡±

    Eben shakes his head furiously. ¡°No, I promise I won¡¯t. I think he¡¯s lying to me¡­Especially about Helia. Do you know why she¡ªWhy she chose what she did?¡±

    The artisan narrows his eyes. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I mean, why did she ask Adder to petrify her?¡±

    Adler grits his teeth, seemingly becoming more upset by the minute. ¡°Is that what happened?¡±

    Eben frowns, hoping he wasn¡¯t saying the wrong thing. ¡°According to Adder¡­¡±

    Jacqueline squeezes her husband''s hand, rubbing soothing circles into the skin. ¡°Sheppard told us Adder lost control and killed her in a rage.¡±

    The half-elf tenses. ¡°He¡¯s lying! I saw her! She looked peaceful¡­¡±

    The artisan''s face is deadly serious now. ¡°If she really did that¡­ she must¡¯ve had a good reason.¡± The man pauses, green eyes meeting hazel ones. ¡°It¡¯s Eben, right?¡±

    When his visitor nods, Adler continues. ¡°You need to be wary, Eben. Helia died just after she refused Sheppard¡¯s offer to accept her back into the church. A similar fate may await you if you don¡¯t make the right moves.¡±

    Eben was tense at the thought. He knows that his situation is perilous, but danger seems to loom ever closer. Was there any way out of this that wouldn''t end horribly?

    ¡°I know,¡± he says, glancing downward. ¡°I just want to protect Adder now. He¡¯s been through so much¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll help you if we can,¡± Jacqueline promises. ¡°We may have never met Adder, but we loved Helia.¡±

    Eben sniffs, trying desperately to not go misty-eyed.  ¡°Thank you. I need to go now, I still have to pick up his things.¡±

    The couple nods understandingly, and Eben takes his leave, bidding them both goodbye. As he exits the stone cottage, he grits his teeth against the cold winter air nipping at his skin. Just as he¡¯s about to leave though, the artisan calls out to him. Eben is surprised as a burgundy cloak is thrust into his arms.

    ¡°Here. My wife wouldn''t let you leave with just a scarf on.¡± Adler grumbles.

    The half-elf is shocked by the kindness, feeling the soft texture of the item in wonder. ¡°Thank you, I don''t know how to repay you after all I¡¯ve done¡­¡±

    The grumpy man just crosses his arms, face stony. "Save your gratitude," he growls. "I haven''t forgiven you yet. You''ll have to earn that privilege by taking care of Helia''s son."

    Eben nods, throwing the coat over his shoulders. ¡°I will, I promise.¡±

    Feeling warmer now for a variety of reasons, the half-elf returns to the market and hastily gathers the supplies, eager to return to his friend.

    Pulling the cloak tightly around himself, he braves the setting sun and its coldness as he makes the journey back. As he makes his way back to Adder''s cave, relief washes over him at the sight of the familiar walls.

    Eben feels a little pathetic, caring so much when surely the gorgon was snug and secure in his nest. Despite knowing that, he can''t help but worry about the gorgon being alone and so defenseless.

    So when Eben steps into Adder¡¯s room, he finally relaxes as he sees the man safe and whole. The gorgon lays curled up in his nest, blissfully unaware of the turmoil his friend is enduring.

    Eben sighs, sitting beside Adder. Just to make sure all is well, he checks Adder¡¯s pulse on his wrist, finding the slow but steady beat of his heart.

    The gorgon twitches at the touch, cold hand coming to rest over Eben¡¯s. The half-elf closes his eyes, holding the clawed hand in his own. ¡°I promise, Adder¡­¡±

 Venomous Words

    Winter was upon them now. Thick blankets of snow piled the forest, surrounding Adder''s home in a frosty tundra of ice.

    Eben shivers, breathing warm air onto his hands as he checks on the hens. Peering inside the coop, he sees they''re all fluffed up and huddling together, cozy in their nests.

    He sighs, wishing that he could cuddle up somewhere warm. But he wasn''t like Adder, he couldn''t slumber through this unforgiving time of year.

    Instead, he focuses on keeping himself busy, knowing idle hands will lead to an overactive mind.

    After tending to the birds, he mounts Fairy and heads into the woods. They move as one, darting and weaving through the trees expertly.

    It''s enjoyable as always, but it doesn''t bring him as much exhilaration as it used to.

    Before, riding the dappled made him feel free. But now he knows that is far from what he wants now. Now he wants to belong somewhere, to someone.

    To Adder.

    Pulling the reins, he slows Fairy to a halt. The half-elf takes a moment to gaze up at the sky, watching the canopy sway in the bitterly cold wind.

    He dismounts and takes his place sitting under a frosted pine. Eben pulls out his drawing tools from his satchel and begins sketching out the frozen landscape.

    He doesn''t particularly enjoy drawing trees and snow, but it was a nice change of pace. At least here he wasn''t checking Adder every ten seconds for signs of life.

    Eben sighs, dragging the charcoal across the rough paper. He blocks out the shape of the towering pines bending under the weight of the snow, using his thumb to smear the dust across the areas of shadow.

    As he works, the scene comes to life beautifully. He smiles, a little proud of his improvement. Since he''s come here, he''s had lots of time to practice.

    However, the tranquility is soon interrupted by the dreaded sound¡ªchurch bells.

    Eben''s stomach drops at the sound reverberating in the cold air. Dropping his sketchbook, he mounts Fairy and dashes to the cave.

    He runs into Adder''s room to check the gorgon, sighing a breath of relief when he finds the man is still fast asleep¡ªcurled up in the furs and blankets of his nest.

    Eben reaches toward the bells on the gorgon''s horns before he hesitates for a moment, a hand coming to his neck as he remembers Sheppard''s ominous warnings.

    But looking at his friend''s sweetly dreaming face bulldozes over his fear. He tugs on the bells tied to Adder''s horns, tying them to his wrists before running back to Fairy.

    He needs to do this.

    As he reaches the town, he dismounts his steed and searches frantically for the threat.

    This time, it''s not like that dark night Claudia was slain. Villagers can be seen kneeling everywhere, frozen where they were going about their day just moments before.

    As he approaches, many cower and whimper at the sound of the bells on his wrists. Their horror at just the thought Adder may be near makes Eben''s heart twist. No wonder the gorgon is the way he is.

    Suddenly, A blood-curdling roar pierces the air, disrupting his thoughts and sending chills down his spine. Steeling himself for what''s to come, the half-elf runs towards the sound.

    Just as he''s about to come to the gate, however, he''s stopped in his tracks at a heart-pounding sight.

    It''s a wolf¡ªa huge wolf with sandy-colored fur. It turns its head to Eben at his approach, eyes closed and hackles raised.

    The half-elf tenses, wondering just how he is going to take down this beast unaided. Its paws alone look bigger than his head!

    The wolf scents the air, mighty snout raised before it opens its eyes to meet Eben''s. The half-elf jolts as he recognizes the cold blue gaze of the creature.

    "Daisy?"

    The wolf''s eyes narrow. It approaches Eben, lying at his feet demurely. He freezes, trying to decipher the werewolf''s intentions.

    With an eye roll, Daisy gestures for him to climb on her back. Cautiously, he mounts the massive werewolf, who wastes no time in sprinting to the village gate. The half-elf digs his hands into the blonde fur, holding on for dear life as the wolf speeds off at a pace that could keep up with Fairy easily.

    As they arrive, a terrifying sight looms into view; a towering minotaur. The half-elf''s heart palpitates as he takes in the beast''s massive size and bulging muscles.

    Even Adder would struggle to take down a beast of this size, did they stand a chance?

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    The minotaur snarls as it spots the duo, lowering its massive horns as it charges at them. Daisy gives a vicious growl in return, dodging nimbly.

    The beast runs head-on into the wall with a deafening crash. However, the monster seems unphased, giving another horrific roar as it charges again at them once more.

    The beast clips them, sending the duo into a painful tumble, but the werewolf recovers quickly as she lands on her feet.

    "I have an idea! Drop me off near the wall next chance you get!" Eben yells, hoping the wolf can hear him over the monster.

    Daisy doesn''t give an acknowledgment she''s heard him, but as soon as an opening appears she dashes towards the wall where Eben jumps off.

    "Move back Daisy! Let it charge at me!" Eben commands.

    Daisy''s eyes narrow, looking doubtful as she sizes up Eben''s lithe frame.

    Eben rolls his eyes. "Just trust me!"

    Daisy relents, distancing herself from the half-elf.

    When next the monster brays, about to charge at the pale wolf, Eben pelts a stone at its ugly maw. "Over here asshole! Come get it!"

    The beast swings its head towards the half-elf, eyes burning with hateful bloodlust. It charges at him with killing intent, eyes wide.

    Eben stands his ground, heart pounding as the minotaur approaches. At the last moment, he tumbles away from the lethal-looking horns. The creature crashes into the wall once more, falling to the ground from the concussive force.

    Quick on her feet, Daisy lunges at the monster before it has an opportunity to get back up. It howls with a vicious rage as she traps its throat in her jaws, biting down with brutal force.

    Eben scrabbles away from the flailing monster but is unable to avoid a brutal punch that sends him careening. As he hits a nearby tree, the world goes dark.

    He regains consciousness to the sound of whining. Sitting up with a gasp, he comes face to face with the bloodied snout of Daisy.

    The werewolf seems concerned, icy eyes laced with worry. Eben pats her snout clumsily, causing the wolf to jolt in surprise. "I''m fine. I just got knocked around."

    He glances over to the cooling body of the minotaur, wincing as he stands. Nothing feels broken, but he''s going to be limping for a few days. "Can you get rid of the body? Sheppard will notice that it''s been killed differently than how Adder usually does it."

    The wolf nods, turning towards the corpse. "Wait, Daisy."

    Daisy pauses, eyes meeting Eben''s.

    "Thank you...I don''t think I could''ve taken it down without your help." the half-elf admits.

    Daisy just lifts her head proudly, licking the blood from her maw. Even without human features, Eben can feel the smugness radiating off the woman.

    He smiles, whistling for Fairy. The dappled mare comes running, snuffling concernedly at the scrapes and bruises that paint Eben''s skin. The half-elf strokes her mane soothingly before he pulls himself onto her back.

    Giving one last nod to the werewolf, he starts making his way back to Adder.

    He winces in pain as every bump on the road causes his wounds to smart. But he can''t help but grin. It feels good knowing that for once the wounds he earned were in service of a greater good, not stealing or hurting someone.

    Still, he sighs in relief as he approaches the cave. After all that action, Eben is very ready to rest and recoup his strength.

    However, his anxiety spikes as he enters the cave and sees who is in the kitchen.

    "Adder!" he exclaims. "You''re awake!"

    Adder smiles, turning to Eben mid-bite of dried meat. "Welcome back Eben, where did you go?"

    The half-elf tenses. Adder didn''t need to know what he''d been up to...Eben needed to leave before the gorgon realized the truth.

    "I was riding Fairy, giving her some exercise. Actually, I just came to see if we had any fresh fruit left I could give her..."

    Adder nods, looking through their supplies. "We have some oranges left, you can give her one of those."

    Eben limps over to the barrel, quickly fishing out an orange before stepping back. "Thanks. I''ll be back soon."

    He''s almost to the mouth of the cave when Adder calls out to him.

    "Wait, Eben¡ª" The gorgon slithers closer. "Are you...limping?"

    Shit.

    The half-elf keeps walking. "I just pulled a muscle. I''m fine"

    Adder blocks his path, frowning. "Are you okay? You should sit down."

    Eben grips the fruit in his hand harder, trying to keep calm. "I''m fine. Can you move?"

    The gorgon doesn''t relent. "Your horse can wait Eben. Sit down, I''ll bring you a hot compress..."

    "I said I''m fine!"

    Adder jolts at the tone of Eben''s voice, flinching, before his expression changes. The gorgon comes closer, scenting the air. "What did you do? I smell blood!"

    "I told you, it''s nothing to worry about..."

    "What happened Eben? Why aren''t you telling me?" Adder growls.

    Eben grits his teeth, jaw clenching. "The bells rang. Me and Daisy took care of it."

    The gorgon lets out a hiss. "Again you do this?! Eben, you are meant to wake me!"

    "You just recovered and your reflexes are slowed, you shouldn''t be prancing around in the snow fighting monsters!"

    "That''s my job," Adder growls, "and yours was to wake me!"

    "Oh, now you''re giving me orders?" Eben spits. "You want your indebted servant to obey you?"

    Adder seems to curl in on himself. "No, I¡ªit''s not like that. You know I don''t¡ª"

    "If it''s not like that, then why don''t you let me do this?"

    Adder thumps his tail on the ground, clenching and unclenching clawed hands. "Father Sheppard didn''t send you here to fight my battles."

    "Father Sheppard," Eben spits, "nearly strangled me in our last meeting for having the audacity to befriend you. He is using you, Adder!"

    The gorgon gapes at the accusation before his face hardens. "You must''ve done something to provoke him, he is the voice of the pantheon..."

    The half-elf wants to scream. "What could I possibly do to provoke that?"

    Adder paces, agitated. "Did you forget you tried to rob a crowd of innocent people? I don''t blame him for being wary!"

    ¡°So what, I made a mistake and now I deserve to be strangled? Cursed? Forced into indefinite servitude?¡± Eben snarls. ¡°Is that why you take this abuse? Because of what you did to N?dre Tor?¡±

    As soon as the vitriolic comment leaves his lips, Eben knows he¡¯s made a mistake. His heart sinks as he watches hurt splash across the gorgon''s face.

    The half-elf expects some more anger or even outrage, but it never comes. Instead, the gorgon tenses, retreating to his room rapidly.

    Now alone in the cold room, Eben sags, limping to the table. He slumps over, holding his face in his arms.

    Why had he said that? It wasn''t Adder''s fault he had been raised to believe in that horrid man. How could Eben compare what the gorgon had endured to his own selfish mistakes?

    He sits there, stewing in his self-loathing until he can stand it no longer. But when he goes to make amends, the gorgon is already asleep.

    Emotionally and physically wrecked, the half-elf limps to his bed instead. Crawling in, he stares at the ceiling of the dark room solemnly.

    He knew now that what he wanted was to belong to Adder, but still, he couldn''t shake the feeling that his friend deserved more. Adder deserved better than a pathetic, powerless criminal who didn''t know when to bite his tongue.

    Closing his eyes, Eben hugs his thin blanket to his chest.

    Maybe Adder would agree.

 Winters Eve

    He grits his teeth as snowflakes fly into his face, leaving stinging cold kisses on his skin. The half-elf trudges along in the snow, heaving the milk and eggs as he walks.

    Eben''s injuries have healed by now, but it seems the wounds he has inflicted on Adder with his cruel words remain. The gorgon has been avoiding him lately, shying away from conversation.

    It reminds Eben of how they had treated each other during those tentative first few days; both were so certain that the other was aiming to hurt. Only, it seems that Adder''s mistrust had been warranted.

    He sighs, kicking off his boots and making his way to the kitchen. He sets the eggs and goat milk on the counter with a displeased thud. Normally, he''d get all his frustration out by taking fairy for a spin, but snow is coming down in rapid flurries now and he suspects it won''t stop for some time.

    After throwing a couple of logs on the fire, Eben looks over their pantry. They have a lot of preserved apples left over, so he decides to make a favorite comfort food of his; Mortfall pudding.

    Eben''s baking skills are... lacking, to put it kindly. But this pudding is boiled rather than baked, so he''s confident it will turn out. The recipe is simple, a Mortfall classic his father had taught to him.

    A small smile appears as he reminisces on the few fond memories of holidays spent with his father. He wonders how N?dre Tor celebrates the holiday the way they had. Did they too partake in the tradition of staying up until midnight, jovially celebrating to keep the God of Death at bay?

    He doubted anyone celebrated with Adder. The poor gorgon probably slept through the holiday each year, lonely and cold in his cave.

    Turning his thoughts to his current task, he sets out all the necessary ingredients before beginning.

    He spoons out a measure of preserved apples, mixing it in with the dried currants, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients. Buttering a pudding mold, he delicately pours the mixture into the form before wrapping it in a cloth.

    While he''s slowly dropping the pudding into the boiling water though, a sound behind him causes him to startle. He drops the pudding, hissing in pain when the water splashes on him.

    "Are you okay?"

    Eben turns around, still waving his hand in the air. Adder is at the entryway, looking concerned.

    "I''m fine...Just a little water."

    Adder nods, awkwardly lingering at the entrance.

    Eben sighs, wiping his hands on his tunic. "Do you want to eat? Sit down, I''ll bring you something."

    Adder does as instructed, slithering over to the table silently.

    The half-elf sets the kettle on the stove, preparing a bowl and cup.

    Into the cup, he adds some lavender buds, chamomile flowers, mint, and honey. A few moments later he sets the tea and a simple meal of dried meat and bread before the gorgon, taking a seat across from him.

    Eben watches Adder eat for a few moments before turning his gaze to the flickering flames of the fireplace. He wants to say something but doesn''t want to spook the gorgon and send him fleeing again.

    Still, he knows he needs to speak up eventually. The half-elf can''t endure this long winter with nothing but his own mind for company.

    Eben coughs, fingers drumming nervously on the table. "I''m uh, I''m making Mortfall pudding... it should be done soon."

    Adder pauses before responding. "Oh...did you add raisins?"

    Eben frowns. "No, should I have? I can make it again sometime..."

    Adder smiles, hands clutching the earthen mug. "Ah, no. I hate raisins...Helia always insisted on adding them though."

    Eben lets out a little laugh. "My dad used to do the same thing! It was always such a pain to prepare them just to ruin the pudding!"

    Adder chuckles, taking another sip. The room goes quiet as Eben clenches the table trying to figure out what to say next.

    Was it even worth apologizing? Anxiety seems to crawl up Eben''s throat, preventing him from saying what he must. He couldn''t bear the thought of Adder dismissing his attempts to make amends¡ªor worse yet, dismissing Eben altogether.

    The half-elf scolds himself mentally. If he apologized, it would be because he wronged Adder. Not because he had something to gain from the apology.

    "Adder..." Eben''s voice wavers, "I''m sorry. I was out of line."

    Adder tenses, clutching the cup harder. The gorgon sighs deeply, dropping his head before responding. "I just¡ªI just don''t understand, Eben. I''m so much stronger than you. Why do you insist on doing my job?"

    Eben grits his teeth. This can''t devolve into another argument...He just needs to make his friend understand. "Because you deserve to rest, Adder. You deserve better than being some...some blunt weapon to be wielded without concern! You hate it, don''t you? The killing?"

    The gorgon turns his face away. "It''s not about what I want. You were right, I have to do this to make amends."

    Eben grimaces. Clearly, Adder couldn''t be convinced his transgressions didn''t warrant this punishment. What did he need to say to convince the gorgon?

    "Adder, I...I met Helia''s friends in town the other day."

    At the mention of Helia, Adder perks up. "You did?"

    Eben nods. "Adler and Jacqueline. They''re concerned, they asked that I watch out for you."

    Adder''s tail swishes happily. "I didn''t know anyone in the village felt that way..."

    "Well they do, they were friends of Helia so obviously they care about her son."

    Adder turns his head down, claws playing with the woodgrain. "Why are you telling me this though? Surely you aren''t saying you''re risking your life because they told you to?"

    Eben sighs. Did he have to spell it out? "Adder, I''m trying to say that you have people who care about you. They don''t¡ªwe don''t want to see you hurt needlessly."

    Adder flushes. "You really care so much that you''re willing to endanger your life?"

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    Eben''s heart thumps. He wants to explain in detail just how much he loves Adder. How safe the man makes him feel, how exhilarating it is to finally have someone who wants him. But he bites his tongue. This isn''t the time for that.

    "Yes, Adder. Is it so hard to imagine that you''re worth it?"

    Adder blushes harder, coils wrapping securely around himself. "I still can''t let you get hurt, Eben. It kills me knowing that you got injured protecting me..."

    Eben clenches his fists. "How do you think I feel when you come back gutted tip to tail?"

    He pauses, attempting to calm down with a deep breath. "Look...I''m sorry I went behind your back, but could you at least consider accepting help? Next time the bells ring, we can go together. you don''t have to do this alone anymore!"

    Adder frowns. "I guess if I can''t convince you otherwise... But you have to be careful, Eben. What you are doing is against the rules..."

    Eben smiles, reaching across the table to hold the gorgon''s hand. "I''ve never been good at rules, Adder."

    The gorgon returns a small smile of his own, gently squeezing the smaller hand in his own.

    However, the tender moment is ruined by the sound of a pot bubbling over.

    "Shit! My pudding!"

    Adder laughs as Eben scrambles to fish the treat out of the pot. Carefully, he unwraps the pudding and dumps it out onto a plate.

    The gorgon is still stifling laughter as Eben prods it. "Is it okay?"

    "I think it''s a little overcooked, but it might still be good...you want some?"

    Adder nods, tail betraying his excitement as Eben sections a portion off for him. They dig in together, enjoying the ritual more than the rubbery dessert.

    As they finish up, the gorgon yawns. Eben grins at the action. "Back to sleep already?"

    Adder nods sheepishly. "Yes...Would it be okay if you came and laid down with me...?"

    Eben smiles. "Of course."

    After cleaning their dishes, they head to Adder''s room. The gorgon sighs contentedly as he snuggles into his bed.

    "Are you going to sleep through Mortfall?" Eben asks, sitting on the edge of the nest.

    "That''s what I usually do, though Helia used to wake me at midnight so we could open presents..."

    The half-elf hums thoughtfully. "We should do that then. Though I don''t think I have anything that would make a good present..."

    Adder smiles, voice growing drowsy. "You don''t have to get me anything. Just having someone here with me for once is enough..."

    Eben grins back. "I need to get you something, you already got me this amazing scarf."

    "Mmm," Adder rumbles, slipping into unconsciousness rapidly. "You should draw something for me."

    The half-elf chuckles, laying down in the nest with the gorgon. "What should I draw?"

    "A self-portrait. I want to see your eyes..."

    Eben is quiet as Adder slips into sleep.

    As the half-elf starts drifting off to sleep himself, he finds himself lost in thought imagining what it would be like to meet the gaze of the gorgon. He envisions the piercing gaze of Adder, wondering what color he would see in his friend''s irises. Would they be fierce and animalistic? Would they still hold a soft look about them regardless?

    Despite the intriguing questions swirling around his mind, the soft lull of Adder''s breaths do their trick, subduing the half-elf into peaceful dreams of soft smiles and kind eyes.

    However, his rest is disrupted when just a few hours later, the anxious voice of Adder pierces the calm.

    "Eben, wake up!"

    The half-elf startles, sitting up. "Adder, what''s wrong?"

    "Someone is here," the gorgon hisses, "I think it''s Father Sheppard!"

    Eben tenses, jumping to his feet. "What?!"

    They enter the living room together, both tensing at the ominous sight of the High Priest sitting at the table.

    The gorgon stumbles over his words, clearly shaken by the unannounced arrival of the man. "Father Sheppard! I¡ªwha¡ªwelcome! To um, to what do we owe the visit?"

    The man grins unpleasantly. "You''re not even going to offer me a hot drink? It was a hassle to get here through that blizzard."

    Eben studies the priest, shivering as he notices the man looks completely normal. Not at all like someone who just arrived from a brutal storm.

    Adder moves to make the man''s tea, only to be scolded by the graying man. "Adder, let your servant take care of it. He''s here for a reason."

    Adder pauses, seeming to want to argue, but Eben just gets up and goes to the kitchen. As he heats up the cider, he wonders if the priest would be able to detect if the he spit in the vile man¡¯s drink.

    The man smiles, ignorant of Eben''s plotting. "Sit with me, Adder. I feel we haven''t talked in ages."

    Adder does as commanded, sitting tensely at the table. "It has been a while, Father..."

    "How has your servant been treating you? Has he been handling his duties well?"

    Adder fiddles with his blindfold nervously. "Yes, Eben has been of great assistance to me."

    Eben returns to the table setting down mugs before taking a seat next to Adder.

    "That''s wonderful to hear¡ª" the priest grins, turning his green eyes to Eben. "In that case, I have amazing news for you, Eben."

    The half-elf tenses. That couldn''t be good.

    Sheppard smirks at Eben''s apprehension. "Due to your stellar performance as Adder''s servant, I am graciously offering an end to your servitude this spring."

    Eben is sweating. "What do you mean?"

    "This punishment was never meant to last forever, Eben. The people of N?dre Tor have spoken, your transgressions have been forgiven. When spring comes, you will be allowed to join the congregation and truly become part of this community."

    The half-elf glances at Adder. The gorgon looks like he''s trying to shrink away from existence, pain written clearly across his features. Eben couldn''t accept this. "Thank you for the opportunity, but I''ll have to decline."

    Adder jolts at the dismissal, shocked. "Eben, don''t!"

    The High Priest bores his flat eyes into Eben''s. "Adder, can you give me a moment alone with our friend?"

    The gorgon hesitates, clearly unwilling to leave. However, he shrinks away fearfully as the man gives a stern "Now, Adder."

    The gorgon slithers away reluctantly, leaving Eben alone with the monstrous man.

    The High Priest clenches his fists as he leans forward, voice dipping to icy depths. "Do you think yourself able to survive in this world alone, Eben?"

    "I did for 24 years. So I think I can manage..." The half-elf lies.

    "You survived for 24 years. But you had no community, nobody to rely on. You need N?dre Tor. If not to protect you, then to protect others from you."

    "I''ve changed," Eben spits, "I''m giving up that lifestyle..."

    Sheppard laughs cruelly. "I''m not talking about your sad career of petty thievery. I''m talking about those burgeoning powers of yours. You used magic, didn''t you?"

    Ice seems to spread in Eben''s veins. "I¡ªI didn''t I¡ª"

    The half-elf''s hands fly to his neck as the tattooed snake tightens at Sheppard''s command. The graying man''s eyes widen, madness clear in their viridian depths. "Don''t lie to me, half-breed. There was no way for you to subdue that gorgon by mortal means; you must have used magic."

    "I did!" He gasps, " I didn''t mean to!"

    Sheppard releases the hold on Eben''s neck, face stony as the half-elf coughs and retches. "I''m sure you didn''t. It''s why your kind is feared, Eben, you have access to the power the Gods never intended. You were never meant to be born."

    Eben shivers, rage and sorrow seeming to overflow his mind. "Shut up!"

    Sheppard only smirks at the man''s dismay. "Keep Adder in line, make sure he does as he''s told, and I will help you. I can seal away your powers and you can live among us as any other human would."

    The man stands, dusting off his stole as Eben glares with hatred burning in his eyes.

    The priest turns to leave before pausing at the entrance. "Oh and, you''ve been invited to our Mortfall celebration tomorrow. Come at sundown; attendance is mandatory."

    With that, the wretched man steps out into the curtain of white, unphased by the fierce wind which seems to leave the priest untouched. Eben watches as the priest disappears from sight, heart pounding wildly.

    Something tells him that this Mortfall, even celebrating all night won''t keep death at bay.

 Celebrating Death

    The morning of Mortfall appeared just like one might picture in a fairytale. A blanket of thick snow coats the ground, with vibrant red cardinals dancing jovially among the sea of white.

    Under normal circumstances, Eben would have welcomed the holiday with open arms, eagerly anticipating the evening''s celebrations. Instead, he fidgets anxiously as he sketches his self-portrait, wishing the night would never come.

    It just didn''t make much sense to force him to participate in the village''s celebrations. What was the point? Acclimating him to a life outside Adder''s reach? Even doubted the priest would be that considerate.

    Still, even as he begs the sun to stay high in the sky, time''s arrow marches forward. The horizon darkens more and more until It''s time for Eben to go. The half-elf sighs, placing the drawing on the table as he picks up his cloak and scarf, dressing warmly for what most certainly would be a freezing night.

    As he arrives he marvels at the sight of the decorations lining the stone streets. Red banners and ribbons are strewn everywhere, the vibrant color even more eye-catching against the pallid hues of winter.

    Villagers are roaming the streets as the revelry of the night begins. However, they don''t look very excited. In fact, the whole village seems to almost be consumed by some oppressive force.

    Considering the more festive the celebration, the further Morthall was supposed to be, this village was very close to death.

    "Hey! Elf!"

    Eben jolts at the sound of a small voice. Looking to his right, he sees Kora running up to him. The girl is decked in warm clothing, a bright red fur-lined coat covering her small frame.

    Eben scowls at the child, looking down at her from Fairy. "I''m not an elf, I''m a half-human."

    Kora is unphased by the scolding. "You have pointy ears like an elf though."

    The half-elf rolls his eyes, trying not to let the words of a child bother him. "Can I help you? I need to go see Father Sheppard."

    The dark-haired girl grins. "No, you have to come with me. Father Sheppard told us to host you for Mortfall. Let me on your horse!"

    Eben blinks, surprised. Was Sheppard trying to send some kind of message forcing him to spend the holiday with a human family?

    "Okay," he sighs, extending a hand toward the little girl. "Climb up."

    The child climbs onto Fairy''s back and they depart towards the Artisan''s home. As they walk through the ornately decorated cobblestone paths, the girl nearly talks his pointed ears off as she discusses the holiday.

    "Is Adder celebrating Mortfall?" Kora asks.

    "I''m going to give him a present tonight, but I think he''s sleeping through most of it," Eben replies.

    The dark-haired girl beams. "That''s good! Even gorgon''s should get Mortfall presents. Did you get me one?"

    The half-elf smiles at the boldness of the girl. "No, I didn''t know I was coming so I didn''t prepare anything."

    Kora huffs, disappointed. "Well, next year bring me a present. My favorite color is red and I like apple-flavored things."

    Eben laughs, heart warmed by the assumption he would be welcome back next year. "I''ll remember that."

    As they arrive, Kora jumps off her horse and runs to her father. "He''s here daddy! Look, we have an elf for Mortfall!"

    Eben sighs, smiling as he dismounts Fairy. "Hello again Adler. Happy Mortfall."

    Adler''s face stays stoic, but he picks up Kora and opens the door for Eben. "Yeah yeah. Get inside before you catch your death."

    Eben steps inside the cottage, grinning at how the home has become even more cozy with red ribbons and decor lining the halls.

    "Take a seat in the kitchen. We were about to sit down to supper." Adler commands.

    Eben nods and takes a seat, admiring the small but delicious-looking feast that Jacqueline and her husband have prepared. After a brief grace, the family digs in.

    The elf follows their example, but his enjoyment is hindered by a sense of sadness knowing that Adder is alone in his cave. He sets down his fork and turns to Jacqueline, worry creasing his features.

    "Did Sheppard tell you how long I have to stay?"

    Jacqueline nods. "He instructed us you could only return after the midnight mass."

    Eben grimaces. So he''d have to spend the whole holiday in the village?

    "Midnight mass? I''ve never attended church on Mortfall."

    Kora frowns, fork prodding a slice of ham. "It''s scary."

    "Scary?" Eben questions.

    Adler places a comforting hand atop the child''s head. "Let''s just say Father Sheppard has implemented a...different tradition here in N?dre Tor. Just try to enjoy the night before then."

    The half-frowns. That was ominous.

    "Before we go though we open presents!" Kora crows. "I got a present for Adder! You''ll give it to him right?"

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Eben smiles. "Of course. I''m sure he''ll be delighted."

    The warmth of the fire and the cheer of the festivities chase away the dark thoughts in his mind, and Eben finds himself laughing and chatting with the artisan''s family as though he''s one of them. He can''t help but enjoy himself, even if he''s missing Adder...

    When the time for gift-giving arrives, Kora eagerly tears open her presents. She squeals in delight as she receives a jar of candied fruit, two hand-carved toys, a peppermint stick, and a bright red pair of socks.

    Next, it was the adults'' turn. Adler received a new whittling knife, Jacqueline a hand-embroidered apron, and Eben was handed two burlap-wrapped packages. He grins with anticipation as he weighs each package carefully, trying to imagine what was inside.

    "This one is for Adder," Kora adds, pointing at the hard rectangular one. "The other one is yours."

    Eben places Adder''s gift into his satchel before opening his own. His eyes go wide as a beautiful pendant slides out. It''s a snake, intricately carved from a mossy green and white speckled stone. He examines the design, carefully noticing the strange way the snake seems to bite its own tail.

    He looks to Adler as he puts it on. "Did you make this?"

    The artisan nods, giving a rare smile. "Yes. It''s carved from a stone called Serpentinite, and the design is an ouroboros."

    The half-elf traces the delicate etchings of the pendant. "Ouroboros?"

    "It''s a symbol of rebirth," Kora interjects, "the snake eats his tail and then gets reborn from it."

    "Thank you." He whispers. This is more than just jewelry to Eben, it''s an admission of faith¡ªfaith in him of all people. He knew that he couldn''t let them down now. He needed to become a person worthy of that trust.

    However as the last gift is given, a solemness overcomes the family. The time approaches for them to make their way toward the church. With grave faces, they mount their cart while Eben, atop Fairy, trails behind them.

    As they join the throngs of villagers making their way to mass, a palpable tension seems to hang in the air as they march. Eben shivers, spooked. Whatever was awaiting them definitely wouldn''t be pleasant.

    As Eben approaches the grand doors, goosebumps break out as he steps into the massive cathedral. The air is dense with a sense of foreboding, and the dim light of the flickering candles only adds to the unsettling atmosphere. But it''s not until he follows the gazes of the anxious churchgoers that he truly understands the reason for their apprehension.

    The walls of the church are adorned with ominous blood-red banners, their stark color drawing the eye toward the altar. There, surrounding the pulpit like a silent congregation, are the petrified victims of Adder.

    The sight sends ice coursing through his veins.

    Sheppard stands among the frozen expressions of fear and terror, a mad gleam in his eyes as he revels in the atmosphere of dread.

    Eben grits his teeth. Clearly, the man was making a statement¡ªobey or he would use the gorgon against any who stood against him.

    Sheppard raises his hands, hushing the crowd instantly.

    "My dear children," the man''s voice echoes eerily, "I am so pleased to see you all once again for another Mortfall celebration."

    Eben clenches his scarf, glaring daggers at the priest.

    "While the rest of Aaradivirsi takes part in sinful revelry to keep the God of death at bay, N?dre Tor recognizes the value in death. Without inviting death into our lives, we cannot survive. Just as the snake must slay the rabbit, so must we slay those among us who would seek to do us harm."

    The priest''s face sobers, head bowing. "Still, it is a tragic thing when we discover it is one of our own who seeks to destroy us. That is why with a heavy heart, I must announce two members of our congregation will face execution for their crimes."

    Eben''s heart races as villagers murmur fearfully amongst themselves. So they decided to execute Fern? Who was the second person? Surely not who he feared...?

    Sheppard motions to the guards who drag two women to the stage. Without their habits on it takes a moment for Eben to recognize who they are, but as the fearful gazes of the victims meet the crowd, the half-elf instantly identifies the women as Daisy and Fern.

    The priest continues. "Fern Lazan and Daisy Adolphine came to this village seeking redemption for their monstrous ways. But unfortunately, both have relapsed into their old habits, endangering our way of life."

    Eben feels sick to his stomach. Sheppard was a bastard, but would he really murder two innocent women over this?

    "Kindly, I have decided to allow them the rest of winter to reflect on their transgressions. However, come Koranelia this spring, they will be dispatched by Adder to honor the Goddess Giakora."

    A ruckus breaks out as villagers react poorly. Among them is Jacqueline, who stands from her spot in the pews.

    "That''s enough!" The woman roars. "This has gone on too long, Sheppard!"

    The chapel goes eerily quiet as Sheppard raises his hand to silence the angry murmurs that echo through the chapel. He regards Jacqueline with an icy smile, seemingly unaffected.

    "Please, Jacqueline, speak your mind as you so love to do."

    "You cannot carry on in this manner any longer," the woman hisses. "You cannot suppress us, especially not with the gorgon! Adder is meant to protect us¡ªHelia did not raise him for this!"

    The priest''s fa?ade of calmness vanishes, white-knuckling as he grips the podium. "Helia? You mean the witch who betrayed us? Who are you to speak her name in this holy place?"

    Adler attempts to grab his wife, eyes wide and fearful, but the woman shakes him off. "I was her friend, and I was by her side building this community long before you ever came!"

    The woman''s fury is palpable as she confronts the priest, her eyes ablaze. "You''re nothing but a usurper," she spits venomously, "You took advantage of her kindness, made her into what you wanted, and then cast her aside like she was worthless. Now you sit here on your throne of corpses, thinking you are a God!"

    The crowd murmurs in agreement, their unease growing with every passing moment. Sheppard''s expression turns cold, his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity. He raises his hand, clenching his fist.

    The action seems to cause a strange shimmer in the air. Eben recognizes it immediately¡ªmagic.

    Several voices in the crowd exclaim fearfully as Jacqueline collapses to the ground with the motion. Eben tries to reach the woman but is roughly pushed aside as Sheppard''s men drag her away. Kora screams, crying inconsolably as her limp mother is taken into the depths of the church.

    Sheppard leans over the pulpit, green eyes blown wide. "See how this malignancy spreads? How one aberration turns a peaceful flock into a pack of beasts? We must keep order or we will become no better than the wicked creatures which roam this forest. I will bear that heavy burden, no matter how high the price."

    The elder takes a few calming breaths, straightening out his stole. The mask slips back on, returning Sheppard''s eerily peaceful expression. "Now that all that unpleasantness is over. Let us commence the service in earnest..."

    The congregation shifts uneasily in their seats, still reeling from the intensity of Sheppard''s words. As the service begins, the elder''s words take on a mockingly soothing tone, guiding the flock through prayers and hymns.

    Eben can hardly focus on the ceremony, the somber harmonies only seeming to sink him further into distress.

    Desperately, he tries to think of a solution, but meets a dead end at every turn. Sheppard''s power was too vast, always one step ahead of the half-elf.

    The only answer he could fathom was challenging the man with magic. But even that plan was weak¡ªEben had tried to summon the power again to no avail. They seemed to ignore his every command, no matter how he begged and pleaded in his mind.

    As the service finally ends, Eben follows Kora and Adler out of the church hurriedly. With one last somber look toward the artisan and his daughter, the half-elf mounts Fairy and begins making his way back to the cave.

    Snowflakes begin to flutter down in rapid flurries, blurring his vision. Logically, he knows he should head back and shelter with Adler, but he pushes Fairy through the storm. He needed to be somewhere he felt safe as soon as possible.

    He needed Adder.

 Melting frost

    The road is treacherously frosty as Eben carefully steers the mare down the road. He tightens the scarf around his neck, pulling it up to cover his nose and mouth as snow continues to fall rapidly.

    Truly, he''s idiotic for not staying in the village. The storm seems to only get worse as they get closer to Adder''s cave, but he can''t turn back. He promised his friend he would celebrate Mortfall with him, and he intended to keep his word.

    A sudden gust of brutal wind buffets Eben and Fairy, causing the mare to whinny in distress. He tries to urge her forward, but the horse seems to be refusing to go any further. Eben dismounts, tugging on her reigns as he trudges through the nearly knee-deep snow.

    "C''mon girl, you''re almost there! just a bit more, I promise!"

    But no amount of coaxing can get her to go any further. The half-elf is being forced to return to the village.

    Eben grits his teeth, emotions rising as the stinging wind bites.

    How many holidays has Adder spent alone? how much does one man have to give before he''s permitted the simple pleasure of human company?

    Suddenly, the feelings of sorrow and rage for Adder are burning their way out of Eben. Power surges through him with an explosive force that shimmers violently in the air.

    Eben gasps in shock as instantly, the snow stops, seeming to melt around him in a blast-radius-shape.

    Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, Eben jumps back on Fairy. His mind is racing with what''s just happened, but he puts it in the back of his mind. There was too much to think about right now¡ªhe just wants to be home.

    As he finally made his way to the cave''s entrance, he could hear the comforting sound of crackling flames from the fire within. The warmth beckons to him, and he eagerly steps inside.

    He sheds his frost-encrusted clothes before setting a pot of water to boil. As it begins to bubble, the cave becomes misty with steam and the scent of lavender. He douses himself with the hot water, vigorously scrubbing.

    As rivulets of scorching water run down his body, Eben is struck by a sudden impulse¡ªhe knows precisely what he yearns for, what will completely erase all thoughts of Sheppard. He sets about preparing himself, hopeful that his efforts will be received well by Adder.

    When he enters the gorgon''s lair, pink and clean, he smiles at the sight of his friend sleeping soundly in his nest. The half-elf squats, gently shaking the gorgon''s shoulder.

    "Adder," Eben whispers, "wake up."

    The gorgon grumbles sleepily. "Eben...you''re back. How was the celebration?"

    Eben dodges the topic smoothly. They would talk about it, just not right now. "I brought you presents. Adler''s family got you something."

    Adder sits up, drowsiness leaving at the promise of gifts. "Really???"

    Eben chuckles at the man''s excitement. "Here, take them. I''ll close my eyes while you take a look."

    Adder takes the items. The half-elf can hear Adder''s tail swishing happily. "Oh, Eben... your art has improved. It''s beautiful..."

    "What did Adler''s family get you?" Eben asks, curious.

    There''s a shuffle of sound as Adder opens the burlap. "Oh! It''s a book, The Tale of Morthall and Giakora, this is my favorite story! It''s so romantic!"

    "Isn''t that myth about Giakora kidnapping Morthall?"

    "Shush. It''s got a happy ending, so it''s okay."

    The half-elf snorts. "Merry Mortfall, Adder."

    The gorgon pulls Eben into a warm embrace. "Thank you for waking me up. It''s been five long years since I''ve been able to celebrate Mortfall." He pauses for a moment, "Oh, I forgot¡ªyou can open your eyes now."

    As Eben opens his eyes, he''s met with the sight of Adder''s joyful expression. The half-elf can''t help but smile back. "Of course. I''m just a little sad I didn''t get you something better...Your gift took much longer to make than mine."

    "It''s okay, I''m just glad to spend time with you." the gorgon smiles.

    The saccharine nature of his friend makes Eben''s heart pound. He flushes, licking his lips as he tries to think of a good way to propose his idea.

    "I''d like to give you something else if you''re up for it." he purrs.

    The gorgon cocks his head innocently. "I''d love anything you gave me, Eben."

    The half-elf grins, leaning forward as he caresses the gorgon''s hand. "Have you ever gone all the way with someone, Adder?"

    Scales shift as Adder nervously straightens his blindfold. "You mean, um, sex right?"

    "You know me, of course I mean sex." Eben teases.

    "You don''t have to do that just for me..."

    "You act as if it would be some trial," Eben snorts. "Trust me, it would be enjoyable for us both."

    The half-elf loops his arms around the gorgon''s neck, fingers smoothings dark locks. "Tonight though, I''ll let you do whatever you want. Sound good?"

    Adder seems incredibly flustered, the tip of his tail rapidly twitching as blood colors alabaster skin. "I''d love to but, ah, don''t you need to prepare for that kinda thing?"

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "I did, while you were asleep," Eben whispers, "I''m ready to go if you are."

    The gorgon''s blush deepens. "A bit presumptuous, don''t you think?"

    "Well, we can just lay down and read that book, if you prefer." Eben jests, sitting back.

    "Ah, no! Your idea is good."

    The half-elf smirks salaciously, undressing before pushing Adder to lie down. He straddles the gorgon, sighing breathily when he feels the man''s hardness beneath him.

    The gorgon lifts a hand, tenderly cradling Eben''s face. The half-elf cups the palm, smiling at the tender action as he brings the gorgon''s hand to his lips to delicately kiss the sharp claws.

    "What should we do? Any requests?"

    Adder shivers underneath him, hands cupping the half-elf''s rump. "I''m have no idea what I''m doing, Eben. This is further than I''ve ever dreamed possible."

    "That reminds me..." The half-elf grins deviously, grinding his hips down in a punishing motion.

    "Last time, you said you dreamt of us kissing..." Eben leans over the man, "I dream of you pinning me down and fucking me until I can''t speak."

    "That can be arranged." Adder growls.

    The gorgon swiftly reverses their positions, pressing the redhead into the soft furs and blankets.

    Eben''s wrists lay locked under the heavy grip of the man. The gorgon looms above him, dark hair falling like a curtain.

    The half-elf wriggles his hands experimentally, noting that he has no hope of freeing himself from the iron-like grip. Well, no hope unless he asks, of course. Adder is too soft to deny him that.

    Still, the hold on him tightens as he wiggles in vain.

    "Afraid I might escape?" Eben jokes, fingers flexing.

    Adder doesn''t take the bait. Instead, the gorgon lowers his lips to Eben''s, giving the half-elf a tender kiss.

    The sensation of Adder''s lips on his is intoxicating, innocent as it is. But obviously Eben can''t resist corrupting it by opening his mouth, swiping his tongue across soft lips.

    The gorgon gives a rumbling growl, deepening the kiss and slicking his pronged tongue into Eben''s mouth. He gasps, trembling under Adder as his body sings from just the clumsy kisses.

    He sincerely doubts anyone else in the world could make him feel like this.

    The gorgon repositions them, releasing his wrists as a strong tail slithers under Eben, gently coming to wrap around his neck.

    The half-elf shivers at the action, only Adder could be so domineering yet still so tender. Eben sighs, hand caressing the scales around his throat.

    "Is that comfortable?" Adder asks.

    Eben smiles at the gorgon''s careful consideration. "Yes, it feels wonderful."

    Adder smiles, coils squeezing with just the barest amount of pressure around his neck. "That''s good. Please tell me if you want me to stop."

    The half-elf wriggles impatiently in Adder''s grasp. "I will. Now please start, I can''t wait any longer."

    "Yes." Adder growls.

    Eben gasps as the gorgon manipulates his body like a puppet, tail slowly bringing him down on Adder''s arousal. He trembles at the feeling, goosebumps breaking out across his body. It''s been way too long.

    The gorgon starts with a gentle pace, rhythmically rocking into the half-elf. "Ah, Eben..."

    Eben lets out a breathy giggle at the sound.

    The gorgon sighs, leaning his face closer. "Don''t laugh at me..."

    The half-elf wiggles his hips, causing Adder to hiss with pleasure.

    Eben pulls his friend down by the horns, kissing him deeply before releasing him. "I''m sorry, you''re just cute."

    Adder gives a feral growl, causing Eben to laugh again.

    "Only you would say that Eben..." The gorgon groans. "Only you...I thought I would die before anyone would agree to do this with me..."

    Eben grins, focusing on the rising pleasure the gorgon is inspiring. "I doubt it, Adder. You''re¡ªah¡ªso beautiful, someone would''ve fallen into your coils eventually."

    The larger man gives another bestial growl that hums through the half-elf. "No Eben, I don''t want anyone else. I want you. Only you."

    Eben''s heart jumps at the declaration. "You don''t mean that. You just¡ªAh!"

    The gorgon interrupts with a sharp thrust that makes him see stars. The half-elf grabs onto the tail around his neck as Adder takes his revenge by grinding deeply into his captive.

    The gorgon''s voice dips to a sinful pitch. "Don''t play with me like that, Eben. Don''t tell me how I feel."

    The half-elf whimpers as Adder speeds up the pace. "Adder¡ª" he cries.

    He lets his head fall back as pleasure wracks his brain. His mind goes blank, eyes glazing over with lust as every sound, touch, and sight seems to echo deliciously through his body.

    Suddenly though the pleasurable assault stops, leaving Eben shivering and desperate in the man''s coils. His heart thuds as his friend sits up, stripping his blindfold away.

    "Close your eyes," Adder commands.

    Biting his lip, Eben does as he''s told. "They''re closed."

    He jolts as the tail shifts once more, curling beneath him to cradle his head and body.

    Eben blushes as Adder leans back, almost certain he can feel the powerful eyes of the gorgon roaming his body.

    "Adder," he moans, "c''mon, move."

    A clawed hand gently scrapes down Eben''s front. "You said I could do whatever I want. I want to do this."

    Before the former bandit can retort, Adder kisses down the sensitive column of Eben''s throat, his hand sliding to the half-elf''s hip. Eben moans, unable to do anything but twitch and whimper at the kind touches.

    "Is this okay?" Adder asks, voice husky.

    "Yes, keep going" Eben begs brokenly.

    Adder takes Eben''s arousal in hand, stroking slowly. The half-elf shivers and twitches as the gorgon takes him apart, the slow pace making him feel insane.

    The gorgon''s lips move down Eben''s heaving chest, fangs carefully brushing up against soft skin. He pauses his administrations below the belt to tease the half-elf with his mouth.

    The every brush or tongue and lips leaves Eben jolting and shuddering as endorphins flood his body. It''s too much yet not enough, leaving the man desperate for more.

    Finally, the torture ends as Adder moans, thrusts beginning again with renewed vigor. "Who else could I want after you? After this?"

    "Adder, don''t say that..."

    The gorgon growls ferally, becoming more and more frenzied as he gets closer to his release. "Why not? You take care of me¡ªyou protect me..."

    "Adder..." Eben whispers hoarsely.

    The gorgon''s grip on the half-elf''s hips tighten to a deliciously bruising force. "I need you! You''re mine!"

    "Adder...!"

    The possessive claim over the half-elf sends him tumbling over the edge. He keens lowly as the gorgon follows shortly after, growling into Eben''s ear as he pants.

    In the afterglow, they both lay trembling and wrecked.

    Adder pulls out slowly with a groan, leaning down for a kiss as his clawed hand gently combs through orange locks.

    With the tender touches, Eben feels his stomach drop as a flood of emotion ravages his mind. Before he can help it, hot tears are spilling down his cheeks.

    "Eben?!"

    Adder quickly sits him up, hands gently holding the smaller man''s face. "Eben, what¡ªdid I hurt you?"

    "No..."

    Adder wipes away the tears, carefully minding his deadly-sharp claws. "Was it¡ªwas it what I said?"

    "No," Eben gasps, "please hold me."

    Adder does as requested, holding the half-elf securely in his arms.

    Slowly, the tide of emotions slows and calms as Eben focuses on the sound of Adder''s heartbeat.

    "It''s okay, it''s going to be okay." The gorgon rumbles.

    Eben opens his mouth to say it''s not going to be okay. He wants to scream that Sheppard is going to separate them, that Daisy and Fern are going to die, and that Adder will be reduced to a weapon of death.

    But that''s not what comes out.

    "I love you." He croaks.

    Adder''s embrace turns constricting as he inhales sharply. His voice wavers. "Do you really?"

    Eben breathes deeply, sighing as one more tear escapes his eyes. "Yes."

    "I love you too," Adder gasps. "I love you."

    The half-elf had his suspicions, but hearing it confirmed makes his heart sing brightly. He buries his face in the crook of the gorgon''s neck, savoring this moment. He knew all too well that tomorrow could very well bring the end of this fragile bubble of happiness.

    The harsh reality does nothing to stop his joy though. He had been prepared to die alone in this world, even a moment of love was more than he''d ever expected.

    So whatever pain the future would bring, it was worth it.

    <figure></figure>

 Warmed Stone

    As Eben awakens cradled against the gorgon''s chest, a surge of fond emotions overtakes his mind as he recalls the new developments in his love life.

    It seemed amazing, impossible, wonderful¡ªEben was in love, in love with someone who returned his feelings. He hugs the gorgon tightly against his chest, feeling his heart pound wildly.

    In spite of the warm feelings though, a cold spike of fear interrupts the moment as he remembers the rest of last night''s events. Sheppard had not only condemned Daisy and Fern to death, but had declared that Adder would be the one to put them down.

    The idea was horrific. Adder already seemed to detest killing, and now Sheppard wanted to make him petrify two innocent women? It would break the man, he wouldn''t be able to do it.

    The sinking feelings only grow worse as Eben remembers the priest''s command¡ª

    Keep Adder in line, make sure he does as he''s told...

    Rage boils in his heart as the full implications of that demand come to light. Did that disgusting priest want Eben to convince Adder to kill them?

    He wouldn''t do it. He couldn''t do it...not to Adder, not ever. But that''s not even the only issue to consider. He couldn''t dance around the topic any longer¡ªhe had to confront Adder about his loyalty to Sheppard before it was too late.

    The idea sets his stomach roiling uncomfortably. Every time the topic has been broached, the gorgon reacted poorly. What would he do if Eben forced him to choose?

    The half-elf sighs, rising from the warm nest. At least he had some time before Adder would awaken again. That would give him time to prepare.

    But when the gorgon next rises, Eben doesn''t bring it up. Nor Does he the next time, or the time after that..

    He hates himself for putting off this vital conversation, but he just can''t bring himself to shatter the peace. He''s only just earned Adder''s heart, did he really have to risk losing the potentially last precious weeks with his lover?

    So Eben postpones the conversation. Every time the gorgon awakens, the half-elf makes sure to soak in as much of his beloved monster as he can.

    But soon, the first weak rays of spring begin warming the earth. Birds begin to flit about wildly building their nests as the snow starts to slow. The world is awakening once more, eager to reintroduce N?dre Tor to life that had lay dormant all winter.

    Eben is out of time.

    Today, the half-elf is in the garden, surveying the slowly melting snow when Adder emerges from the cave.

    The gorgon pulls Eben into a warm embrace, affectionately kissing his crown. "Good morning."

    "It''s nearly midday, you lazy lizard."

    Adder stretches, giving a mighty yawn. "Lizard? I''m offended, you forest gnome."

    Eben chuckles. "This gnome was about to have some bread and cheese. Would you like to join me? I found a sunny spot for you to bask in."

    Adder grins. "I know exactly where you''re speaking of. Near the deer, right? I''ll bring the food and meet you there."

    "Sounds like a plan."

    They meet a few minutes later as planned. The gorgon stretches out on the smooth rock, enjoying the warm rays of sunlight as Eben eats his lunch.

    Adder looks so beautiful like this, content and glowing. It makes Eben''s heart ache sweetly at the sight. Who wouldn''t be entranced?

    But he has to ruin this perfect moment. There would never be a right time to tell Adder¡ªhe just had to do it.

    So after the food had been shared, he takes a deep breath and starts. "Adder...we need to talk."

    The gorgon sits up, frowning in concern at Eben''s anxious tone. "Of course, what is it?"

    the half-elf grits his teeth. "Spring is coming soon...Sheppard is going to force me to leave you. You know I¡ª" the half-elf''s voice cracks. "You know I don''t want to go, right?"

    Pain splashes across Adder''s face. He pulls his lover into a gentle hug, giving a strong squeeze. "I know. I don''t want you to leave either...perhaps Father Sheppard will permit you to visit..."

    Eben pulls away, trying to keep calm. "He won''t, Adder. Sheppard is¡ªhe''s using you, and he''s going to try and use me too."

    Adder turns his face away, clenching his fists. "This again?"

    Eben continues, determined. "At Mortfall mass...He announced the nuns, Daisy and Fern, will be executed by you during Koranalia."

    Eben pauses, fisting his scarf in anger.

    "He had the statues of all the creatures you killed lined up around his pulpit¡ªhe wants to put on some¡­twisted show to intimidate the villagers, and I think now that he knows I can do magic, he has similar plans for me."

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    Adder is silent, face pinched. Eben tries to hold the gorgon''s hand, only for the man to flinch away. "...He has his reasons, I''m sure..."

    The half-elf¡¯s patience is wearing thin now. "What reasons could there be, Adder?! Two innocent women will die by your hand if you don''t stand up to him!"

    "Sheppard was the one to stop me from killing more innocents when I arrived here," Adder growls."He helped me learn all I know about the pantheon, and helped me see I could be more than my nature...How can I¡ªhow can I trust your word?"

    Hurt stabs Eben in the heart. Adder didn''t believe him¡­ "So you think I''m lying?"

    Adder adjusts his blindfold, coiling protectively around himself. "No I¡ªI don''t know. He told me that you might try anything to escape, I..."

    The gorgon''s voice breaks. "You could just be trying to escape. Why would you want to stay trapped here with me?"

    Pent-up fury bubbles up in Eben, unwilling to be suppressed anymore.

    "You want the truth?" Eben growls. "I was planning my escape. When I first came here, I made it my goal to manipulate you into freeing me."

    When Adder makes a pained expression, Eben grabs the gorgon''s hand, squeezing it. "But I changed, Adder. You changed me because I started to feel things for you that I''ve never felt before. I wanted to be someone who deserves your love."

    When Adder doesn''t respond, Eben caresses the man''s face. "Please believe me, I''m telling the truth!"

    The gorgon pulls away from the half-elf. "I don''t know what to believe..."

    "Adder, please!"

    Emotions are swirling in Eben, ravaging his heart. How can he convey that he has nothing but love for the gorgon? What combination of words will describe how much he needs to protect, care for, and

    The half-elf screams in pain as that bright, burning power returns, burning fiery paths down his veins. The magic is roiling inside of him, scratching at the corners of his mind wildly as it searches for a way out.

    "Eben?!"

    The gorgon steadies the man as he sways. The action only seems to cause more pain in the half-elf. Even now Adder is gentle and kind¡­He deserves more than being alone for the rest of his life, than killing innocents for a disgusting man!

    The half-elf screams, falling to his knees as the shockwave bursts from him uncontrollably. Adder is knocked back by the force as the air shimmers and twists wildly.

    A few excruciating moments later, Eben opens his eyes, gasping and shivering.

    Eben runs to his lover. "Adder, I''m sorry, are you hurt?"

    But Adder doesn''t respond. His mouth is gaping, head turned toward the road.

    The half-elf follows his line of sight, gasping at what he sees.

    Wobbly-footed and frightened, are two freshly unpetrified deer.

    "Did you do that?" Adder asks, voice faint.

    "I don''t know I¡ª" Eben jolts, surprised as the animals bound away into the forest.

    "You reversed it." The gorgon whispers. "He told me it couldn''t be done, that it was permanent no matter what..."

    Eben opens his mouth to reply but is interrupted by a sound that rings out high and strange in the weak sunlight.

    "Adder...?" A female voice calls.

    The gorgon stiffens. "Oh, Gods!"

    He races off toward the sound, Eben close behind. As they approach the source, both freeze in shock a few yards from the cave.

    There, at the entrance is Helia.

    Not her statue. Helia, in the flesh and blood, is standing at the entrance leaning on a stone wall. When her dark eyes spot them, she smiles, attempting to step toward her son. But she staggers and falls to her knees instead.

    Eben approaches her cautiously, extending a hand to the woman.

    Helia accepts it without hesitation, smiling kindly as he pulls her up. "Help me get to him." She whispers.

    The half-elf does just that, allowing the woman to use him as a crutch as they slowly cross the icy divide. When they finally make it to the gorgon, his blindfold is wet as Helia releases the half-elf and makes her way to Adder.

    The gorgon flinches as her arms wrap around the monster¡¯s torso. "Oh, Adder, I''m sorry..." she whispers.

    The dam seems to break as Adder begins to heave and sob, picking up the small woman off her the ground. The woman laughs as she''s lifted. As she embraces her son, she glances at Eben. Her eyes sparkle wisely as she meets his eyes.

    Eben can only stare at the touching reunion, gobsmacked. Has he really done this?

    The embrace lasts until the woman, improperly dressed for the cold, begins to shiver in Adder''s arms.

    The gorgon carries her inside to the kitchen, setting her down reverently at the table. The woman groans, pained at the action.

    "Are you hurt?" Eben asks.

    The elder shakes her head. "It''s just my sickness flaring up¡ªmy joints, they ache terribly if I don''t keep up with my treatments."

    Eben nods. "I''ll make you some willow bark tea. Do you want something to eat?"

    The woman nods. "Yes please."

    "Adder? Want anything?"

    The gorgon shakes his head, numb. The half-elf decides to make him some chamomile anyway to soothe the man''s nerves.

    "Helia how¡ª" Adder stutters "¡ªhow is this possible?"

    The woman smiles. "I had faith the Goddess of love would bring us back together, and she did."

    She glances at Eben. "She sent this one, as I predicted."

    "As you predicted?" Eben questions.

    Helia nodded. "I didn''t have the ability to do what must be done, so I made my prayer to Giakora. She promised me she would send someone with the power to help."

    Adder sniffs, still emotional. "Helia, what do you mean? What must be done?"

    Helia frowns, taking Adder''s hands in her own. "Oh, my love...it''s Sheppard. He has to be stopped. He tried to make me do things¡ªterrible things¡ªto you and the village..."

    Adder gives a heaving sigh. "Is that why you¡ªwhy you made me¡ª"

    The elder squeezes the gorgon''s hand, eyes downcast. "I''m so sorry for making you do that. I knew that it was the only way to stop him from using me against you, while still giving me a slim chance of survival."

    Eben''s thoughts are swirling rapidly. "But you knew I was coming? Giakora...she made me fall in love with Adder so I would help you?"

    The woman blinks, surprised. "Yes, I received a vision of a half-elf being captured by the village but¡ª"

    She grins widely. "You''re in love? I don''t think she predicted that at all. She''s the Goddess of platonic, familial, and romantic love...I believe she expected that you would naturally fall into that first category¡­"

    Eben flushes. "Oh um¡ª"

    The woman tugs on Adder''s arm. "Is it mutual?"

    Adder has turned a lovely shade of pink by now. "Uh, ah, yes. Eben is my...partner..."

    Eben''s face heats more. They hadn''t put a label on things yet, and now Adder was here telling his mother they were together. It makes his stomach do happy loops.

    Helia hugs the gorgon tightly. "Oh, my baby, you''re all grown up now. I''m so happy for you."

    Adder wags his tail happily as he''s embraced, causing Eben to smile at the touching scene.

    "Don''t just sit there, boy, get over here!" Helia chides.

    Eben is shocked for a moment before he obeys. Adder swiftly pulls the half-elf into the group hug, beginning to sob again.

    "Thank you," he blubbers, "Thank you Eben..."

    The embrace lasts a long time before finally, the gorgon releases them both. The man''s head is bobbing as he attempts to stay awake.

    The half-elf places a concerned hand on his lover''s bicep. "Adder, you should go back to sleep. it''s not quite spring yet."

    Adder shakes his head. "No, I can''t sleep. I can''t wake up and find her gone."

    Helia hugs her son, dragging him by the arm into his room. "C''mon, someone''s a sleepy, sleepy snake."

    Adder gives a weak "Nooo" as he allows her to drag him to bed. Eben chuckles, permitting them to have a moment together alone as he finishes his tea.

    When she returns she sits down, determined brown eyes meeting Eben''s. She grins, hands steepled. "You and I, young man, have a lot to discuss."

 Ecdysis

    Scratchy growled angrily as Eben approached the coop.

    The half-elf glares at the bird. "Ungrateful, aren''t you? I should roast you, you foul fowl."

    Scratchy doesn''t respond to the threats, only pecking the dirt as he searches for worms.

    Helia laughs as she emerges from the coop with the basket. "I think you''d make Adder upset if you did that."

    Eben chuckles, throwing the rest of the feed before taking his place beside the elder. They walk together on the trail, the half-elf taking note of how a few opportunistic plants are already pushing through the snow.

    However, as they near the entrance of Adder''s home, the woman takes a right turn away from the cave.

    Eben follows. "Where are you going?"

    Helia smiles. "Where are we going, my dear. We are going to talk about our plans and your powers."

    Eben''s heart thuds. After yesterday''s hectic events, the half-elf had been kept awake all night thinking of questions to ask the woman. However, he''d kept them to himself. There was no need to harangue the woman for answers when she''d only just awoken from a five-year slumber.

    Helia finds a peaceful clearing in the forest for them. There''s a rocky outcropping of smooth stone here, and Helia sits cross-legged, placing the basket before her.

    "Come now, child. Don''t be shy, sit with me."

    Eben nods, sitting across from the elder. She smiles pleasantly at the half-elf''s obedience. "Eben, please tell me, what do you understand about your powers?

    The half-elf twiddles with the hem of his pants. "Not much, to be honest. I know it''s activated by emotions...but that''s about it. I have no control over it at all..."

    Helia nods as she sifts through the eggs. She holds up several toward the sky, holding each one close to her eye. She must find one she likes because the woman smiles and hands a speckled green egg to Eben.

    The half-elf accepts the egg quizzically. Why was Helia giving him this?

    The woman motions to the egg. "Go ahead. Try to hatch it."

    Eben blinks. "Hatch it?"

    Helia nods. "It''s fertilized¡ªI can tell."

    The man frowns. "I told you, I don''t know how to use magic, it doesn''t listen to me."

    The woman smiles sympathetically. "Just try on your own first, then I will help you."

    Eben sighs. He closes his eyes, focusing on the feel of the egg in his hands. He breathes deeply, trying to picture a chick growing and developing inside.

    After several minutes of this though, nothing happens. He sighs, aggravated. "Can you tell me what I''m supposed to be doing here?"

    Helia nods, straightening her head cover. "What were you thinking of, the last few times you used your powers?"

    Eben chews his lip, trying to recall exactly what he was feeling. "I was upset..."

    "Why?"

    The half-elf''s face pinches. "Because I wanted to help Adder, but I couldn''t. Because I was too weak..."

    The woman smiles, eyes kind. "He loves you deeply. You know that, right?"

    Eben flushes, heart thundering. "Yes," he whispers.

    "And you return those feelings, don''t you?"

    Eben''s cheeks redden more. Was Helia helping him with his magic, or was she planning to give him the "if you break my son''s heart..." lecture?

    "Yes, I''ve never felt like this about anyone else."

    Helia smiles. "What do you know about gorgons?"

    The half-elf''s eyes dart to the ground. "Not much, I just know what Adder has shared and what the legends say."

    "Gorgons are a unique type of monster," Helia explains. "they''re very fierce predators, but they''re also very social and loving creatures."

    The half-elf laughs. "I knew that much."

    The woman grins. "Did you know that once gorgons find a lover, they mate for life? He''s never going to want to let you go, Eben."

    The words seem to echo in the half-elf''s head, banging around and causing a whole new burst of butterflies in his stomach.

    Despite how happy he''d been to hear Adder loves him, an insidious voice had still whispered darkly that the gorgon would eventually come to his senses. Everyone else he''d ever loved had followed that pattern, so what proof was there that Eben wouldn''t be abandoned once more?

    Now he''s learning that not only did Adder love Eben, but the gorgon would love him for the rest of his life. Could it be true?

    "Eben, focus," Helia commands. "Use what you''re feeling, if you can do this, you can save him."

    The half-elf grits his teeth, tensing. He needs to do this¡ªhe needs to save Adder! Sheppard will not take Eben from the man he loves!"

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    Suddenly, he gasps as the bright feeling of magic seems to gather in his chest, goosebumps rising on his skin as the air around them seems to shimmer and ripple around them.

    Attempting to keep focus, he closes his eyes and thinks of the gorgon, his love, and their future together. What would they do once they were free of Sheppard''s clutches?

    He needs to show Adder how beautiful life can be¡ªhow beautiful it can be every day, not just in short spurts between bloody battles. His lover deserved a life of peace, joy, and love, surrounded by a family who will never abandon him again...

    As these thoughts church in his mind, the magic builds like a mighty wave, crest rushing its way through each molecule of his being to simmer under his skin.

    Eben opens his eyes to see that golden light is spilling from his cupped hands, casting a brilliant amber hue on both of their faces.

    He gasps as his hands grow hot, the light increasing to an almost unbearable intensity.

    He''s doing it! Eben''s controlling the magic! Slowly, as the rush of emotions slows, the egg fades back to its normal hue.

    Eben watches it anxiously. Did it work? Did he do it right?

    His questions are answered by a quiet sound¡ªfrom behind the eggshell he hears an urgent "peep, peep, peep!"

    The half-elf''s eyes widen in disbelief as from the egg, hatches a small, shivering chick. Immediately he cups the small bird more securely, trying to warm it with his hands.

    "Do you understand, Eben?" Helia asks.

    When the man shakes his head, the woman clasps her hands. "Elf magic is sourced from the love Giakora has for her creations. But half-elves are different¡ªthe goddess of love wanted to protect half-elves, as they are the ultimate symbol of love persevering despite it all..."

    Helia leans over, opening Eben''s palms. The little chick is snuggled up, enjoying the heat of his hands. She glances at the small creature before her eyes meet Eben''s.

    "Instead of sourcing your power from Giakora, you source your power from the people who love you."

    Eben blanches. "So every time I used magic, it was because Adder loves me?"

    Helia nods. "Because of Adder and anyone else who holds love in their heart for you."

    Helia releases the half-elf''s hands, leaning back.

    "This power is strong, Eben, but because of its source most cannot use it selfishly. This magic will only obey you when you believe you are protecting your loved ones."

    The woman''s face darkens. "That''s why Sheppard is so dangerous."

    The half-elf tilts his head, confused. "What do you mean?"

    "Sheppard is like you, Eben. He''s a half-elf who has decided that he loves himself more than any god or mortal."

    Helia''s face turns enraged. "His unrepentant narcissism has made him stronger beyond belief."

    Eben tenses. He couldn''t be hearing this right, Sheppard is a half-elf? "But his ears¡ª"

    "I changed them, at his request."

    The woman''s face paints a story of rage and sorrow as her voice wavers. "When he first came to N?dre Tor he was¡ªhe was so different. I wanted to do anything to make him happy...I loved him, Eben, but rose-colored glasses prevented me from seeing the truth of who he was."

    Eben grimaces. All his life, he''d never come across another half-elf. He had spent years, decades, hoping to find a kindred spirit. Of course, instead of finding someone normal, he''d get Father Sheppard.

    "You need to practice, Eben. If you let fear overtake your heart while casting your magic, you will lose."

    The graying woman''s eyes shift to the snake on Eben''s throat. "That may also prove to be an issue. You will need to catch him off guard so he doesn''t have an opportunity to strangle you.

    The half-elf nods grimly. "I understand."

    "You can do it, Eben. You can''t lose now that he loves you¡ª" Helia takes Eben''s hands in her own, giving a soft smile. "¡ªand anyone who my son loves has my love as well."

    Eben''s eyes go misty. "Thank you, Helia. I''ll make sure I''m worthy of it."

    The half-elf takes the woman''s advice to heart. Every morning, from sunrise to sunset, he vigorously practices until he is panting with exhaustion.

    Now that he understands his powers, they seem to obey him much more. Although, his growth seems outpaced by the thawing of the snow. He needs more time to prepare himself to duel with the high priest, but time is running out.

    On the eve of Koranalia, he''s pushing himself to the limit as he desperately tries in these last few hours to bring his skills up to par with Sheppard. The clearing around him has become a smoldering black spot, all plant life decimated by his wild power.

    Eben is panting, muscles protesting every movement, but he can''t stop. Not when so much is at stake. The half-elf focuses his mind, feeling the fiery power build up within him once more. He unleashes it in a vicious blast that shakes the nearby trees, sending leaves and limbs flying.

    He feels a sense of satisfaction at his progress, but it''s short-lived as he realizes he''s still not strong enough. Could he really protect Adder with this? From the man who could knock a woman unconscious with a flick of his hand?

    "That was a big one!"

    Eben turns around. There on the path is Adder, smiling cheerily. The half-elf sighs as his lover approaches.

    "Adder, I told you to stay away, it''s dangerous."

    The gorgon tilts his head in an adorably curious fashion. "It''s powered by my love. Would it really hurt me?"

    Eben goes red in the face. "We can''t be sure....I just want to make sure you stay safe. Anyway, did you need something?"

    The gorgon nods. "Helia told me to bring you back for dinner."

    The half-elf frowns. "I''m not done here yet, there''s still light out."

    "She told me to not come back unless I brought you with me," Adder chuckles, "she''s angry that you skipped lunch.

    Eben rolls his eyes, but his growling stomach angrily demands he give in. "Okay, just wait a moment."

    He closes his eyes, envisioning what he wants as he focuses. He thinks of Helia carefully preparing a meal for him, preparing to host the former bandit like he was part of the family...

    The magic runs through his veins once more, this time like a gentle and warm stream.

    Around him, greenery begins to sprout from the blackened earth. Life overtakes the dead, transforming the damaged area into a lush and beautiful patch of lavender flowers.

    Eben picks a stalk, handing it to his beloved. "Let''s go, I''m starving."

    Adder smiles, holding the lavender to his nose as they travel back.

    Helia is cross with him when they arrive, but the woman still serves Eben a heaping portion of casserole. The half-elf nearly cries at the melody of flavor that his spoon introduces to his mouth. Chicken and mushroom blend into a savory meal that instantly comforts and soothes.

    As far as last meals go, this one was pretty good. The delicious food is complemented by the wonderful company, heart swelling with warmth as he watches Adder and Helia interact. The gorgon looks happier than ever, animatedly discussing how Eben had magically assisted with hatching a whole flock of new chicks.

    However, the joy is intermingled with an undercurrent of anxiety and dread.

    He wants to crystallize this sweet moment and live in it forever. He doesn''t want to frightening and unknown fate he will face tomorrow.

    Unfortunately though, Eben''s powers are not strong enough to stop time.

    After they finish up, he and Adder head to their curling up together in their bed. The gorgon holds Eben securely, hands delicately tracing his skin.

    The half-elf can tell Adder is not trying to arouse him. The touches are gentle, staying safely away from erogenous zones. No, the gorgon is only trying to memorize the shape of his beloved...

    In case this is the last time they lay together.

    Adder breaks the silence, voice soft. "Eben, I''m sorry."

    The half-elf smiles, kissing Adder. "What do you think you need to apologize for?"

    "I didn''t believe you...I accused you of lying to me..."

    Eben snorts, cupping Adder''s jaw. "I forgive you. It''s hardly the worst betrayal I''ve experienced. At least you didn''t stab me and try to steal my horse."

    The gorgon growls, pulling the half-elf securely against him. "I usually feel bad about petrifying people. I do not feel bad for petrifying the man who did that to you."

    A loud laugh is torn from the half-elf. "So protective, Adder."

    "You deserve to be protected," The gorgon whispers, "I''ve never felt so sure about anything else."

    Eben wraps his arms around his lover''s neck, kissing Adder once more.

    He knows intimately how the gorgon feels.

 Ouroboros

    The arrival of spring brings with it a flurry of butterflies, their colorful wings fluttering in the warm sunlight as they rejoice in Giakora''s victory over winter. Eben watches with clenched teeth as nature''s beauty plays out before him, the vibrant display of life a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside him.

    The fear of leaving Adder all alone grips Eben''s heart, stealing his breath. He laughs at the ridiculousness of this all, despite the pain. Once fearless in the face of death, Eben now feels weakened by the weight of what he stands to lose.

    Death is no longer an option, not when it means leaving Adder alone again. He must stay alive to protect those he loves, no matter the cost.

    When it comes time to leave for the festival, both Helia and Adder squeeze him in a constricting hug. They don''t say much, as nobody wants to cement their fates by saying goodbye...It doesn''t matter anyway though¡ªsince they will all see each other at the festival one way or another.

    So he mounts Fairy, dashing off towards the village. Eben has no desire to be there sooner than he needs to, but he knows he''ll lose his nerve if he doesn''t get there quickly. So the half-elf urges the dappled mare onward, crushing wildflowers under her hooves as they pelt through the woods toward their fate.

    As Eben passes through the stone gates, his scowl deepens as he takes in the festive decorations of N?dre Tor for Koranelia. Pastel banners flutter in the breeze, flowers adorn every corner, and altars overflow with wine, pastries, and roasted meats.

    It''s a picturesque scene, with the jubilant rays of sunlight dancing among the ornamented streets, but it only serves to make the half-elf more enraged at the tastelessness of it all...two women were sentenced to die today, how could they decorate so gayly?

    However, the crowds around him don''t seem all that cheerful, either. Fear and desperation is palpable in the air, as if the villagers know this is a turning point for their home¡ªonce the madman used Adder against Daisy and Fern, there was no going back. Nobody would be safe.

    The half-elf shifts uneasily in his saddle, the tension in the air only adding to his anxiety. Besides saving Adder, the whole town was at stake...If he failed, they were all doomed.

    Thankfully, a familiar sound rings out above the worried murmurs of the crowd, ripping Eben from the vicious cycle of dread and fear.

    "Eben!" A male voice calls out.

    The half-elf turns his head towards the sound. Adler is waving, little Kora at his side. Eben makes his way to the pair, dismounting Fairy. "Adler, Kora, greetings."

    "Hello, Eben." Adler greets solemnly.

    "I didn''t think I''d see you here, to be honest," Eben admits.

    The artisan grits his teeth, eyes on the ground. "Attendance is mandatory. If we stayed home and anyone reported it to Sheppard..."

    Adler doesn''t finish, but the pinching of Kora''s face tells the half-elf they both understand what could happen. Midnight mass had taught them both well the consequence of opposing the corrupt priest...Eben could only pray that Jacqueline wasn''t being mistreated in Sheppard''s clutches.

    After stabling Fairy, the three head towards the celebration. A crowd has gathered in the center of town around an enormous Maypole bedecked in pastel pinks, greens, and yellows.

    However, the sight of the Maypole seems to inspire fear rather than joy in the townsfolk, and as Eben gets closer, he soon understands why. Bile rushes up his throat as he spots, to his horror, Daisy and Fern tied to the base.

    They look ragged¡ªhair hanging limply over empty eyes as they slump weakly against their constraints. To his growing dread, the half-elf realizes that the women appear to have undergone a brutal beating, blue-black bruises mottling every visible inch of skin.

    Even so, as both women tremble in pain and fear, their hands are tightly entwined. Eben thinks of Daisy''s feelings for her friend. Did she ever get to confess?

    The half-elf grits his teeth¡ªIt didn''t matter, she would get another chance even if she didn''t. Eben would make sure of that.

    Suddenly, the worried murmurs of the crowd go silent as Sheppard makes his way to the front of the maypole, raising his hands.

    "My loyal flock!" The man crows, "I welcome you to another beautiful Koranelia!"

    The crowd cheers, but as Eben studies the faces of the group, he sees many fearful and blank faces.

    Sheppard silences the crowd, raising his hand before continuing. "This celebration marks yet another year that Giakora has subdued death. Another year that N?dre Tor has persisted despite the attempts of the great deceiver to send us to ruin."

    The man pauses, viridian eyes gleaming with an unsettling glee. "However just as life persists, so does death. It is a give-and-take that we all must learn to embrace. For that reason, we offer two women convicted of crimes against N?dre Tor to Goddess of spring."

    Sheppard turns to face the crowd lifting both arms gleefully. "In doing so, we remind Giakora of her place beside her husband, and ourselves of the futility of struggling against the natural order. Rejoice, my children, for with death life begins anew!"

    As the priest''s words end, the villagers fall to their knees and cover their eyes at the sound of the church bells. Even Sheppard shuts his eyes, still grinning manically as he anticipates the arrival of Adder.

    However, Eben''s eyes remain open. As the sound of Adder grows nearer, the half-elf tenses.

    It''s time.

    The villagers tremble and hold onto each other as Adder approaches the town square, Helia held securely in his arms. He sets the woman down in the crowd, turning his head towards Eben for a moment before approaching Sheppard.

    The priest''s unsettling grin grows as the gorgon approaches. "Adder, welcome to Koranelia."

    Adder is tense, taking a moment to breathe deeply before he responds. "Hello, Father. What is it you require of me?"

    "These women have transgressed against us, my child," Sheppard''s voice dips into an uncanny pitch, hands clenched. "Do what you must; protect this village."

    Adder pauses before he approaches the women. Both Daisy and Fern are quivering in their bindings, knuckles white as they hold onto each other tightly.

    The gorgon grimaces at the display of fear, claws quietly attempting to untie their bindings without alerting the priest.

    However, the vile man is not so easily tricked.

    "Adder," Sheppard snarls, "I said do your job. Kill them, now."

    The gorgon jumps at the command, hesitating for a moment before his face hardens. He tears the bindings off with a ripping sound, turning to face Sheppard.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "My job," he snarls, "is to protect villagers, not kill them. I''m done being your pawn, Father."

    Villagers gasp at the gorgon''s defiance as Sheppard''s face twists into an ugly mask of rage. "You dare, you beastly creature? How many died at your hand?! How many more would have, if it had not been for me?!"

    Eben gasps as magic swirls in the air, goosebumps raising as he feels the malice and ill-intent emanating from Sheppard.

    "You owe me, you monster!" Sheppard shouts.

    Suddenly, the high pitch of Helia''s voice rings out into the air. "We all know who the real monster is!"

    Sheppard tenses at the sound of her voice. "Helia how¡ª"

    "How did you tell them I died, Sheppard? Did you really tell them my son killed me in a fit of rage?" Helia snarls, "You are nothing but a coward and a liar! Tell them what really happened to me, tell them what you really are!"

    "Witchcraft!" Sheppard roars. "Echoes of the dead, be gone!"

    Helia doesn''t hesitate. Reaching from her bag, she launches a potion at the man. The glass breaks at his feet, causing him to cough and cover his mouth at the acidic fumes.

    Taking his cue, Eben springs into action. His hand flies out as he casts the spell, thinking of thunder and lightning.

    From his hand arcs a brilliant blue bolt of deadly electricity. The magic illuminates the panicked crowd as it crackles fierce and deadly, aiming straight for Sheppard''s heart.

    Villagers scream and run as the Sheppard dodges the attack. Before he can retaliate against the half-elf though, Adder takes the offensive by charging with fangs bared.

    Adder attempts to sink his venomous fangs into Sheppard''s shoulder but misses by a hair''s width when the priest dodges to the side. Sheppard knocks the gorgon back with an invisible barrier, snarling with eyes wide open now.

    Seeing an opportunity, Fern joins the battle astride the hulking form of Daisy. Daisy lunges for Sheppard''s throat, sharp teeth snapping as she seeks blood.

    Sheppard cries out as she rips a chunk of flesh from his arm, retaliating with a searing blast of fire to her snout. Fern seeks vengeance immediately, jumping from her friend''s back to sink her fangs into Sheppard''s shoulder.

    Sheppard howls in pain, flinging the vampire away with a crackle of magic that sends everyone flying.

    Eben is the only one still standing. He uses Sheppard''s pause to launch another attack¡ªThis time he summons a fiery ball, launching it at the priest. It burns a bright green, flames crackling loudly as it sails through the air toward its target.

    Once again though, the man is too quick, magically catching the projectile before extinguishing it in his fist.

    "Enough!" Sheppard bellows, enraged.

    The air shimmers, invisible tentacles seeming to coil around everyone. Eben''s pulse quickens as he jolts fearfully from the sounds of distress from his companions.

    He attempts to cast a spell to respond, but the constriction around his arms and legs causes him to panic. No matter how much he tries, his body can''t help but seize fearfully as he''s paralyzed completely.

    Sheppard is panting, taking only a moment to catch his breath before he flicks his hand, telepathically dragging Eben forward. The half-elf struggles futilely in the grip, desperately attempting to break from the panic seizing his mind. But deep green eyes bore into hazel, instilling bone-deep dread.

    The priest grabs Eben by the face, laughing. "You do one parlor trick and you think yourself ready to face me, whelp?"

    Adder growls and thrashes where he''s kept in a similar hold. "Let him go!"

    Sheppard turns his face towards the gorgon, face morphing into a false look of sadness. He tuts, shaking his head. "And you, Adder, I''m so disappointed. I really thought I could raise a beast to ignore its baser instincts."

    Sheppard cackles again, pulling the gorgon forward. "Well, It wasn''t that much of a waste. I learned a lot from this little experiment¡ªthe next gorgon I hatch will be much more obedient, I hope."

    The priest laughs harder as Adder''s face morphs into horror at the confession. The man cups Adder''s chin, grinning as he closes his eyes and rips the gorgon''s blindfold off. "Before you die though, I have one more job for you."

    Eben''s heart drops into his stomach as his face is brought directly in front of Adder''s. His lover fights against the hold with even more desperation, seeming to understand instantly what the priest intends. "Please, no!"

    "I told you there would be consequences if you ever reverted to your monstrous ways. Now redemption is far beyond you or any of these creatures," Sheppard growls. "Your punishment will be petrifying every one of these vipers before your death."

    Eben squeezes his eyes shut, hyperventilating as he tries digging for his powers once more. But they have fled at the most inopportune moment, leaving him absolutely defenseless against the disgusting man.

    "Please don''t make me do this," Adder sobs, "I love him."

    "Why do you think he''s going first?" Sheppard grins.

    Eben hears Adder start to scream and thrash as the priest exerts his magic on the gorgon. The half-elf can only beg for forgiveness for his failure as he hears his lover cry out in anguish.

    After a few moments filled with the sounds of struggle, Adder quiets down, only snuffling and whimpering now.

    The sound of his dismay fills Eben''s heart with a burning rage that simmers under his skin, but he doesn''t have much time to contemplate his feelings as he feels the slimy force of Sheppard''s magic intrude his body.

    Eben screams as his eyes begin to burn and water¡ªit feels as if someone is digging their fingernails under his eyelids trying to force them open.

    Frantically he begs all the Gods he can name to come to his aid; Giakora, Morthall, Demeterra¡ªhe even makes a plea to the great deceiver¡ªbut nobody answers his desperate prayers.

    His eyes are forced open¡ªhe gapes at the sea of deep vermilion that meets his gaze.

    Adder is crying, tears pouring from brilliant, gold-flecked, ruby-red eyes.

    It''s beautiful, so beautiful that the half-elf smiles and laughs as tears drip down his cheeks.

    Sheppard thought he was doing them such a cruelty¡ªbut here was Eben, dying while looking at the most wonderous thing in the world. As far as deaths go, it was a pretty pleasant way to go out.

    He feels the petrification beginning in his extremities, slowly traveling up his arms and legs. But he doesn''t flinch or resist anymore. He just focuses on his beloved gorgon, fear ebbing away.

    "You''re beautiful, Adder," He whispers.

    Adder laughs, more tears running hot down his cheeks. "Don''t say that. Don''t say that while I kill you."

    Eben smiles more. "It''s true. I''m so glad we met."

    Adder sobs harder, eyelids twitching as he attempts to close them once more. "I love you, Eben. I love you..."

    The half-elf feels the scorching fire of his magic return. It seems to erupt from his chest before following a rapid ascent up to his throat. Eben screams as the curse around his neck seems to writhe and fight with his magic.

    Trembling, Eben gazes downward to witness the tattooed snake coiling around his arms and legs¡ªblack scales now a shimmering golden hue.

    The half-elf gasps, watching how as the winding lines travel across his skin, it reverses the petrification in a tingling motion. Adder watches as well, wet eyes aglow with wonder. His eyes dart to Eben''s, confused.

    But there''s no chance to explain. Glancing over towards Sheppard, Eben notices the priest''s head is cocked as he tries to understand what''s happening. Thinking quickly, the half-elf comes up with a desperate plan.

    "Your magic is too weak, bastard," Eben gloats. "You can''t even make him open his eyes."

    The priest tenses. "What do you speak of!? His eyes are open, foolish child!"

    Eben laughs, trying to keep his anxiety out of his voice. "Then why do I still live? You are weak, Sheppard. Just a pathetic half-elf pretending to be a great man."

    Catching on, Adder joins in. "He tells the truth. Helia has hardened me against your magic. You cannot make me open my eyes."

    The constriction around Eben increases as the priest''s rage grows. "You monsters! I will¡ª"

    "You''ll do what?" Eben growls. "What can a pathetic half-breed pretending to be a human do to me?"

    Sheppard opens his eyes. "I''ll kill y¡ª!"

    The man gasps and stumbles back, magic falling away from Eben and Adder as green eyes meet the enraged carmine of Adder''s irises. Immediately, the priest is casting spells to reverse the petrification, but it''s too late.

    Adder is snarling, pinning Sheppard''s hands to the ground as he brings his face nose to nose with the man. Sheppard is struggling wildly, screaming and thrashing as stone creeps up his skin.

    "No! Get off! Obey me! Get off!" Sheppard screeches pathetically.

    Adder growls, claws piercing the thin skin of the man''s face as the gorgon forces Sheppard jaw to face his.

    The gorgon growls in a horrifically deep pitch that reverberates in the air menacingly. "Open your eyes, Father."

    When the priest continues to struggle, Eben lends a helping hand. Sheppard screams and begs for mercy as his own wicked spell is used against him, eyes forced open.

    "I''m not a monster, you are!" he raves, bloodshot eyes wide now. "Monsters! Monsters! Most¡ª"

    The priest goes silent as his tongue turns to stone.

    Sheppard is dead.

    Adder stays frozen, eyes still staring wide at the petrified man underneath him. He flinches as Eben approaches, covering his face and shrinking away.

    "Don''t¡ªI''ll¡ªI''ll hurt you I don''t¡ª"

    Eben grips the gorgon''s hand, squeezing gently. "You can''t hurt me. Not anymore¡ªlook at me, Adder."

    The gorgon hesitates for a moment before he obeys, hesitantly opening his eyes.

    Eben gazes into the beautiful depths of the red-hued irises, smiling. "It''s okay, it''s okay. I''m here."

    More tears spill from the gorgon''s eyes. "I love you."

    The half-elf wraps his arms around Adder''s neck, pulling his lover into a passionate kiss before he replies. "I love you too."

    Eben smiles as Adder wraps him in a tight hug, sobbing into his shoulder.

    As tears trickle down Eben''s cheeks, he realizes can never leave¡ªhe''s grown too attached, bound to this man forever.

    But it''s not magic that binds him now.

    The half-elf closes his eyes, hugging his lover tightly against his body.

    It''s something stronger.

 Epilogue

    He''s cold.

    Rain is pouring down around him, dense and thick. Rivulets make tiny muddy rivers as the water pours off the stone wall.

    He''s confused. He doesn''t know why he''s here, why he''s alone, or why nobody is answering his cries.

    All he does know is he''s cold, wet, and afraid; but there''s something warm behind the wall. So he''s looking for a way over.

    Finally, he finds it¡ªan opening in the stone and the source of the heat. It''s a man, standing at the entrance.

    The child cries out to the warmth, begging it to come closer.

    However, as the man turns to look, his eyes widen, screaming before becoming still.

    The child babbles, confused. Small, clawed, chubby hands search for the warmth¡ªbut it''s gone.

    It''s gone, and somehow it''s his fault.

    More fat tears start pouring down his face as he desperately searches. Something is wrong, he knows. He''s not meant to be alone, he doesn''t want to be alone...

    But the same thing repeats over and over. Someone hears him, they approach him, and then they go cold as they finally see him.

    His cries only become more desperate with each person. Two, five, ten, twenty¡ªall of them stop, going quiet as the heat fades from them.

    By now, he has given up trying to find someone, just sobbing uncontrollably as he looks for relief from the rain.

    Finally, though, he finds shelter. He wanders inside through the massive doors cautiously, sniffling and whimpering.

    "Oh, you poor thing..."

    The child whips his head around to see a man. He tenses, waiting for the man to go cold, but it never happens.

    The imposing figure smiles, eyes closed.

    "Are you afraid? Come here, poor creature," the man croons.

    The child approaches, hiccuping now as he gets closer. The man squats, opening his arms wide.

    "That''s it, come here you little beast."

    Shyly, the little creature reaches towards one of the hands, gripping the thumb of the man. The man smiles, picking the creature up and cradling it in his arms.

    The child whimpers and sighs, relieved as finally, he receives the comfort he craves.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The little gorgon wraps his tail around the man''s arm, sucking his thumb as he imprints on the warm person holding him.

    The man smiles deviously, finger caressing the wee one''s soft cheek. "I thought you''d be a little more vicious¡ªbut I guess you did the job."

    He grins, face leaning closer to the creature in his arms. "You will serve me well, little Adder."

    Suddenly though, the man''s grip goes hard.

    Adder opens his eyes. He''s no longer being held, he''s hovering over the corpse of Father Sheppard.

    Adder gasps, flinging himself away from the statue, only to be met with another, and another, and another.

    Some of them are bad people or predatory animals, but the others¡ªthe others are his closest friends and family.

    He spots Helia, Adler, Kora, Jacqueline, Fern, Daisy...Eben...

    He cups the half-elf''s face, crying. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry..."

    "Adder..." his lover''s voice echoes through the church.

    "Eben?!"

    "Adder, wake up!"

    Adder jolts awake, instinctively covering his eyes as he tenses.

    Eben is by his side, rubbing the gorgon''s arm soothingly. "Adder, it''s okay, it''s okay, I''m here."

    "You died¡ªthey were all dead¡ª!" Adder babbles, coils coming to wrap around himself.

    "Hey, hey, don''t think of that," Eben soothes, "listen to me okay? Are you listening?"

    "Yes," Adder replies brokenly.

    "What''s something you hear right now, Adder?"

    The gorgon pauses, attempting to stop his hyperventilation. "I hear the river."

    "Good. What''s something you feel?"

    Adder pauses. He can feel a lot right now. He feels warm sunshine on his skin, the pebbles beneath him, and vibrations in the earth from a deer across the river...

    "I feel your hands on my arm."

    Eben gives a reassuring squeeze. "Good, you''re doing good. Smell?"

    Adder sniffs the air. "I smell wet earth."

    "Taste?"

    Adder concentrates, heart finally slowing now. "Um, morning breath, I guess."

    Eben chuckles, leaning closer. "Last one, Adder. What do you see?"

    Adder cracks his eyes open, staring at the canopy before braving a look at the man beside him.

    The half-elf smiles as the gorgon meets his gaze. Adder stares entranced at his lover''s beauty, taking in the fiery red hair, beautiful hazel eyes, and soft-looking lips. Most striking, is the golden tattoo that swirls and dances across Eben''s skin enchantingly.

    Adder''s tail swishes, absolutely twitterpated. Even 3 years later, he can''t help but adore looking at his partner.

    "Well?" Eben prods.

    Adder smiles. "I see a forest dwarf with spots. Must be a very rare variety."

    The half-elf squawks indignantly, straddling the gorgon as he grins evilly. "Forest dwarfs are shy, isolated creatures. They would never do the kinds of things I do to you."

    Adder flushes. "I just woke up and you''re already being a pervert?"

    Eben lays down atop Adder, relishing in the sun-warmed skin. "Well if now isn''t a good time, let''s sleep a little longer so I can be a pervert later."

    The gorgon chuckles, hands coming to smooth through long red locks. He smiles, completely content laying with his beloved and enjoying the majesty of nature.

    There were no bells anymore, no brutal bloody battles, and no cold, frightening nights of isolation.

    No, now Adder''s days were spent in the warm company of friends and family.

    However, the peace doesn''t last long before Adder is twitching and nervous.

    "Eben..."

    "Mm?"

    "I think we should go back now."

    Eben nuzzles his face into Adder''s chest. "Augh nooo! Helia has it handled!"

    "I know I just..." Adder fiddles with his scales. "I''m worried."

    Eben sits up, raking his hands over his face. "Your mother raised a gorgon from a hatchling. She can manage it, Adder."

    Adder frowns, anxiously clenching and unclenching his hands.

    The half-elf watches his partner, sighing dramatically as he rises. "Okay, fine. But you''re on night duty tonight."

    Adder wags his tail, pleased. "Deal!"

    As they walk back together, the gorgon can''t help but think his life has turned out so strangely.

    He smiles, cupping Eben''s hand in his own.

    It is strange, right? How happy he is?

 Acknowledgements

    Hello! Thank you so much for reading my first-ever novel, Servant of the Serpent. I could never thank all the helpful readers, discord members, and surprisingly supportive sisters enough for helping me stay motivated.

    If you didn¡¯t realize from the epilogue, there will be a sequel to Servant of the Serpent called Daughter of Monsters.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Although, I will be taking a break from Adder and Eben¡­to focus on a different book of mine called The Villain is my #1 Fan?! So if you are excited about either one of those books, please stay tuned. You can follow me on twitter @LaneStories for the most accurate updates!

    Once again, thank you. I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I did.

 BOOK TWO - Family of Monsters

    <figure>

    </figure>

    After years of isolation, abuse, and torment at the hands of the malevolent high priest, Adder is finally free. But just because the evil man is gone, doesn''t mean the scars he left have gone with him. Even two years after Sheppard was slain, the gorgon is still recovering from what happened to him.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    However, in the midst of his journey toward healing, he discovers something miraculous; an abandoned harpy egg. To do right by the abandoned monster child, Adder will have to overcome the trauma left in the wake of the high priest''s death...or lose his little monstrous family trying.

    <u>Family of Monsters is intended for a mature audience of 18 years old and up. Some content may be disturbing to sensitive viewers.</u>

    CONTENT WARNING: Blood, injury, violence, trauma, descriptions of death, and explicit sex scenes involving a sentient, non-human being.

 Flights of Fancy

    As a child, Adder had read in a book once that "the eyes are windows to the soul." He knew that through the eyes, one can convey a myriad of emotions; joy, mirth, love...but at that age, he''d never seen things like that reflected in the gaze of another. No, he had only ever seen the hateful eyes of his enemies as they slowly petrified.

    The gorgon never did it out of malice, it was only evert protect Nadre Tor, as the former high priest commanded. Even so, it had made him wonder; was his soul so repugnant that the moment someone met his gaze, their hearts and minds filled with hate?

    His mother had tried to convince him otherwise, but her words had been drowned out by Father Sheppard''s venomous tones. After all, Sheppard was the voice of the pantheon, the man who had civilized the Adder...If the priest proclaimed Adder was a repugnant beast, how was a gorgon to argue?

    The monster sighs, ruminating on this as he looms over the half-elf, eyes wide as hazel meets crimson.

    The man is smaller than him. Not that he''s petite¡ªhe has a muscularly lithe frame, and an average height for a 27-year-old. But Adder is longer, heavier, and much, much, stronger. He''s a true monster in every sense of the word, from the top of his head, to the tip of his green-black serpentine tail.

    Even so, the hazel eyes crinkle with amusement.

    "Cree¡ªpy," Eben sing-songs.

    "You don''t look very afraid to me," the gorgon rumbles.

    The man underneath Adder turns his head to the side, exposing his neck as he giggles. "I''m terrified. A giant lizard is trying to have a staring contest with me."

    Adder retaliates for the insult by kissing up the column of freckled skin. Eben laughs and squirms, half-heartedly pushing the broad chest away.

    Adder caresses his lover''s cheek, minding his long dark claws as he gently turns the man''s face to his. "Keep your eyes open while I kiss you."

    Eben laughs, pointed ears twitching slightly. "You and your eye contact. You can''t even see anything that close!"

    The gorgon ignores the half-elf''s protests, leaning down to brush his lips against his lover''s. Eben giggles into Adder''s mouth, eyes filled with mirth as his hands trace patterns into the gorgons skin.

    When they''re like this, Adder forgets everything that evil priest had told him. He feels whole, loved, good¡ªand how could he not? When his lover meets his gaze with such warmth?

    The half-elf''s eyes narrow salaciously as the grogon pulls away, a smirk spreading across his cheeks. "Are my eyes the only thing you wanna look at?"

    Warmth, amongst other things.

    Adder takes the invitation, tugging the blanket off his lover''s body and revealing the man''s nudity.

    He sits back, appreciating the constellation of freckles that dot all across the half-elf''s skin. They decorate the curves of soft muscle beautifully, only occasionally interrupted by a faint scar or two.

    Even more alluring, however, is the tattooed snake that coils and moves across Eben''s skin. It''s much more than just a magical decoration; it''s a visualization of the man''s power, why the half-elf can meet Adder''s gaze unflinchingly without fear of petrification. Once it had been a curse that bound them together through hate...now, it bound them through something much stronger¡ªlove.

    But as the gorgon''s eyes drift south, he frowns at faint bruising on his partner''s hips. He traces the light discoloration gently, eyes full of concern.

    "Eben, you should''ve told me I was hurting you last night."

    Completely unabashed, the half-elf licks his lips, hand coming to caress his arousal. "If I did that, you might''ve stopped."

    Adder growls, grabbing Eben''s wrist and pulling it away. He leans down, mouthing at the bruises softly.

    Eben sighs breathily. "So you''re going to torture me now? Mean, Adder. I thought you loved me."

    Adder moves his lips to his lover''s strained arousal, flicking it with a forked tongue. He smiles as Eben jolts, licking a long stripe from root to tip.

    "I love torturing you a little more."

    The half-elf groans, covering his face. "What happened to the shy little snake I met five years ago? I''ve created a deviant."

    Adder chuckles. "I had no idea your powers reached such heights...although, I''ve always suspected you may be a God¡ªone of perversion that is. We just woke up, and you''re this excited already?"

    "How can I stay calm when I awaken to you hovering above me?"

    The gorgon flicks his tongue again, startling a whimper from the redhead. "Most people would respond with fear, not arousal."

    Eben thrusts his hips into the air impatiently, whining when Adder moves his mouth away. "It''s a little known fear response. You know¡ªfight, flight, fawn, and fuck."

    Still, the gorgon denies his lover, tracing a teasing claw up and down heated skin. "Hm, very interesting."

    "Agh! Adder, just get on with it!"

    Adder smiles innocently. "Magic words, my love."

    "Adder, I need you..."

    Adder''s tail wags with excitement. "You were supposed to say please, my love, but that works too."

    The gorgon finally lowers his mouth, carefully minding his fangs as he attends to his partner. Eben sighs, biting his lip as his head falls back into the gorgon''s nest of furs and blankets.

    Adder lets a hand wander his lover''s body, gently scraping sharp claws over freckles skin. Eben twitches and groans, gripping the gorgon''s long horns as the monster''s head bobs rhythmically. Adder hums happily as the half-elf squeezes his eyes shut, thighs flinching as the gorgon speeds up. After a few minutes of this, accompanied by gasping sighs and sinful moans, Eben reaches the precipice of his pleasure. The gorgon rubs soothing circles into the slightly discolored skin of his lover''s hips, whispering soft praises for every jolt and twitch.

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    After the rush of endorphins has finally calmed, the half-elf smirks drunkenly. "Here you are treating me so nice but it''s your birthday."

    Adder leans over, kissing his partner on the forehead. "Yes, it''s my birthday, so please go make me breakfast."

    Eben entraps the gorgon with his arms, pouting. "You don''t want me to return the favor?"

    The gorgon yawns, easily breaking free to curl back in bed. "Return the favor with eggs and bacon."

    Eben snorts. "Okay, but I don''t make them as good as you do."

    The half-elf pads away to the living room, leaving Adder alone in the nest. As he leaves, the gorgon buries himself under the blanket and furs.

    He sighs, eyes closing. It was probably bad to lie about why he wouldn''t be able to enjoy himself...but Adder didn''t want to discuss the tumultuous feelings surrounding his birth. This day reminded him of all the horrible memories he wanted to forget about his hatching. What was there to celebrate, on this accursed day?

    Tears prick the corners of his eyes as he tries to dismiss the memories, breathing slowly. He just needs to get through it all until sunset...it will be over soon. Thankfully with Eben around doing his best to cheer Adder up, the time really does fly.

    Soon the sun is setting on the horizon, and the first guests arrive. He smells them before he hears them¡ªthe scent of a werewolf is strong. Sure enough, Daisy appears from the forest in all her glory, carrying the fanged Fern on her back.

    Eben greets them at the mouth of the cave, petting and stroking the blonde werewolf before she transforms into a her humanoid form. She''s still putting away a pair of sandy colored ears and a wagging tail when she grins widely, holding her satchel high.

    "Adder, we found you the best birthday present ever."

    Adder smiles, checking that his blindfold is on securely. "I do smell something in your bag...what is it?"

    Fern sets her bag on the table, retrieving something from within. "It''s an egg, a massive egg!"

    Immediately, Adder is intrigued. He studies the egg intently¡ªit''s the color of cream, with auburn brown freckles spotting the surface.

    "Gods above," Eben marvels, "that thing is massive. You could feed all of us if you boiled that monster. What laid this beast?"

    The vampire puts an ear to the shell, humming. "We don''t know, we just found it. Do you wanna try eating it?"

    Adder frowns. "I don''t know if that''s a good idea. What if it''s poisonous?"

    "Can you sniff test it?" Eben asks.

    "I can try..."

    Fern hands over the large egg to the gorgons clawed hands gently. He brings it to his nostrils, searching for any sign of toxins.

    He finds nothing but...something is making him give pause. He focuses hard, heart jumping when he realizes a fluttering feeling is emanating from within.

    "It''s alive!"

    "Ooh! Really?!" Fern squeals.

    "We can still eat it, right?" Daisy asks, sounding disappointed.

    Adder''s heart jolts with fear. "Uh, ah, we should wait for Helia to get here. She would know better..."

    "Alright..." Daisy huffs, disappointed.

    The group sets about beginning the celebration; eating sweets, drinking mead, playing games¡ªbut Adder can''t focus.

    All he can think of is that tiny little flutter of life inside the egg... and how it was getting weaker as it cooled.

    He grabs the egg, turning toward his room.

    Unfortunately, Eben seems to notice his lover''s suspicious behavior. "Uh, Adder?"

    The gorgon freezes. "Yes?"

    "Where are you going?"

    Adder curses internally as his tail thumps, giving away his frustration. "To my room. My head hurts..."

    "Why are you bringing the egg?"

    "I don''t want you to eat it," he half-lies.

    Eben rolls his eyes. "Alright. Do you want me to bring you some willow bark tea?"

    Adder shakes his head. "No...I''ll be okay."

    "Okay. Get some rest."

    Adder nods, retreating to his room. He sighs as finally, he''s alone with the egg.

    He opens his eyes, studying it closely. It has a brown hue with dark speckles all over that remind him of Eben''s freckles. The comparison sets his heart racing again even though his brain is trying adamantly to fight his instincts.

    This isn''t their child, he knows it''s not! It''s just a random egg. He needs to get a grip...he needs to put it back in the kitchen! Ultimately, his brain loses. He places the egg into the nest, securely wrapping it in warm coils. It''s safe now, with him, and he sighs with relief knowing that.

    Feeling truly groggy now, the gorgon rests his head on the soft fabric of his nest. He focuses on the thrum of life behind the eggshell as he drifts off, feeling as if it''s beating in tandem with his own heart.

    A few hours later, he''s awoken by a shuffle of sound in the room. He''s alert immediately, coils covering the egg as he growls ferociously at the intruders.

    "Gods!" He hears Eben startle.

    There''s a twinge of regret at the sound of Eben''s fear, but it''s overpowered by the fierce instinctual need to be rid of the intruders in his home. He turns his head to the other three; Helia, Daisy, and Fern...

    "Get. Out. Now." he hisses, baring his fangs.

    "Adder! What''s gotten into you!" Eben asks, astonished.

    Helia sighs. "Alright, who thought it was a good idea to bring a giant egg near Adder?"

    When nobody in the room confesses, the woman continues. "Eben, I got you a book solely dedicated to gorgons, did you not read it...?"

    Adder hears Eben shuffle his feet awkwardly. "Uh, Adder read it to me..."

    "Adder!" Helia hisses. "Did you skip chapter 14?"

    Adder growls, tail thumping the floor. "He doesn''t need to know about that..."

    The older woman groans, exasperated. "Clearly he needed to know how male gorgons can go extremely broody!"

    "Oh my gods," Daisy exclaims, "like a chicken? He''s trying to hatch it like a chicken would!?"

    Adder hisses, insulted. "Not like a chicken!"

    "Exactly like a chicken, you foolish boy. Give me the egg," Helia reprimands.

    The gorgon tenses, growling in an inhuman tone. "No! Get out! Eben, help me!"

    The half-elf crouches beside his partner. "Adder, that thing isn''t a baby gorgon...listen to your mom."

    The gorgon flinches away, hurt. "It''s alive! It''s mine!"

    "Do we have to take it from him?" Fern asks.

    Helia sighs. "Adder, just let me make sure you aren''t incubating a basilisk¡ªor something worse¡ªand then I''ll give it back..."

    The gorgon growls once more, but allows his coils to ease up and reveal the egg. The elder steps forward, placing a hand on the speckled shell.

    A few moments later, she speaks up. "Where did you say you found this?"

    "It was just on the ground, near a cliff..." Fern explains.

    "Highly unusual..."

    "So what is it?" Eben prods.

    "It''s a harpy egg."

    Adder''s heart quickens at the realization. So it wasn''t just an animal inside...it was a sentient being! The gorgon covers the egg more securely, more determined than ever to keep it safe.

    Helia huffs at the action. "Adder, baby, you know harpies are dangerous right? That thing is a natural enemy of gorgons...not to mention, someone from its flock is missing it..."

    "Find the nest and I''ll give it back," he growls, "until then, it''s mine."

    "Fine. Daisy, Fern, you found it, so you''re helping me..."

    The party filters out of his room, leaving to do as instructed. All except Eben, who sits on the edge of Adder''s nest. The monster opens his eyes, now safely alone with his partner. The half-elf gives him a concerned smile, stroking the gorgon''s cheek.

    "You silly snake. Why didn''t you tell me about this brooding thing?"

    The gorgon flushes, eyes darting away. "It''s embarrassing, it''s like¡ªlike an animalistic part of my brain takes over. I didn''t think it would be relevant to tell you because, you know...we would never be able to have children..."

    Eben frowns, eyes gentle. "I love every part of you, Adder. Not just the ones that look and act human..."

    Adder nods, tightening his grip on the egg.

    "Is that something you really want though? You want to be a parent?"

    The gorgon blushes, hands twiddling with the furs and blankets. He didn''t want to tell Eben the truth¡ªthat he''d been dreaming of this since he was a child. He''d always wanted a family; but would his lover even be willing to consider a thing like that, with Adder? It was absurd enough that the gorgon had been able to capture the half-elf''s heart...

    "I''ve thought about it before..."

    Eben climbs into the nest of furs and blankets, laying beside the gorgon. "You know that if you hatch that egg, we can''t keep it, right? It deserves to be with its own kind." The half-elf sighs, squeezing a clawed hand. "And besides, a former criminal wouldn''t make a good parent."

    Adder squeezes back tightly. He wants to argue with Eben that he''s has long since redeemed himself for his past transgressions, that he would make a wonderful parent...but he bites his tongue. Eben has done so much for Adder, for Nadre Tor, for him. The gorgon won''t insult his lover by attempting to unilaterally make such an important decision.

    "You aren''t a criminal, you''re mine," Adder rumbles.

    Eben chuckles, snuggling in close with his lover. "That''s because I stole your heart."

    The gorgon pulls his lover flush against him, sighing contentedly. "That joke was bad. Sleep."

    Now securely wrapped up in his nest, he focuses on the thrum of three heartbeats in the quiet room.

    Adder quickly loses consciousness.

 Blue Sky Thinking

    Adder growls at the intruder. Helia sighs, pinching her nose. "Adder, my love, can you please hold it together until you hear what I''m trying to say?

    Eben rubs the gorgon''s arm soothingly. "She''s not gonna take it, Adder. She''s just going to talk to us..."

    The gorgon huffs, eyes narrowing as he clutches the egg defensively. It was morning now, and everyone was gathered in the main chamber to discuss the fate of his egg. His stomach turns uneasily, anxiety brewing like an oncoming storm.

    "Daisy tracked down where the egg came from...there was no nest."

    "Something happened to it?" Adder asks.

    The elder sighs, smoothing out her head covering. "No...there was no sign that there was even one to begin with. Which makes me think that the mother abandoned the egg intentionally."

    Relief fills Adder''s heart. They wouldn''t be taking it from him...

    "So what do we do with it?" Eben asks.

    Helia takes a deep breath. "I think it would be best to just put it back where it came from."

    Adder growls, tensing. "It will die!"

    Unbidden, traumatic memories flash to the surface; being cold, lost, alone...he can''t let it happen again. He can''t!

    ¡°Can we find another harpy to take it?¡± Eben asks.

    ¡°Unfortunately, no. From what I understand, most egg-laying creatures will refuse strange eggs, due to nest parasitism¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, that is¡­?¡±

    ¡°When a different species destroys eggs to lay their own in a nest. Instead of hatching baby harpies, the parents will hatch a basilisk or some other creature by accident¡­¡±

    ¡°So there''s nowhere for it to go,¡± Adder growls, ¡°we can¡¯t just abandon it!¡±

    "Baby, I know you want to keep it, but this is the least painful path...."

    Eben squeezes Adder''s hand. "What do you mean?"

    "As open as N?dre Tor is to non-humans, creatures with such power are still highly feared...if you hatch that egg, it won¡¯t find community here. Monsters like that will never be accepted fully.¡±

    Adder frowns, teeth clenched. He knows all too well that Helia speaks the truth. "How long until it can fly? Maybe we can keep it until then¡­¡±

    "I''m not sure. This type of monster is so secretive that we barely know anything about them. They''re deadly too, they can compel you with just their voice..."

    The gorgon smooths a hand over the speckled shell. "Surely a baby won''t be dangerous..."

    As he says those words, his heart is struck with pain at how untrue that statement is; he remembers the face of each man, woman, and child he¡¯s petrified. Even after being brought back, elven magic cannot undo all the damage that 25 years of petrification does to someone¡¯s life...Adder is living proof that even baby monsters could do horrific damage.

    Even so, he wants to keep the little egg. It deserved a chance¡­right?

    He turns to his lover, voice soft. "It needs me Eben...the way I needed someone..."

    The gorgon cannot see his partner''s face through the blindfold, but he can hear the quickened thrum of the man''s heart beat. The half-elf twiddles with his braid anxiously.  "Adder I¡ªthis is a big responsibility...I don''t know if I can take care of a baby..."

    "Take it then. Whatever you want to do with it I¡ªI stand by your decision," the gorgon''s voice warbles.

    Eben takes the egg gently from Adder''s grasp. "Adder..."

    Unable to bear another moment, the gorgon makes a hasty retreat to his bedroom. He burrows under the covers, gritting his teeth as he attempts to not picture the little egg dying in the cold. He''d like to pretend that his emotional reaction is just his instincts, but he knows all too well that even long after his hormones have calmed he will still be heartbroken.

    Even so, there''s a small kernel of hope that the half-elf will come to agree with Adder and bring the egg back to him. All he can do is curl up in his room, and hope his worst fears don''t come true. An hour passes by excruciatingly slowly, with the gorgon awaiting his lover''s return impatiently. But as one hour becomes two, and two eventually becomes four, Adder''s mood shifts from impatience, to despair, to fear.

    Why hasn''t Eben returned? The gorgon expected the half-elf to take his time making his choice, but this was taking much longer than he¡¯d hoped. What if something happened? Adder thinks of all the dangerous beasts which call the forest home; chimeras, basilisks, Minotaurs¡ªEben is powerful, more powerful than even Sheppard was, but he could still be surprised or tricked.

    Fear in his heart, the gorgon slithers out into the garden, eager to find his partner before all the horrible scenarios in his head can come to fruition.

    He doesn''t find Eben at the chicken coop, the rocky outcropping, or near the gate. But thinking on where the redhead goes when he''s upset, the gorgon knows exactly where to look. He enters the forest, moving through the trees with haste until he arrives at his destination. And thank the Gods above¡ªhe finally finds Eben.

    Most would find the man hard to spot as he lay among the field of crystal poppies, but with Adder''s excellent senses, he can distinctly make out the heat signature of his partner. The gorgon approaches quietly, observing the person he loves most in the world in slumber.

    The redhead is lying on his side, lithe form delicately framed by the opalescent blue-green flower petals. In his arms...the egg.

    Adder''s eyes water at the sight. "Eben, wake up..."

    Hazel eyes blink open. "Adder...? What time is it?"

    The gorgon laughs, coming to join the half-elf on his bed of poppies. "It''s been four hours..."

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    Eben groans, hand raking down his face. "Damn it¡ªI''m sorry. You must have been worried sick. I just meant to sit down for a minute to think and..."

    He sighs, eyes closing. "I don''t know what to do, Adder."

    The gorgon frowns, hand coming to caress a freckled shoulder. "I''m sorry...I put too much pressure on you to choose so abruptly, didn''t I? I can¡ªI can give you more time..."

    "Adder no I¡ª" Eben opens his eyes, the rainbow fractals cast by the flower petals decorating his irises. "I don''t want to drag this out for you. I just...I don''t know what the right thing to do is."

    He traces the eggshell, fingertips flitting over the spots and freckles that decorate the surface.    "We both know that being born into a world without acceptance is painful. What if it''s never able to rejoin its own kind because it was hatched by us?¡± Eben''s eyes flick to Adder''s. "I don''t want to condemn a child to that fate..."

    Adder places his hand atop Eben''s, feeling two heartbeats in his palm. "Both of us were forced to live without our peoples, but we found our way. Even if this creature isn''t able to rejoin its own kind, they will have an opportunity to try and find what we did."

    Eben squeezes his eyelids shut, groaning as he comes to cover his face. "This is crazy...you know that right? A former bandit and a gorgon raising an orphaned monster?"

    Adder''s heart begins to brim with hope. "I believe in us, Eben. We''ve faced much harder challenges before."

    The half-elf snorts, hazel eyes crinkling in mirth. "I suppose so. dealing with diapers and magical infants can''t be worse than dealing with rampaging chimeras or insane high priests."

    "So you agree? We can keep it?!"

    Eben grins, giving his lover a peck on the mouth. "Only until it can fly on its own. We''re just...fostering it until it can rejoin its flock."

    He laughs as Adder''s tail swishes with excitement, sending up plumes of glittery pollen as the poppies are disturbed. "Oh Eben, I''m so happy...thank you..."

    "Okay, okay. Let''s head back now, I''m starving and if I don''t eat soon I''m going to have egg-salad."

    Adder huffs, taking the egg securely into his arms. "Not funny."

    Eben chortles, picking a poppy from the ground as they walk. He twirls it between his fingers before placing it behind Adder''s ear. "It wasn''t a joke! I''ll eat it¡ªbetter feed me soon."

    "I''ll sacrifice some of the chickens¡¯ eggs instead, how about that. And after...we should talk about how we need to prepare."

    Eben nods in agreement as they reach their destination. "Sounds like a plan! What do we need to do first?"

    Adder pauses at the entrance of the cave, thinking. "Researching, I suppose...I''ll take a look in the library."

    "Well," Eben dusts off his hands, heading towards the kitchen. "You have fun with that. I''ll make lunch."

    "One day I will teach you to read, Eben."

    The half-elf rolls his eyes. "I don''t see the appeal, but okay."

    Adder leaves his partner to his chores, curling up in their small library with his egg. Pulling down several books from the shelves, the gorgon begins researching everything he needs to know to help this lost child.

    As Helia had claimed, there''s not much known about harpies. Even his favorite author, Zarek Bestiarius, the authority on monsters, can''t tell him what to expect from a baby harpy.

    Adder sighs, turning to his other books. Even if he can''t research harpies, he can read up on human infants and baby birds. Hopefully, that would be enough to keep the little creature alive and well until its flight feathers grew in.

    A few hours into his research though, a heavenly scent begins to distract him. Following the tantalizing smell, he finds himself in the living room where Eben is plating two delicious-looking meals.

    Adder takes a seat at the table, setting the egg down in his coils as he observes the meal placed before him; it appears Eben has whipped up a stellar meal, presenting his lover with shepherd''s pie, apple pudding, and a mug of hot cider.

    "I thought we ran out of cider?"

    "I told you that so you wouldn''t drink it all," Eben smirks, sitting down at the squat oak table.

    Adder laughs, his tail wagging against the soft bearskin rug. "You scoundrel."

    "Don''t act like you don''t hide your sweets from me. I found a satchel of chocolate chips in your nest the other day."

    Adder begins to dig into the meal, a wide smile on his face. "That''s different. You were going to ruin them by attempting to bake again."

    "Wow. I burn two¡ª"

    "Four," Adder corrects.

    "Four, batches of chocolate chip cookies, and now I''m not allowed to bake? My father taught me that recipe."

    Adder snorts. "I would not let him use my chocolate either, then."

    Eben laughs, peering down at his plate. They lapse into a comfortable silence as they eat, allowing the calming sound of cicadas to fill the cave instead.

    Adder savors the peaceful moment. He remembers days like this before Eben came; at times like this, the sounds of nature seemed to only punctuate his loneliness. Now, it brings him joy to know he''s savoring the season with someone he loves.

    "Adder, do you ever think about your birth parents?"

    The gorgon blinks at the sudden shift of topic. He glances at his lover, noticing the half-elf''s attention is trained on the egg. "I do. As Helia explained, male gorgons go extremely broody when their mates lay eggs. So the fact that I hatched alone, with no other gorgons around..."

    "You think they''re gone."

    Adder nods, hands clenching. "Yes, and since Sheppard admitted to purposefully hatching me...I think he was the one to do it."

    Eben scoots closer, hand coming to rest on Adder''s. "I''m sorry."

    The gorgon smiles, leaning his head atop Eben''s. "It''s okay. I have Helia¡ªand I have you to thank for bringing her back to me."

    The redhead smiles, nuzzling into the gorgon''s hold further. "I wish my powers could bring my father back."

    "I know. But maybe he''s still out there, looking for you..."

    Eben sighs. "Maybe, but I don''t think so. I used to make it a habit to visit our cottage and leave notes for him, but I never got any response. I think if he was alive, he''d return home and leave me something...unless he decided to abandon me. "

    Adder nods, petting Eben''s hair. "He didn''t abandon you, Eben. Not if he was smart."

    "It''s not exactly smart to raise a half-elf. I always wondered if he knew the kind of power I''d grow into...was he afraid of me? Afraid that I''d turn into someone like Sheppard?"

    "I''m sure he wasn''t. You''re nothing to be feared, you''re someone to be loved, Eben."

    The half-elf''s ears twitch, turning red. "You sappy serpent."

    Adder brushes a claw against his lover''s ear. "Embarrassed? You know I love you, Eben."

    Eben swats the offending claw away, laughing. "I know! My power is a testament to that, you lizard."

    The gorgon traps his lover in his arms, grinning as the man feebly attempts to squirm away. "You wound me. First, you refuse to return my affections, then you call me a lizard. Is it your elven nature that makes you so cruel?"

    "let me go, you fiend!"

    Adder grins as Eben wiggles. "If can''t have you as my lover, I guess I''ll keep you as my bed warmer."

    With one arm, Adder picks up his partner, carrying the egg in his other. Eben laughs, going limp as the gorgon slithers into their room. Together they nestle into their pile of furs and blankets, exchanging kisses and gentle caresses before blowing out the candles.

    It''s times like this Eben feels most secure, Adder knows. So he''s expecting the soft "I love you," that comes. He treasures those soft words spoken in the dark. The future was far from certain. But Adder is sure as long as those three words remained true, they could weather any storm.

 Nesting

    Adder thumps his tail on the ground, growling. Helia wacks him on the tail with a broom. "Adder, go sit in your nest if my presence disturbs you so. I can''t help you prepare for this child if you keep getting in my way..."

    "I''m sorry, I can''t help it," he whines, setting his head on the table.

    Eben snickers, earning a scowl from his partner. Adder would much rather be indulging in peaceful solitude with his Eben, as they have been for the past couple of weeks, but his mother is right. It''s best to prepare as soon as possible¡ªeven if it triggers his temper to have outsiders in his home.

    Helia huffs at her son''s antics, tucking a strand of hair into her head cover. "Actually, how is your aggression lately?"

    "It''s not too bad..."

    Eben looks up from where he''s organizing the kitchen knives. "He petrified a jackalope yesterday because it got too close to us."

    "Eben!" Adder scolds.

    Eben shrugs. "I''m too scared of your mother to lie to her."

    "Adder, I''m not asking to shame you. But I think it''s a good thing to be mindful of..." Helia says.

    "You can''t be suggesting that I''m a threat to you!"

    "my child, no, of course not. But as a new safe-haven for Giakora worshippers, N?dre Tor isn''t so cut-off as it used to be...I worry about what might happen if a stranger crosses your path."

    Adder sighs. She''s right...as much as he wants to deny it, he''s so high-strung right now, anyone unknown in their home would most likely meet a very enraged Adder. Shame bubbles under his skin. He''s such a monster...

    "So what do we do?"

    "I''ll inform the villagers to stay away for the time being, and you and Eben will work out a plan for the worst-case-scenario."

    Eben sets down the cutlery he''d been polishing with a clack. "Worst-case-scenario?"

    Helia nods. "Correct. As his mate, you need to make sure he doesn''t do something he regrets..."

    Eben nods grimly. "Adder, are you comfortable if I use magic in that case? I doubt it will be necessary, but it''s best to be prepared."

    Adder bites his lip, tracing the wide scar on his chest. He ponders how many years of his life were dedicated to violence¡ªhe''s been retired as the guardian of the village, he has long since grown weary of the mindless bloodshed.

    "Yes. I don''t want to¡ªto harm anyone who doesn''t deserve it."

    "I know," Eben scoots closer, placing his hand on Adder''s, "I''m gonna make sure you don''t, okay? I don''t even think it will be necessary, you have a good handle on your strength."

    "Yes...thank you."

    Helia sets the broom down, bringing the gorgon into a tender embrace. "You''re doing a good thing, you two. I''m sorry if I sound like I''m not supportive I just¡ª"

    The elder sighs, pulling away to sweep a lock of ebony hair from her son''s face. "I want to protect you, Adder. You and your partner. I want to make up for not being there for you when you needed me most..."

    Adder feels his eyes moisten from behind his blindfold. "You have nothing to make up. I know now that it was necessary."

    "What was necessary should''ve been a mother protecting her son," Helia''s voice trembles, "and I failed. I was not enough. I had to ask of you to do the unthinkable to save myself from Sheppard''s clutches."

    Adder clenches his fists as the memory of Helia, slowly petrifying, comes to the surface. "But you came back, you knew you''d come back."

    Helia glances at Eben, smiling. "I did. The goddess told me she''d send a savior. For that I am eternally grateful she was able to unite you two, but I should not have had to rely on the kindness of a stranger to save my own child."

    Eben pulls her into a hug as wipes at her eyes, patting her back. "We''ve seen the changes you''ve made in N?dre Tor. Whatever failure you may attribute to yourself, you cannot deny has been challenged by the good you are doing now."

    Helia smiles, pulling away. "There is still much to be done yet before Sheppard''s mark is removed from our home. But I hope at the very least, the village can live in harmony with you two."

    "I hope so too, Helia..." says Adder, hugging his mother once more. When he pulls away, her face is red, eyes dewey.

    "My, I didn''t intend to get so emotional," the elder sniffles, blinking away tears, "I will take my leave now. The villagers need to be warned to give you two extra space..."

    "I''ll go with you into town and help you make the announcement. I need to pick up some supplies anyway," Eben adds.

    Adder''s tail thuds against the ground, a clear sign of his annoyance. His partner picks up on it right away, a playful smirk playing on their lips. "Will you be longing for me, Adder?"

    Adder cradles the egg, brow furrowed. "No, you''re just heading into town. You do it often..."

    "No need to fret. I won''t linger," Eben traces the inked serpent around his neck, a gentle smile on his face. "You know Fairy can race me back here in a heartbeat if I sense anything amiss through our bond."

    Adder sighs. "I know...be safe."

    As Eben and Helia prepare to depart, Adder observes from the mouth of the cave. They mount the dapple mare and with a sharp whistle and a kick to her haunches, Fairy obediently gallops into the forest with the two. Adder sighs at the departure of his loved ones and heads to the study.

    Though he''d has been anxious at the prospect of being left alone, he finds he enjoys the quiet time to himself. Every day with his partner is a blessing, for sure, but there are times he craves the simple solitude of his past. It''s so comforting to just spend the evening with his books, continuing his research.

    He gets through five thick tomes when the candles begin to burn low. It''s then he swaps his books out for crochet needles. He weaves a blanket from brightly colored yarn, creating patterns of little blue birds flying amongst white daisies and yellow sunflowers.

    With his fingers moving rhythmically, his thoughts drift. In the quiet of this moment, he envisions his little harpy swaddled in the blanket. The daydream causes questions to arise like soft whispers; what will it look like? Will it have fluffy yellow feathers like a duckling? Will it be a boy or a girl? And when it returns to its flock...will it remember them?

    Adder sighs, pausing. He pictures the little harpy flying away, leaving the blanket cold and empty. The gorgon growls, angry at his own selfishness. This creature didn''t exist to grant his wishes or fill a hole in his heart. It was an innocent being and he needed to do right by it.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Adder throws himself into his work, a renewed sense of purpose driving him forward. The candles are dwindling to the last of their wicks as the yarn begins to run low, but it''s irrelevant now. Just as he senses his lover''s return, he finishes the blanket. His tail wags with excitement, eager to display the fruits of his labor. However, his joy is eclipsed by a tempest of conflicting emotions when Eben enters the room, carrying the unmistakable scent of another man on his skin.

    Immediately, Adder''s instincts flare in panic and rage before being forcefully subdued. He needs to hide his reaction...

    "You don''t want any?"

    Adder darts his eyes to Eben''s face as he''s pulled from his whirring thoughts. The half-elf is chewing something.

    "What?" Adder asks.

    Eben''s brow creases with worry, lowering the honey cake back into his satchel. "Adder, you seem out of it. You didn''t respond to anything I''ve been telling you...what''s wrong?"

    The gorgon attempts to wrangle his toxic thoughts. His partner doesn''t deserve to endure them¡ªbut as he tries to reply, a rumbling growl emanates from his chest. Instantly he fears Eben will respond with anger, or even worse, fear, but the former bandit is undaunted. He sits beside Adder, a hand delicately gliding across smooth scales. "Adder, talk to me. Are you mad?"

    "No! I''m not mad I''m just¡ª" his tail slams against the nest, "I''m being irrational. Please ignore me, I''m sorry..."

    "I can give you space, if that''s what you need. But if you''re bottling things up again..."

    Adder grits his teeth. "It''s...this brooding, it''s amplifying all my negative emotions and...you¡ªyou smell like someone else..."

    Eben blinks. "Smell?"

    Adder groans, covering his face. "I know you would never¡ªI trust you, I love you, I just¡ª"

    "Oh," Eben nods, "I understand. You''re nervous that...something happened?"

    "Unjustly," Adder growls, "I know there''s some mundane reason you smell like that. But I¡ª"

    Adder falters...does he really want to admit this ugly truth to his partner?

    "When you leave to go into town, I always think about how easy it would be for you to find someone¡ªsomeone better than me. Better than a monster like me."

    "Adder...why didn''t you ever tell me this?"

    "How could I admit such disgusting thoughts knowing there''s nothing to fear? I didn''t want you to think I don''t trust you."

    "I wouldn''t have been mad if you wanted some reassurance..."

    "You deserve a partner that doesn''t ask you to reassure them you are loyal."

    Eben sighs, climbing into the nest with his lover. "We''ve already established the fact that you trust me. I''m honored. But obviously, some unconscious part of your mind is still anxious¡ªI am not upset over that fact."

    The panic starts to dull a little as Adder relaxes, unclenching his fists. Eben smiles at the action, caressing the gorgon''s pale face. "Why do you think you feel this way?"

    Adder gives a shuddering sigh as he thinks. "I think it''s because I was always taught that¡ªthat I had to redeem myself for my...nature. So the fact that you love me despite what I am, it makes some part of me suspect that¡ªthat I don''t deserve that love..."

    "Despite what you are?" Eben smooths his palm over the gorgon''s chest, causing Adder to shiver. "Adder, I adore what you are. I had many human partners before you, and I have not thought of any of them since our first time together. Not. Once. Ever."

    Adder flushes, thinking back to that fateful autumn day..." really? Even back then?"

    Eben slides atop his lover''s tail, grinning as he spots goosebumps break out on pale skin. "Do you remember what we did?"

    Blood is rushing south as Adder attempts to remember the details. "You...used your mouth on me."

    Eben grins. His fingers glide across black scales¡ªAdder jolts as they find it...the sensitive slit just under his hips. "Right here, right?"

    Adder bites his lips, nodding. "...Yes."

    He groans as Eben leans over, licking up the seam. "I went into it expecting to be used like a ragdoll, Adder. But no...you were so eager to love, to cherish, you could never."

    Adder gives a shuddering sigh as Eben takes a moment to undress. He starts with the tunic, pulling over his head to reveal a constellation of freckles and scars. Seeing Adder''s flush deepen, he grins mischievously and pulls the pants off, throwing them to the side with a flourish.

    Now fully nude, Eben climbs onto Adder''s lap. He caresses the gorgon''s face, brushing a dark strand of hair out of the way. "I got addicted to it immediately, your inhuman nature complemented so perfectly with your beautiful soul. I wanted to belong to you..."

    The half-elf runs his fingers over the sensitive entrance again, two fingers gently slipping in. Adder groans, chest heaving as Eben slowly pushes in and out shallowly. Adder gasps as the thin fingers go even deeper, stroking his trapped erection.

    "You do belong to me. You''re mine..." Adder growls.

    "And you''re mine, right?" Eben purrs.

    The fingers swirl before Adder can give an answer, causing him to shiver and jolt. "Yes, Eben," Adder groans.

    He trembles as Eben pulls his fingers out, now prodding the entrance with the head of his own arousal Adder''s chest is heaving, face flushed. They''d discussed trying this before, but feeling it¡ªfeeling the sensation of become one with his lover¡ª

    He yelps as his horn is tugged roughly, forcing him to look up at Eben''s fervent expression.

    "You''re irreplaceable, the only one I want,'' he whispers.

    Eben lets the horn go, squeezing Adder''s thick wrists instead. Adder moans, feeling his body come alive as his lover pins them to the ground. Enthralled with the submission to the smaller man, he lets his head fall back. Eben takes that as permission to start mouthing at his lover''s neck, breathing harshly into Adder''s ear as each shutter and jolt rubs them together inside.

    Eben groans, squeezing the pale wrists as the man beneath him trembles. "I feel bad sometimes too, you know. Knowing you''re so sweet and good...when I''m such a bastard."

    "You''re not¡ªAh!"

    Adder''s whole body seizes as Eben pulls all the way out before plunging back in, hard. The monster pants and whines as he''s taken apart with each sharp thrust.

    "What was that?"

    "Eben!"

    The half-elf uses the gorgon viciously, laughing as the monster''s eyes glaze over, mouth gaping.

    "You like it when I''m a bastard though, don''t you?"

    "Yes!"

    "It''s wondrous isn''t it? To be taken by the man meant to be your servant?"

    "Yes! I always wanted you, always," Adder cries.

    "Then it was inevitable that we''d end up here."

    "Giakora wills it!"

    Eben scoffs. "No god intervened with my heart. I chose you all on my own."

    "She brought us together, Eben."

    Eben pauses his thrusts, grinding and swirling his hips. "She thought¡ªha¡ªShe thought we were going to be friends."

    Adder bites his lip. Eben is so deep inside him, the gorgon is whimpering and groaning pathetically as he waits for more. Taking note, the redhead leans down, biting at his lover''s chest. Adder squeaks as Eben laps at a nipple, still grinding his hips brutally slowly. When Adder attempts to thrust up his hips, Eben bites down, causing red eyes to roll back, in delight.

    "Eben...!"

    The half-elf speeds up, causing Adder to flinch with each brutal snap of hips.

    "Say you love me! Please!" Adder begs.

    "I love you," Eben growls, "only you! Only ever you!"

    Adder snarls and screams, thrashing under his lover. He feels his release rush hard and fast through him, filling him up with heat. Eben doesn''t even bother slowing down, chasing his own high still. Adder whimpers as his mate uses his body, groaning when Eben buries himself to the root with a shudder.

    A few moments later, he pulls out with a lewd pop, grinning as he admires his handiwork. Adder feels himself twitch at how satisfied the half-elf looks. "Pervert..."

    He squeaks as Eben grins, tweaking a nipple maliciously. "You love it."

    Adder huffs, pulling his lover into his arms. The half-elf giggles as Adder rubs their cheeks together, hands caressing every available space.

    "Are you putting your scent on me?"

    "Yes." Adder growls, far past embarrassment for his instinctual behaviors now.

    "Good, make sure everyone knows who''s mine."

    Adder growls again, bringing his mouth to Eben''s. He kisses his lover gently for a moment before pulling away, holding him close.

    Eben sighs with contentment. "Did you want to know why I smelled different?"

    Adder nuzzles Eben''s neck. "If you want to tell me..."

    "Someone got cursed by Giakora."

    "Wha¡ªcursed?"

    Eben nods. "Apparently, there''s a new nun. Two dolts were fighting over her and knocked her headfirst into one of the statues."

    Adder gasps. "Gods! Is she okay?"

    "According to them, no. The goddess didn''t take it very well that one of her worshippers was injured by two men fighting in her name."

    "Oh Gods...what did she do to them?"

    "Apparently, the two idiots can''t go further than a couple feet away from each other without dying now."

    "They''re stuck like that forever?"

    "Unless they break the curse," Eben giggles, "which they informed me, can only be broken if they fall in love."

    "They were fighting over a woman right? They didn''t even love her?"

    "Fall in love with each other," Eben corrects.

    Adder gapes. "That''s horrible! It sounds like they hate each other! Eben, stop laughing!"

    "They deserve it!"

    "Eben!"

    Eben struggles for a moment to catch his breath before continuing. "That''s why I came back smelling different. They were trying to convince me to break their curse with my magic. One of them didn''t take it well when I refused..."

    Adder growls, sympathy turning to rage. "He attacked you?"

    "He tried. I knocked him into the dirt and held him down until he apologized. He''s just some young punk."

    "I''m glad you were able to handle it so easily. I''m sorry for getting so bent out of shape over nothing."

    "No problem. Anytime you feel insecure I have no qualms with fucking it out of you."

    "...Perverted elf."

    Eben twists around, meeting Adder''s glare fearlessly with a smug smirk. "Horny reptile."

    Adder laughs, hugging his partner close.

 Birds of Prey

    Adder basks in the warmth of the summer sun, smiling in bliss as he listens to the sound of the rushing river. This is his favorite place¡ªhis little haven where all his stressful thoughts float away with the roar of the water.

    Nearby, Eben is fishing, quietly whistling a tune as he attempts to catch their dinner. Adder watches how the dappled sunlight dances on his partner¡¯s fiery locks, smiling. ¡°Catch anything yet?¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve been staring¡ªyou think I could sneak a fish past your keen nose?¡±

    Adder hums, propping himself up on his elbows. ¡°I was hoping you had, I''m hungry.¡±

    Eben laughs, grinning as he reels in his line. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go hunt down a rabbit to swallow, mr.snake? Or are you too lazy to hunt your own food down?¡±

    Adder makes a sound of mock hurt, flopping onto his side as he hugs the egg to his body. ¡°How dare you! Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m with child?!¡±

    ¡°Better not let Demeterra hear you mocking the tribulations of women¡ªI''ve dealt with enough curses in my lifetime¡­¡±

    ¡°The Goddess wouldn¡¯t be so petty.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I''ve heard some gruesome stories. Perhaps instead of being the deity of harvests, mothers, and fall, she should be the Goddess of revenge. Giakora got her mean streak from somewhere.¡±

    Adder rolls his eyes at the half-elf¡¯s sacrilege. This was one topic they never could agree on¡­but Adder is too sleepy to engage right now. ¡°I will debate your heathen ways later. Right now you must be silent¡ªthe egg is sleeping.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it always sleeping? It''s an egg!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s developing rapidly. It¡¯s already begun to react to sounds.¡±

    Eben flushes. ¡°Wait, did it hear us when we¡­¡±

    ¡°Of all things to be embarrassed about! Go away, I''m too tired for your ridiculousness.¡±

    Eben gives a harrumph, crossing his arms. ¡°Last week you were begging me to stay near, and now you¡¯re sending me away?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I want to ignore you from a safe distance, where I can come to you quickly if needed.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, my gorgon master. I will leave you in peace.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, stop.¡±

    The half-elf begins to walk down the trail, sing-songing his taunts. ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord! I live to serve you!¡±

    Adder huffs, closing his eyes as he listens to the sounds of his lover retreating. Left alone in his happy place, the monster grins. Suddenly, he jumps when he hears a hard thunk from behind the eggshell. There¡¯s an anxious moment where he expects the egg to begin cracking open, but soon calms as nothing but the sounds of nature greets him.

    ¡°Are you anxious to get out?¡± Adder giggles.

    He glances at the canopy above him. Though the leaves have yet to shift into their blazing autumn hues, the ever-cooling breeze signals that fall is not too far away. Undoubtedly, the child will arrive in the wintertime¡­

    ¡°You¡¯ll be free soon enough,¡± Adder whispers.

    Still, the harpy shifts around restlessly in its delicate prison, its eagerness to escape still unmitigated by the gorgon¡¯s promises.

    Adder smooths a hand over the shell. ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­go back to sleep.¡±

    He hums a tune, trying to remember a lullaby Helia used to sing. The lyrics are lost to him now, but he remembers the sentiment; a little bird learning how to fly, leaving its mother far behind as it soars over strange new lands. He can¡¯t recall if the song had a happy ending, but he likes to think so. He likes to think the little bird came back one day to tell its mother everywhere it had been.

    Suddenly Adder is tearing up, feeling incredibly lonely. This little harpy will leave one day soon, and what reason will it have to come back to him? Once it rejoins its people,  it will have everything it needs; community, safety, acceptance¡ªin the face of that, the strange creature which hatched you was of no importance, right?

    Adder frowns, regretting sending Eben away. He doesn¡¯t want to be alone anymore¡­

    Scooping the egg up, he makes his way back to the cave. He¡¯s hoping to smell something delicious coming from the kitchen, but before he even makes it anywhere near the entrance, his hackles are immediately raised. There¡¯s a fresh scent of two strangers coming from their home. One of which Adder recognizes as the scent Eben came home covered in the other day.

    Quickly, Adder stashes the egg away in a nearby bush, entering his home as quickly as possible. The scent of the strangers becomes stronger as he enters the kitchen. He surveys the space carefully, eyes closed. He senses them both immediately¡ªthere in the corner next to the stove, are the two intruders. They¡¯re huddled up together, as if they believe cold iron can hide them from Adder.

    It can¡¯t.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Adder growls, the timber of his voice deepening to a baritone rumble.

    The two huddle together more. A whisper, barely audible, breaks the silence. ¡°Just stay still, he can¡¯t see us¡­¡±

    Adder lets a feral snarl loose. ¡°Idiots! I know exactly where you are! I don¡¯t need my eyes to sense your body heat!¡±

    ¡°Gods¡­¡± comes a second, deeper voice.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Get out now, while I still have enough sense to show you mercy.¡± Adder rumbles, sharp claws digging deep furrows into the table.

    ¡°Bring us your mate, then we will go,¡± the deeper voice demands.

    The monster¡¯s patience is waning. His instincts are screaming that these two men are threats to his family¡­

    Adder advances on the duo, baring his fangs. ¡°He said he won¡¯t help you! Now leave!¡±

    ¡°You will bring him or we will find him, monster!¡±

    The rage bubbles over. Adder opens his eyes, ready to end these intruders. He doesn¡¯t need to study them long to know which is his partner''s attacker; of the two, one is a very frightened-looking felid and one is an angry-looking human. The human is snarling, hand on his sheathed sword. Adder doesn¡¯t give him any chance to use the weapon, lunging forward and knocking it from his person with a swipe of a claw.

    The human cries out in rage, swinging a fist that Adder nimbly dodges. Foolishly, the felid man retaliates with feral growl, catlike ears pinned back as he lunges at Adder. He retaliates with a swing of his tail, causing the felid to fall prone onto the floor. Two green eyes crack open from the force, widening as the enraged vermillion of the gorgon¡¯s irises immediately meets them.

    ¡°Edmund¡ª¡° the felid cries.

    But no pleas will save the man now. Petrification rapidly spreads through his body, leaving nothing but a rigid statue a moment later.

    The human must sense something is wrong even with his eyes shut, because his face immediately drops. ¡°Basil! Hey! Say something!

    ¡°I have freed you from your curse,¡± Adder growls, ¡°he has been petrified. Now leave!¡±

    ¡°Turn him back, this isn¡¯t what I wanted!¡±

    But even the man¡¯s pleas seem to infuriate Adder. He lunges again, dodging another pathetic attempt at a punch before pinning the dark-skinned man to the ground. His hand is around the intruder''s throat for only a moment when suddenly the air seems to shimmer and dance around them. The rage running haphazardly through Adder is brought to an abrupt halt by a soothing force. It seeps into every inch of his being, blanketing him with calm. He gives a shuddering sigh, eyes drooping as he releases Edmund.

    However, Eben doesn¡¯t treat the intruder nearly as gently. The intruder gives a yelp as he¡¯s violently pinned to the wall by the force of the half-elf¡¯s magic. Eben enters the cave, rage seeping from every pore. ¡°You bastard! You ignorant bastard! How did you think this would go?!¡±

    Edmund struggles, panicked. ¡°Let me go!¡±

    ¡°You ask for mercy now? I¡¯m sure my partner already gave you that. Did he tell you to leave?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª¡°

    ¡°Then you have made the fatal mistake of believing I am the merciful one. I have killed for much less, fool!¡±

    ¡°Please! At least save Basil¡ªhe didn¡¯t even want to come¡­¡±

    Eben¡¯s eyes dart to the petrified statue. ¡°Adder. What do you want me to do?¡±

    Adder is slumped against the table, exhausted. ¡°Pleassse fix it, Eben. I don¡¯t want to kill them¡­¡±

    The redhead drops the man, letting him crash to the floor as he directs his magic to the petrified statue. Slowly, stone melts into skin once more, leaving Adder¡¯s victim trembling and gasping on the floor. Edmund immediately runs to his side, lifting him by the arm.

    ¡°Basil! Thank the gods¡ª¡°

    ¡°For someone who you hate, you sure do care a lot¡­¡± Adder slurs, the intoxicating magic swirling about his mind.

    ¡°I wanted him to fuck off, not die!¡±

    Eben steps forward, eyes aglow with a menacing golden hue. ¡°We have shown you mercy, now do not waste it. Leave. Do not disobey the orders of the priestess again.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t¡ª¡°

    ¡°Get out!¡± Eben roars, the force of his magic oppressive and thick in the air.

    Pulling the dazed felid by the wrist, Edmund obeys with haste, fleeing the cave. Adder watches them go with a growl. ¡°Don¡¯ come back¡­¡±

    ¡°Adder, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°M¡¯fine¡­¡±

    ¡°Where is the egg?¡±

    ¡°Under the rosebush¡­¡±

    Eben exits the cave with haste, moments later with the egg. He hands it to Adder, who hugs it with a happy hum.

    ¡°Adder, I¡¯m going to lift the spell now.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­don¡¯t.¡±

    The half-elf¡¯s brow creases. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to?¡±

    ¡°I almost¡ªI almost killed him, Eben. I don¡¯t want to remember what it¡¯s like to kill¡­¡±

    Eben¡¯s eyes soften. ¡°Adder¡­¡±

    ¡°It feels nice. Just a bit longer, please¡­¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­just relax then.¡±

    Adder nods, slumping further into the table. With swimming vision, he watches his lover. Eben picks up the vegetables he¡¯d dropped at the entrance of the cave, bringing them to the kitchen.

    Eben glances at his lover, eyes soulful. ¡°Adder¡­I¡¯ll make sure you never have to kill again. You know that, right? ¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯ say that, Eben. You don¡¯t know what the future may bring. I might lose control¡­¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have killed him. I know you; you wouldn¡¯t have. And if you did¡ªhe would¡¯ve deserved it, he¡¯s a bastard.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯ matter, I might have to protect you one day¡­¡±

    Eben dusts off his hands, approaching his lover. The half-elf holds the gorgon¡¯s face in his hands, wiping away a stray tear. ¡°Adder, you understand my strength, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes but¡ª¡°

    Eben¡¯s eyes shimmer, the snake on his skin twining around his arm. ¡°Your love has made me stronger than any foe. You will never need to kill while I still breathe.¡±

    Adder closes his eyes, covering Eben¡¯s hands with his own. ¡°What use am I if I¡¯m not protecting you?¡±

    Eben leans over, kissing his partner softly. Adder sighs, flushing. Magic shimmers and twirls iridescent in the air around them, causing a flutter in the egg. ¡°Just keep loving me, that¡¯s how you can protect us.¡±

    ¡°Us?¡±

    ¡°Me and¡­the little one. We¡¯re all in this together now, right?¡±

    Adder nods, hugging the egg again. He smiles as he feels more movement from within. ¡°It liked that.¡±Eben snorts, rolling his eyes. ¡°It cannot possibly understand what we are saying.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯ know,¡± Adder hums drunkenly.

    ¡°That reminds me, I have a present for you¡­¡±

    Eben heads toward the study, returning a moment later with something in his hands and placing it in Adder¡¯s grip. The gorgon opens his palm to something smooth and cold¡ªit¡¯s a necklace with a carved pendant on the end.

    Adder studies the intricately carved details of the pendant, slowly realizing what it is; an ouroboros. ¡°This is your necklace, right? Didn¡¯ Korra''s father make it for you?¡±

    ¡°He did. But I¡¯m not giving it to you, not exactly¡­look.¡±

    Eben cups Adder¡¯s hand with his own. The pendant begins to shimmer and glow with the touch, causing the gorgon¡¯s eyes to widen. ¡°You enchanted it?¡±

    ¡°Yes. So when the little harpy hatches, it¡¯ll be able to meet your gaze, as I do.¡±

    Adder¡¯s voice trembles with emotion. ¡°Oh, Eben¡­¡±

    The half-elf hugs the gorgon tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll keep us safe. You just worry about keeping us together.¡±

    Adder nods, leaning into the embrace. Never in his life has he been put in this position¡ªa position where his role is to be protected. He savors the feeling¡­hoping it lasts forever.

 Early Bird

    As a cold-blooded creature, Adder favors the warmer months of the year, of course. But that doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t appreciate the beauty of fall. The forest surrounds his home on all sides, so each autumn day he awakens to find each tree blazing with thousands of hues of orange, yellow, and red. The beauty of the shifting landscape is enough to make the monster grin with delight.

    Really though, if Adder is being honest, he mostly likes autumn for the food. One might guess a monstrous creature like him prefers red meat, but Adder is addicted to anything with apples. Apple cider, apple pie, apple tarts¡ªyou make it with apples, and Adder is a very happy gorgon.

    So every fall, it has become a tradition for him and Eben to head to the nearby orchard and gather baskets of apples together. The orchard is wild and overgrown, long since abandoned by the family who cultivated it.

    Adder keeps his eyes shut in case the villagers wander down here, but in the past few years, they have yet to come across anything besides a few fruit-fattened squirrels. Sometimes he fantasizes about participating in the harvest festival in the village¡ªbut he quickly suppresses that thought. He hasn¡¯t been into town since Sheppard died; there was no doubt his presence would unnerve and frighten the ones who still remember his fearsome powers.

    Adder sighs, shaking off the unpleasant memories as he focuses on his partner. Since they have the egg with them, Adder is resigned to sitting on the picnic blanket, supervising Eben as he picks the ruby-red apples from the fruit-laden trees. Of course, instead of gathering the apples Adder points out, the half-elf decides instead to climb the biggest tree in the orchard.

    ¡°Eben, they¡¯re all the same! Come down, you¡¯re going to break your neck!¡±

    Eben ignores the warnings, plucking a particularly juicy fruit from a branch. He agilely descends from the top, shaking the tree as he lands on a fat limb just above where Adder sits.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. The ones at the top taste way better.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of that,¡± Adder huffs.

    Eben tosses the apple down to his partner, swinging his legs from where he sits on the branch. Adder bites into the fruit, cheeks pinking from the sweetness.

    He¡¯s about to lie and say it¡¯s sour when he tenses, sensing something among the grove of trees. He turns his head to the right¡ªsomething warm-blooded is hiding behind the trunk of a gnarled apple tree.

    Before the gorgon can say anything, the creature darts out from the shadows. Adder tenses as something small and warm lunges for him, arms wrapping around his neck with a giggle.

    ¡°Adder!¡± Kora screams, ¡°boo!¡±

    Eben snorts, watching his partner get assaulted by the petite child. ¡°Kora, it¡¯s not very smart to attack a broody gorgon.¡±

    Kora sticks her tongue out at Eben, scrunching her face. ¡°Adder knows I¡¯m not gonna hurt the baby.¡±

    Adder huffs, pinching a chubby cheek. ¡°Only because my parental instincts are in overdrive. You might not be so welcome if you didn¡¯t have that baby face.¡±

    Kora pushes the monster¡¯s claws away with another giggle. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you invite me? I want to see the little harpy!¡±

    Eben drops from the tree, his eyes beginning to glow as magic stirs through the grove. Adder is relieved of the girl¡¯s weight as she¡¯s levitated into the air with a squeal.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t tell you because we wanted a moment of peace, not surprise attacks and ear-piercing screeches.¡±

    Kora grins, spinning in the air. ¡°If the baby is a girl, you will have to deal with that anyway!¡±

    Adder grins, patting the egg. ¡°I have a feeling the child will be a handful, regardless of sex or gender.¡±

    Kora grins brightly as she¡¯s set down. ¡°But it needs to be a girl so I can have a little sister.¡±

    ¡°Sister? It¡¯s not going to be raised by your parents, Kora. Me and Eben are fostering it.¡±

    ¡°Then she would be my cousin, since you are my uncle.¡±

    Adder flushes, extremely pleased to be reminded that Kora considers him family. Just a few years ago, her father and mother assumed he killed their close friend¡­now here he was, an honorary member of their kin.

    ¡°If you want to think of the baby as a cousin, that¡¯s okay. But you need to remember they¡¯re going to rejoin their flock one day¡­¡±

    The young girl pouts, crossing her arms. ¡°Why? it¡¯s your baby.¡±

    ¡°Kora, I¡ª¡°

    Suddenly, the young girl gasps, face whitening. ¡°Did I do that? I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to!¡±

    Adder tenses. ¡°What?¡±

    Eben crouches beside his partner, smoothing a hand down the shell, worry painted on his face. ¡°There¡¯s a crack¡­¡±

    ¡°Kora, close your eyes,¡± Adder demands.

    Immediately the girl obeys, sniffling. ¡°I''m covering them¡ªI¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to hurt it¡­¡±

    Adder studies the egg; his heart goes icy with fear as he notices a large hairline fracture down the middle. Even more alarming, though, is the sound that follows¡ªa small, weak, ¡°peep!¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything. It¡¯s hatching.¡±

    Shock overcomes Eben. ¡°I thought we had more time!¡±

    ¡°Eben, can you check again?¡±

    Eben nods, magic flowing around him as he lays a glowing palm on the egg. The light shines golden through the eggshell, revealing the dark outline of the little harpy within. Although it has grown so much in size since last they checked, it¡¯s still so tiny. It¡¯s not ready to hatch, and yet, Adder watches with dismay as the infant monster pushes against the shell, causing the crack to expand.

    ¡°It¡¯s coming early¡ªsomething is wrong¡­¡±

    Eben grips Adder¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We need to go home¡­¡±

    Adder tenses at the thought. Traveling here with the egg was no problem, considering he was with his mate. But now his instincts are demanding he stay far, far away from the open forest. ¡°Predators will be attracted to the smell of a hatching egg. We can¡¯t go back.¡±

    ¡°Well we can¡¯t stay here, Adder.¡±

    ¡°You can come to the village,¡± Kora exclaims. ¡°We have a spare room you can stay in!¡±

    Adder¡¯s fear increases tenfold. He knows rationally that the villagers do not pose a threat. But will his monstrous instincts know that? Dread fills his heart¡ªwhat if he attacked a villager? What if he attacked Kora¡¯s family? It would show them all that they were all right to fear Adder, to lock him away¡­

    ¡°Eben, you can¡¯t let me hurt anyone. Don¡¯t let me hurt anyone,¡± his voice trembles.

    ¡°You won¡¯t, Adder, I know you won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll stop me,¡± Adder begs.

    ¡°Adder¡­¡±

    ¡°Please!¡±

    Eben cups the Adder¡¯s face, soft hazel eyes meeting deep red unflinchingly. ¡°I promise you I will do anything necessary.¡±

    Adder nods solemnly. ¡°Okay¡­let¡¯s go.¡±

    With haste, they exit the grove. Adder¡¯s anxiety skyrockets as he leaves the peaceful sanctuary of the trees and enters the cobblestone streets of Nadre Tor.

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    His presence does not go unnoted. As they head toward Kora¡¯s house, several villagers gasp in fright at the sight of the massive gorgon. Some flee, some freeze, and some even cower and revert to old habits, kneeling with their eyes closed.

    Adder attempts to ignore them, not allowing the flares of aggression to take hold and cloud his judgment. But his resolve is tested as they travel through the market¡ªthe man, Edmund, is here, frozen in place with the felid by his side. The gorgon can¡¯t help but release a feral growl, hackles rising as murderous rage begins to swell within him.

    Edmund tenses, unsheathing his sword. ¡°Basil, get behind me!¡±

    ¡°Edmund, no! You can''t seriously be thinking of fighting him!¡±

    Edmund points the sword at Adder, ignoring the felid. His dark eyes dart towards Eben. ¡°I thought you had him under control? Why is he here?!¡±

    The half-elf scowls. ¡°I don¡¯t control anyone! We mean no harm¡ªput down your weapon!¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Edmund seethes, ¡°he was just a pawn for Father Sheppard for nearly two decades, oppressing us, and now he¡¯s as harmless as a fly, is he?! Don¡¯t treat me like a fool, he¡¯s a monster! Make him leave!¡±

    Adder growls, the sound chilling to the bone in the autumn air. ¡°He used all of us as pawns, fool. None of the monsters escaped his grasp¡ªask your felid friend if he went unscathed.¡±

    Edmund falters for a minute, eyes darting to the man behind him. ¡°No, that¡¯s¡ª¡°

    ¡°Or is that why you attacked him? Because you thought he was a monster as terrible as me?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything!¡± The human cries, stepping forward.

    But before the dark-haired man can attack, Basil grips him by the arm, pulling him back. The felid¡¯s eyes are wide, ears pinned back. ¡°Edmund. Stand down.¡±

    The human pauses, face quickly cycling through multiple emotions before settling on rage. ¡°He petrified my father. I had to grow up without one because of him!¡±

    Adder¡¯s anger continues to simmer, but it¡¯s joined by a deep, resounding sadness. Of course¡­yet another victim of his power. Would he ever escape the harm he caused?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he croaks, ¡°I was young.¡±

    ¡°You cannot be blaming the foolishness of your youth for your crimes!¡±

    Eben steps forward, snarling. ¡°He was an infant!¡±

    Edmund¡¯s eyes narrow. ¡°I don¡¯t care what the priestess tries to claim, she is blinded by her love. This monster is no protector, he is an agent of the great deceiver!¡±

    ¡°Are you now believing Sheppard¡¯s lies, Edmund?¡± Basil interrupts, ¡°he had a habit of abducting young monsters. Even I¡ªI do not believe I was abandoned here, as he liked to claim.

    ¡°Basil, don¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°Please, I don¡¯t want to hurt you,¡± Adder begs, ¡°but this child needs me. I need to do something or it¡¯s going to die.¡±

    ¡°Child?¡± Edmund¡¯s eyes fall on the egg, finally. ¡°Is that¡ª¡°

    ¡°You said I petrified your father, right? Eben restored all of my victims; where is he now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s¡ªhe lives with my siblings. My mother passed away in his absence¡­¡±

    ¡°You must¡¯ve suffered, I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t want this child to suffer like that. I don¡¯t want it to come into the world afraid or alone.¡±

    The human¡¯s resolve seems to waver for a moment, the grip on his blade trembling. He jolts as Basil rests a kind hand on Edmund¡¯s shoulder. The human pushes the hand off, but as he studies Adder¡¯s morose expression, the rage seems to seep out of him. With a clang of metal, the sword hits the ground.

    Edmund glares with clenched fists. ¡°I only spare you because my father has been returned to me. Do not let this child follow in your footsteps, monster.¡±

    ¡°I won''t¡­¡±

    Eben grips Adder¡¯s bicep. ¡°We need to go, now.¡±

    Finally, they start to move once more toward their destination, but before they go far, a voice rings out.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Basil yelps, ¡°please wait!¡±

    Adder pauses once more, gritting his fangs. ¡°What?¡±

    The felid falters for a moment, wringing his hands before he seems to find his courage to speak. ¡°I¡ªI feel horrible for our last encounter. Please let me make it up to you. Let me help¡ªI¡¯m a healer, the best in the village!¡±

    The gorgon pauses. The thought of having these men near during such a vulnerable time is one that causes something dark and vicious to coil around his heart. But he can¡¯t deny the fact that a healer is exactly what they need right now. Can he control himself enough to allow felid to assist them?

    ¡°I accept. But if either of you tries anything, I will end you.¡±

    Edmund tenses, a grimace clear on his face. ¡°Basil, you cannot seriously¡ª¡°

    ¡°Be silent, Edmund! I nearly lost my life thanks to your hare-brained scheme last time. I will not allow you to obstruct me from saving an innocent child!¡±

    The man shuts his mouth, crossing his arms in defeat. Adder growls impatiently, eager to be somewhere safe immediately.

    ¡°It¡¯s decided, now come. We do not have the time for this¡­¡±

    The group finally makes their way out of the market and to the artisan¡¯s home. Jacqueline meets them at the door, eyes wide as she takes in their frantic state.

    ¡°Adder, Eben, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Please let us in, it¡¯s urgent,¡± says Adder.

    The woman nods, stepping out of the way to allow the gorgon entry. Kora follows close behind, tugging him by the hand toward the room she mentioned. The gorgon doesn¡¯t take the time to examine the small bare space. He sets the egg on the bed, exploring the shell for more cracks. To his dismay, he feels the fissures expand more as the little harpy tries to break free.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± Basil asks.

    ¡°It¡¯s hatching early. It¡¯s too small, we weren¡¯t expecting this for at least another few months.¡±

    The felid approaches, coming closer with Edmund in tow. They both flinch as Adder growls ferociously, instincts in overdrive.

    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t harm it,¡± Basil says.

    ¡°Can you make him leave the room?¡± Eben asks, pointing at Edmund.

    Basil shakes his head. ¡°The curse makes it so he can¡¯t go far from me. I just need to examine it quickly, then I can instruct you on what to do¡­¡±

    Adder nods reluctantly, gripping the bed sheets. Basil approaches slowly, lowering a fuzzy ear to the surface of the egg.

    ¡°It¡¯s definitely hatching. I need hot water and towels.¡±

    Kora, who had been watching from the doorway anxiously, perks up. ¡°I¡¯ll get the towels!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get the hot water. Adder, will you be okay?¡± Eben asks.

    Adder nods. ¡°Please go quickly. I need you here with me.¡±

    The half-elf nods, quickly leaving with Kora to complete his task. Adder returns his attention to the child, continuing to monitor it closely. ¡°Why is this happening? What did I do wrong?¡±

    The little harpy within responds to his voice, peeping louder. The sound breaks Adder¡¯s heart; it sounds distressed.

    ¡°Harpies are strong¡­are we safe?¡± Edmund asks.

    ¡°It can barely break free from its shell, much less harm you!¡± Adder snarls.

    ¡°Ignore him,¡± Basil hisses, glaring at his companion, ¡°I doubt there was anything you could¡¯ve done to prevent this. Even in human children, they sometimes just come too early.¡±

    Adder nods, but deep in his heart refuses to acknowledge the answer. Surely, if he had found the harpy¡¯s true family, this wouldn¡¯t be happening. A gorgon is a poor replacement¡­

    Eben and Kora re-enter the room, placing the supplies at the foot of the bed.

    ¡°Now what do we do?¡± The half-elf asks.

    ¡°We can¡¯t do much now. We just need to wait,¡± Basil explains.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just break it out of there? It¡¯s already hatching anyway. Or the elf could use his magic, right?¡± Edmund says.

    ¡°Breaking it out when it¡¯s not ready could kill it. That needs to be the last resort. All we can do is try to keep the exposed membranes moist so it can break free easier,¡± says Basil,

    ¡°And I don¡¯t know if using magic is a good idea,¡± Eben adds, ¡°it¡¯s one thing to hatch a chicken egg, it¡¯s another to interrupt the natural process of a sentient being. Besides, even my powers have limits¡­I cannot go against the natural order of life and death¡ªif this is a result of a deformity or defect, I won¡¯t be able to fix it.¡±

    ¡°So we''re useless. Why did we even come?¡± Edmund huffs.

    Adder¡¯s tail thumps on the ground. ¡°If you can¡¯t help then leave!¡±

    Basil steps away, spooked by the anger seeping from the gorgon. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll wait outside. Call for me when you need it¡­¡±

    The felid quickly leaves the room, Edmund following wordlessly. Adder sighs a breath of relief as he¡¯s finally alone with his mate. He curls up on the bed with the egg, serpentine coils drooping off the edge.

    Eben sits with him, hand caressing Adder¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay¡­¡±

    ¡°I hope so, Gods I do.¡±

    They remain there together, waiting for the harpy to break free of its fragile prison. Adder takes a deep breath, attempting to calm his raging heart. Eben squeezes his hand tightly, giving his partner a reassuring look.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing so well, Adder. I¡¯m so proud of you¡­¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel like I am. I feel like that damned human is one abrupt movement away from having his head ripped off.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be over soon. Just hang in there.¡±

    As if on cue, the egg wiggles again as the infant inside struggles to break free. Eben runs a damp towel over the shell, carefully assisting the little monster inside. Little by little, bits and pieces chip away¡ªbut it¡¯s slow going. The little harpy¡¯s vocalizations slowly become quieter as it struggles. Two hours later the gorgon¡¯s panic comes to a head as the small chirps from the infant become barely audible.

    ¡°Go get the healer. We cannot wait any longer,¡± Adder says.

    Eben doesn¡¯t speak, focused on his mission as he retrieves the felid. Basil enters the room once more, worry painted on his face.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s getting weaker. I don¡¯t think it can do this on its own.¡±

    ¡°We need to extract it now then. You need to move, Adder.¡±

    Feeling like he¡¯s ripping out his heart, the gorgon moves away from the egg. Basil tenderly moves it closer to the edge, beginning to work diligently removing loose bits of shell.

    Adder can only curl up in the corner, claws digging into his own coils. He wants to slap away the stranger¡¯s hands as his entire being screams at him to do something. But his common sense wins out as he remains in the corner, unease writhing in his stomach.

    Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the felid speaks. ¡°I¡¯m removing it now. Edmund, start the fire¡ªit needs to be warm in here.¡±

    Edmund moves to do as he¡¯s told, only for the hearth to spring to life with a snap of Eben¡¯s fingers.

    ¡°Hurry and do it,¡± he commands.

    There¡¯s a bit of shuffling as the healer concentrates on his task. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the healer lifts the infant from the remains of its egg.

    ¡°Okay it¡¯s out,¡± Basil says.

    Adder tenses even more as he tries to use his senses to understand what¡¯s happening. As he fears, he can see the three warm-bodied adults in the room, while the little harpy¡¯s body temperature is much lower.

    ¡°Give it to me,¡± Eben says.

    The felid hands over the child, allowing the half elf to wrap it securely with a blanket.

    ¡°Why is it so quiet? Don¡¯t babies cry?¡±

    ¡°Something is wrong, we need to stimulate its breathing more. Quickly, clear the airway and rub its chest.¡±

    Eben does as instructed as Adder begins to pray. He begs the Goddess of love to save this child¡ªand he begs the God of death to stay away.

    ¡°It¡¯s not working,¡± Eben says, dismayed.

    Basil lays a hand on the half-elf¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­it might not make it. If the lungs aren¡¯t grown enough, it won¡¯t be able to take in the air it needs to survive.¡±

    ¡°Gods, please no,¡± Adder cries, ¡°Eben, please, your magic must be able to help it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it will do anything, Adder.¡±

    ¡°Please try, please.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±

    The half-elf takes in a deep breath, focusing.

 Downy Feathers

    Magic swirls in the air of the cottage, glowing rivers of etheric power flowing into the half-elf as he does his best to save the child in his arms. If Adder could open his eyes, he would no doubt be in awe of the brilliant light shining from his lover, the tattooed snake on his skin shimmering and twisting with power. Even with his eyes shut though, the gorgon feels the awesome force of his partner. He hugs Eben and the child tight to his body, unable to do anything to truly assist.

    A bright explosion of magic suddenly bursts outward, causing all the room''s occupants to fall backward with the force of it. Even Eben and Adder are thrown roughly to the floor. But all of that is nothing to him as he hears the beautiful sound of a shrill, trilling, cry from the harpy.

    Tears track down the gorgon''s pale cheeks as he sits up. "You did it, Eben, you did it!"

    The half-elf pants, laying flat on the floor with the infant. "I''m keeping it alive still. It''s weak..."

    "Gods above..." Edmund exclaims.

    "Congrats on your baby girl," Basil whispers, dragging the human with him out of the room as he absconds with haste.

    Adder can only sob, lifting Eben up by the shoulders and hugging the child between their chests. He chuckles, hand caressing the gorgon''s face.

    "Open your eyes, Adder. It''s safe now."

    Hesitantly, Adder peers down. The child is securely held in Eben''s arms, rosy cheeks aglow with magic.

    "She''s perfect," Adder blubbers.

    Eben brushes a hand over her head, through the fine collection of auburn hair there. "Her eyes are closed..."

    Adder smiles. "It''s okay, that''s normal. She''ll open them when she''s ready."

    The half-elf smiles, standing up. "Can we take her home now?"

    "Not yet. We need to bathe her first."

    "Okay. I need to keep infusing her with magic, you get the bath ready."

    Adder nods, immediately heaving the cauldron over to the hearth. The room soon becomes misty and warm as the water reaches temperature. The gorgon dips his hand in to ensure the water is acceptable before setting it in front of Eben. The half-elf removes the swaddle and gently lowers the little one into the warm water. It seems that she enjoys the sensation, as she immediately goes quiet.

    Adder watches intently as the gunk from the egg is washed off. His eyes tear up more as he studies her; her head and torso are humanoid, but where there would be chubby arms and legs are two fluffy wings covered in downy white feathers and two digitigrade legs ending with bird-like feet.

    He traces a small wing with a clawed finger delicately. When it reaches the first bend, he finds a small, avian, three-fingered hand there. Immediately it latches on, holding tight.

    She''s perfect, like a petite little doll.

    "Do you remember me, little bird? Do you know my voice?"

    The baby immediately trills in response, the unearthly quality of the sound ringing around the room.

    "It sure sounds like she knows you. I guess you were right about her being able to hear in there."

    Adder smiles, feeling love swell within him. "I promise to protect you, my little fledgling..."

    "We can''t just call her little bird and fledgling. She needs a name, Adder."

    "What do you want to call her?"

    "You did all the hard work. I''m fine with whatever you want."

    The gorgon glances down at the little wings, thinking. "How about Merlyn?"

    Eben gently lifts the baby out of the bath water, swaddling her clumsily after drying her. "Merlyn it is. Hello, Merlyn."

    The baby gurgles, smiling at the sound of Eben''s voice. Adder laughs as the half-elf balks, ears twitching as a flush rises to his face.

    "I thought newborns didn''t smile?"

    "I guess she likes you..."

    A sudden knock at the door breaks the peace. It''s Helia¡ªthe elder peeks her head in cautiously. "Adder, Eben, can I come in?"

    "Go ahead, but be quiet..." says Adder.

    Helia nods, gasping quietly as she sees the child. "Oh, Adder, she''s beautiful. How is she? I heard you had some problems?"

    "Her name is Merlyn, she hatched prematurely. The felid helped us."

    "Basil is my best healer, I''m glad he was able to do something good for you after his idiotic stunt with that hunter. Are you still using magic?"

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Eben nods. "I can feel her will to live, but her body¡ªit needs a little help. Nothing is malformed as far as I can tell, but she seems to struggle to breathe independently..."

    "Often, early babies need magical assistance. Keep her warm and fed, and soon she''ll be right as rain."

    Adder interrupts, jittery. "Helia, I want to take her home. As grateful as I am to Adler''s family, I don''t feel safe here."

    "I''ve already arranged you an escort; Daisy and Fern are outside waiting for you."

    Adder sighs with relief. "Thank you."

    The three monsters immediately prepare to disembark. They bundle Merlyn up in a knit blanket, generously provided by Jacqueline, and load up into the carriage. Daisy is hooked up to the front, panting in her wolf form with Fern atop her back. Once everyone is ready, the werewolf starts forward, slowly pulling the little family through the chilly cobblestone streets.

    Adder notices immediately the villagers are watching the cart. His nerves are much more docile now, but anxiety still bubbles in him. Are they judging him? Remembering his vicious past?

    Suddenly a voice calls out from the street; "Adder!"

    The gorgon whips his head around¡ªa portly woman is trotting up to the cart. He smells something sweet on her. It must be the beekeeper''s wife.

    "Adder, congratulations!" She crows with a grin, walking beside them. She holds something up to the gorgon; he takes a large honey cake wrapped in paper from her hands.

    Her boldness seems infectious. Although most still stare, untrusting, other villagers approach the cart, some bearing kind words and others bearing gifts. A butcher offers a slab of salted pork, a hunter offers a soft rabbit pelt, and even a little boy runs up to the cart to hand the gorgon a satchel of hand-sewn baby clothes.

    "My mother made them for you," the boy chirps, "she told me to thank you, you saved her life when she was a girl."

    Adder gapes, in complete shock. Eben had tried to tell him things had improved in Nadre tor, but the monster had always dismissed it as wishful thinking. Now here he was, being showered with gifts even after everything...

    He tears up, waving goodbye to the villagers as they finally enter the forest.

    Eben leans against his lover, smiling. "You are so soft."

    "I thought they all hated me..."

    "There''s always going to be people who hate us, Adder. But you saved this village¡ªonly the ignorant would deny that was an act of a great man."

    "It wasn''t me who saved us, Eben."

    "Yes it was. I was only able to overpower Sheppard because of you."

    "Yes but you were the one¡ª

    "It was both of you!" Fern interrupts with a laugh, "so stop hiding away in that cave and come visit us more often. We miss you¡ªthe cowards will get over a gorgon in town. It''s not as if you''re the only one with monstrous features." As if to punctuate her thought, Fern grin, fangs sharp.

    Adder turns towards the town gate wistfully. Was it possible? Helia''s warning echoes sourly in his mind; Monsters like that will never be accepted fully.

    "I''ll think about it," he lies.

    "We should at least visit for Koranalia. I''d enjoy spending the holiday with Adler''s family. Last time was, erm, tainted by Sheppard," says Eben.

    "It''s a long way until spring. Winter''s in the wings now," Fern sighs.

    The thought of winter twists the gorgon''s insides with unease. As soon as snow blankets the ground, Eben will be left alone with the child as Adder enters brumation...will they be alright without him? Will Eben resent Adder for leaving him with such a huge responsibility?

    The gorgon peeks at Merlyn, attempting to ignore the frightening thoughts. She''s been quiet, which makes Adder even more nervous. Suddenly, she twitches a little, button nose scrunching before sneezing loudly. Eben quickly uses his thumb to clear her nose, tightening the blanket more securely around her.

    Adder studies the interaction closely. He fears he''ll find some trace of exhaustion or anger in Eben''s face, but the former bandit looks anything but. His eyes are bright, staring down at the little child in his arms adoringly. The sight is endearing beyond measure¡ªso rarely does Eben let his guard down like this.

    The half-elf''s attitude remains just as jovial as they finally reach their home. He collapses at the table with a sigh, hugging Merlyn as he watches Fern and Daisy unload their gifts.

    "Adder, can we stay awhile? Or will that be too stressful?" Daisy asks.

    "You can stay. Now that she''s hatched It''s much easier to control my emotions."

    "Aw, I''m gonna miss broody you. It was cute to see you growl at everything that came too close to your precious egg, from Helia to jackalopes," Eben laughs.

    "Can we cook you something?  You deserve a break." Says Fern.

    "We would greatly appreciate that, thank you," says Adder.

    "You have the ingredients for squash soup, how does that sound?"

    "Sounds great, thank you Fern."

    The vampire smiles, getting to work on dicing and roasting the squash. Daisy, on the other hand, decides to snatch an apple off the table, sitting beside the half-elf. The werewolf grins, blond tail wagging excitedly.

    "I gotta say, I''m really glad you didn''t let me eat that egg."

    Adder growls, thumping his tail on the floor. "We don''t talk about that."

    "C''mon, you''re not still mad are you? You know you were thinking of it too!"

    "No, I wasn''t!"

    "I thought about it," Eben smirks.

    "Eben, not in front of Merlyn!" Adder gasps.

    The half-elf laughs. "Relax, Adder. Nobody is going to eat your fledgling. In fact, I think we should celebrate her hatching."

    "Yes! Awooo! Let''s have some cider to celebrate the new monster," Daisy cheers.

    "Fine, alright," says Adder

    Immediately Daisy goes to the kitchen, retrieving a jug of cider and some cups, as well as a plate of cheese, dried meat, and bread. She sets them on the table, portioning out a serving for Eben first, then Adder.

    Eben takes a bite of the meat, attempting to try and take a swig of cider with the same hand. Unfortunately, he loses his grip, causing a bit of the meat to fall onto the swaddle. To Adder''s horror, Merlyn immediately struggles free of her blanket and grabs the food, gnawing on it.

    "Eben, she''s going to choke!"

    Not at all alarmed, the half-elf plucks the food from her mouth. He holds it up to examine the small bite mark. Merlyn coos happily, still chewing.

    "Does she have teeth?!" Daisy exclaims, grinning.

    Poking at her lip, the half-elf reveals two rows of tiny, sharp, pearly white fangs.

    "I guess we were worried about finding a milk replacement for nothing. This doesn''t look like a bite meant for latching."

    Adder smiles, listening to Merlyn chirp and trill, begging for more food. "I guess harpies are like gorgons then. They''re able to eat solid food as infants and develop independence much faster than humans."

    "So she''ll grow up quicker?" Fern asks, ladling the soup into bowls.

    "It''s possible. With gorgons, at least, we mature out of the infancy phase quickly. The rest is more or less like human development."

    Merlyn interrupts Adder''s informative lesson, making a gurgling trill as Eben takes a bite of his soup. The half-elf laughs at the sound, turning to Adder.

    "Adder, can you hold her? I think she''s hungry."

    Adder nods, excited at the prospect of feeding his little fledgling. He takes the infant into his arms with the utmost care, gently supporting her head with the palm of his hand. It''s incredibly nerve wracking¡ªshe''s incredibly small, so much so that just his hand is almost half her length.

    Still, she''s warm in his arms, filled with life and magic. He thanks Giakora for this blessing, feeling the Goddess'' influence as his heart swells with love for the little harpy.

 Birdsong

    With the last autumn days, the villagers prepare for winter with the festival of Demeterra. Adder daydreams about it often, he¡¯s sure they¡¯re hard at work collecting the last of the wheat and chasing the lucky maiden acting as the Goddesses'' proxy for the evening.

    However, Eben and Adder aren¡¯t having such an enjoyable time.

    The first few weeks of having Merlyn home with them was peaceful enough¡ªshe really only fussed if she didn¡¯t get her nighttime meal on time or was left in a soiled diaper. But after that, chaos ensues; Merlyn is crying, constantly. Their first thought is that she¡¯s sick, or in pain. But every time she cried, they ruled it out¡ªshe appeared as healthy as a premature harpy could be, even rapidly gaining weight by the day. But she still cries no matter what they do.

    Today is no exception. Adder awakens to Merlyn''s wailing with a groan. He slithers over to where she lays; they¡¯ve set her up in their room, bundled in her own little nest. The gorgon picks her up, giving Eben the mercy of removing the distraught infant so he can sleep a little more.

    He enters the kitchen where he heats a pot of goat milk, adding in oats, honey, and some sliced apples as the liquid comes to a gentle broil. He spoons the oatmeal into a wooden bowl, letting it cool before serving it to the wailing infant. However even as the little harpy is fed, she whines and sniffs as she chews her breakfast.

    Adder sighs, exhausted. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, little bird? I wish you could tell me¡­¡±

    ¡°If she was a human, I¡¯d say she¡¯d begun teething.¡±

    Adder turns around to see his lover enter the kitchen, his hair a fiery mess of tangles and knots.

    ¡°Did she wake you up? I¡¯m sorry, I tried to get her out quickly¡­¡±

    Eben sighs, plopping a spoonful of oatmeal into his bowl. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. She actually woke me up last night and I never went back to sleep.¡±

    Adder frowns, guilt itching at his heart. Eben notices the expression immediately, smiling wearily. ¡°It¡¯s really okay, I¡¯m not upset¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. I just feel horrible¡ªI knew this would be hard, but now I¡¯m realizing just how much of a burden it¡¯s going to be for you.¡±

    ¡°Adder, don¡¯t say that.¡±

    Adder looks up from Merlyn, surprised at the sudden gravity in Eben¡¯s voice. The half-elf reaches over the table, resting a hand on Adder¡¯s wrist. ¡°You know that I¡¯m not just doing this for you, right?¡±

    ¡°Er¡ªyes?¡±

    Eben sighs, shaking his head with a smile. ¡°Adder, I know I was hesitant at first, but I care about Merlyn as much as you do. She¡¯s not a burden and neither are you. You realize the kind of things I had to do to survive winter as a bandit? I can handle a fussy baby while you rest.¡±

    The gorgon smiles, cheeks pinkening. ¡°That''s¡ªthat''s a relief to hear. Though I still really dislike the idea of you spending the winter by your lonesome with a newborn.¡±

    ¡°Daisy and Fern will keep me company. You saw how enamored they were with Merlyn.¡±

    ¡°I hope so¡ª¡±

    Meryln kicks a clawed foot, sending the bowl of oatmeal flying. Adder scrambles to catch it, only to end up fumbling and covering the both of them with sticky oats. Adder groans at the disgusting sensation of lukewarm oat goo seeping onto his scales. Even worse, poor Merlyn starts to scream as the oatmeal soaks into her fluffy white wings and Eben starts to laugh.

    ¡°Eben!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªI''m sorry¡ªit was just so perfectly timed!¡±

    ¡°It''s not funny,¡± Adder grumbles.

    Eben attempts and fails to catch his breath, still grinning despite Merlyn¡¯s shrill cries. ¡°Okay grumpy scales. I¡¯ll start a bath for you two while you clean this up.¡±

    Adder nods, already pushing the oats off the table and into the bowl. A few minutes later, he¡¯s just scraping the last of it off the floor when Eben calls out for him to come over. The gorgon complies and is greeted with a lovely sight of a steamy wash basin filled with sweet-smelling water.

    ¡°Hop in, I¡¯ll wash off your scales while you wash the baby.¡±

    Adder nods, pulling off his loin cloth and slipping in. He sighs as the warm water strips away his worries. It seems that Merlyn is in agreement, as she immediately quiets as she''s lowered into the water. The gorgon just sits there for a moment, watching Eben dutifully begin to pour water over his scales, rubbing mint-scented soap in gently.

    ¡°You treat me so well,¡± Adder whispers lovingly.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Eben flushes, ears twitching. ¡°It''s a little ironic isn¡¯t it? That I do much more now than I ever did as your servant?¡±

    ¡°It makes sense to me. You were so scared of me back then¡­¡±

    ¡°It took me some time to realize you were harmless as a fly.¡±

    Adder chuckles. Only Eben would see the things a gorgon is capable of and still say things like that.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you gave me a chance, Eben.¡±

    The half-elf doesn¡¯t reply, just smiling as he continues to scrub. Adder enjoys the comfortable silence, beginning to finally wash off Merlyn. The infant is lax in his arms, breathing steadily. Adder figures the warm water has put her to sleep, and starts with washing the short auburn hair. He uses his hands to gently pour water over her head, carefully avoiding her face. A droplet of water makes its way down onto her little nose, causing a chittering sneeze to ring around the room.

    ¡°Gods bless you, little bird.¡±

    Merlyn coos, flapping her little wings. Adder takes that as a sign to move on, delicately combing the sticky oats from her fluffy white feathers. The action is received favorably; the little harpy stretches her wings out as if it''s a relief to be cleaned. Adder grins, relieved to see something besides tears. But the moment is short lived as the gorgon feels something strange on Merlyn¡¯s wing. He brushes downy feathers away to find a long dark spike among the fluff.  He pulls on it for a moment before realizing it¡¯s attached to the wing. With the action, the hard outer layer crumbles away, revealing a dark brown, spotted feather.

    The revelation is a shock. He knows he should¡¯ve expected this, but it¡¯s sobering to see the proof that his little fledgling is growing right before his eyes. He sighs, looking for more of the pin-like feathers. He finds several others hidden in her wings, and gets to freeing each one from their sheath. By the end of the bath, the little harpy¡¯s mood is much improved. The gorgon carries her over to the hearth, where she chirps contentedly as Adder dries her off with a fluffy towel. When she¡¯s completely dry, the monster has swaddled her in the crocheted blanket.

    Eben giggles at her peaceful expression. ¡°I guess that¡¯s all it takes, huh?¡±

    ¡°I guess so. I never knew I loved the sound of silence so much.¡±

    ¡°Me neither. I¡¯m going to put her to bed before something wakes her and ruins this peace¡­¡±

    Adder nods, handing over the infant. He braids his wet hair, basking in the warmth of the fire as he dries his scales off. Eben returns a moment later, sitting beside his lover at the fireplace. ¡°You know, you¡¯re a pretty good parent, Adder.¡±

    ¡°How do you figure?¡±

    ¡°You found what was wrong with her¡­I didn¡¯t even think to check her wings.¡±

    Adder turns to his mate, kissing his crown. ¡°You were on the right path, thinking about teething. It was growing pains¡­just not where we expected.¡±

    Eben nods, leaning into the gorgon¡¯s side and closing his eyes. Adder combs his hand through the half-elf¡¯s hair, brushing a few stray strands away from his face. Dark circles decorate the man¡¯s eyes, clearly displaying his exhaustion¡ªEben has been going through more than just the cries of Merlyn, he¡¯s been infusing her with magic constantly to keep her breathing. Adder knows it must be a monumental task.

    ¡°Are you tired? Why don¡¯t you go back to bed?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eben groans, ¡°I¡¯m not tired. I wanna stay with you¡­¡±

    Adder wraps his lover with a soft pelt, index finger caressing a freckled cheek. ¡°Then sleep here. I¡¯ll wake you soon, and we can start our winter preparations together after you¡¯ve had some rest.¡±

    The half-elf folds, lured into sleep by the warmth of the fire. Adder lays Eben down, securing the pelt before he turns back to the kitchen. Though winter is still a few weeks out, he doesn¡¯t want to risk running out of supplies. He¡¯s sure the village would help them out, if they really needed it, but it was best to make things go as smoothly as possible for Eben and Merlyn¡¯s sake.

    He starts by sterilizing the jars. He brings a large pot of water to boil on the woodstove, throwing in a generous hunk of wood into the fire. He dips the jars into the hot water, fishing them out delicately with a ladle. Next he moves onto preparing his fruits and vegetables.

    They¡¯ve had a bountiful harvest this year, not only gathering a great selection of fall fruits such as apples and blackberries, but lots of delicious nuts and even some sweet potatoes. The gorgon¡¯s tail wags excitedly as he thinks of the Mortfall feast he and Eben will concoct with the ingredients. Usually, they keep things simple, but with Merlyn here the monster is eager for her to try everything¡ªhe¡¯d read that children needed to be exposed to many foods as infants, to prevent pickiness.

    Adder grins as he dices a ruby-red apple, imagining the little harpy¡¯s reaction to a spoonful of Mortfall pudding. They¡¯ve been avoiding feeding her foods with lots of sugar, hoping to keep her calm and content, so it will be her first time eating something so sweet.

    Such sappy thoughts keep the monster occupied as he works. He doesn¡¯t even notice that he¡¯s pickled or jarred almost all of their fresh produce before Merlyn begins to cry out from their room. The gorgon goes to her immediately, finding the little harpy fussing and attempting to free herself from her swaddle.

    She calms immediately as Adder picks her up, cooing. The gorgon smiles, brushing a strand of auburn hair out of her eyes. ¡°Good morning, Merlyn. Or should I say good afternoon?¡±

    Merlyn squeaks and yawns, nuzzling into Adder¡¯s embrace. Adder chuckles, carrying her into the living room. The monster checks on his mate, finding the half-elf is still fast asleep. The gorgon decides to allow Eben more rest, packing a basket with some snacks.

    Dressing the harpy in the woolen cloak gifted to him by the villagers, he takes the infant with him to his favorite spot by the river. Even though the crisp bite of fall is in the air, the sun still warms the few rocky outcroppings near the water. Adder enjoys the sensation of sunshine on his scales, as stretching out on his favorite basking spot and unpacking the array of foods he¡¯s brought.

    Despite her temporary blindness, Merlyn immediately scents the food. She begins the trill excitedly, flapping her wings. Adder breaks off a chunk of soft cheese, offering it to the infant. Merlyn bites at it eagerly, not even pausing for a moment to contemplate the new flavor. Adder grins, relieved to see her voracity for food. Despite the half-elf¡¯s magic assisting the little harpy, the gorgon had known that if she had refused food, there would not be much they could do. Magic can only assist, it cannot cure an infant of a failure to thrive¡­

    Adder sighs, peering at the canopy above him. He spots bright red cardinals darting about, flitting from branch to branch. All the other birds have fled the area, seeking warmer weather. Adder wonders idly if Merlyn¡¯s mother is with them, thinking about her baby as the sun shines down on her.

    ¡°I promise she¡¯ll join you soon. I won¡¯t keep her long, I promise,¡± Adder whispers.

 Water off a Ducks Back

    As inevitable as the sun rising, the freezing winds of winter sweep across the lands Eben and Adder call home. The gorgon fights his brumation as long as possible, keeping the cave warm with the roaring of the hearth, but his body knows better. As the days become dark and short, the instinctual urge to burrow under a mound of blankets and furs grows undeniable in him..

    Finally, after nearly falling face first into his bowl of porridge, Adder is dragged to his room by Eben. The half-elf rolls his eyes as the monster weakly fights his mate, using his magic to overpower the gorgon and shove the him into the nest.

    ¡°Eben, I can stay awake a bit longer,¡± he croaks.

    ¡°You could, but you shouldn¡¯t. You know as well as I do you need to sleep, Adder. The cold isn¡¯t good for you.¡±

    ¡°Merlyn will miss me though! I just need a little more time with her¡ª¡±

    Eben huffs, bouncing the baby on his hip. ¡°She¡¯ll see you when you wake up. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to be asleep the entire winter.¡±

    ¡°But I''m only awake for such a short time¡­¡±

    The half-elf smiles, handing the baby over to Adder. The gorgon hugs the infant, flopping into the nest as Merlyn snuggles into the embrace.

    ¡°Well, you basically made it impossible for her to sleep independently, so it''s not like she won''t be spending time with you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the saaame,¡± Adder whines.

    ¡°I know I know¡­hey, why don¡¯t you read something to her? If she¡¯s not going to hear from you for a while, it might be a good send off.¡±

    Adder perks up at the thought of books, tail wagging. ¡°Great idea! Can you go get Gods and Diety¡¯s of Aaradivirsi, volume one, by Zarek Bestiarius?¡±

    Eben snorts, raising an eyebrow. ¡°A bit of an advanced book for an infant, Adder.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know the difference,¡± Adder huffs.

    ¡°Okay okay, I''ll get your book.¡±

    The half-elf leaves, returning a moment later with the gilded tome. Adder takes the book into his hands reverently, excited despite the fact he¡¯s read the book cover to cover a million times. He opens the book to the first page, clearing his throat.

    ¡°Of the many diverse groups which call our land home, one unifying force unites them all; the mutual belief and worship of the Gods and Goddesses of the Pantheon. From the devotees of Giakora, to the shadowy cults of the Great Deceiver, this tome explores the lore and powers of several Gods.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t worship any Gods,¡± Eben interrupts.

    ¡°Shush, heathen,¡± Adder snips, ¡°I¡¯m reading.¡±

    The gorgon flips to a new page, beginning to read the next chapter. ¡°Chapter one, the God of the sea and transformation, Thalassimorphos¡­¡±

    As the gorgon reads each line, his eyelids grow heavier and heavier. Slowly, he¡¯s pulled further and further into sleep. Finally, his voice trails off as brumation takes complete hold of him. The gorgon¡¯s dreams are idyllic and filled with warmth. It¡¯s not what he¡¯s used to; in the past, brumation meant fear. It meant surrendering to the cold loneliness of winter, never knowing what exactly he¡¯d awaken to. He could be ripped from his sleep by hunger, the warmth of spring, or even the terrible, cold, tolling of the church bells. However, ever since Eben had arrived, all of that had changed. No longer was Adder the sole protector of the village, so now he could rest peacefully each winter, enthusiastically greeted by his lover every time he awoke.

    This winter, the familiar routine stays true¡ªthough this time he is not only greeted by just his lover, but also by Merlyn. About every other week, Adder rises from his slumber, awoken by the quiet trills and cooing of the little harpy. Each time, he pulls her into his embrace, basking in her giggles as he nuzzles the top of her head. Sometimes, Eben is there too¡ªhe¡¯ll laugh along, trapped in Adder¡¯s coils as the gorgon attempts to take them both back with him in slumber. Other times, the monster awakens to a delicious smell coming from the kitchen, or even the kisses of a wolf-shifted Daisy lapping at his face.

    Each time though, he notices Merlyn has grown a little more. Eben¡¯s magic slowly stops supporting her life force as she starts crawling, sitting up, and even walking, all on her own. Each milestone hit makes Adder¡¯s eyes well up, pride thrumming through all of his being.

    As she starts to toddle around the cave though, Eben places the amulet around her neck, expecting her eyes to open any day now. Adder finds himself nervously anticipating it every time he awakens. Will Meryln recognize him, with her eyes open? Adder finds his stomach is tying itself into knots every time he thinks about it, so he puts it out of his mind. There was too much to be happy about to be spending his time worrying. So he enjoys his short periods of awareness, falling back into slumber to awaken again two weeks later. However, on the morning of Mortfall, he¡¯s awoken by something much more dreadful than the peal of the church bells.

    ¡°Adder! Please wake up!¡± Eben begs, voice desperate.

    The gorgon startles awake, the fear in his lover¡¯s voice spearing his heart like a lance. ¡°Eben? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Adder, I¡¯m¡ªI¡¯m sorry I should''ve known, I didn¡¯t think¡ª¡±

    The gorgon grips his lover by the shoulders, squeezing gently. ¡°Eben, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here¡­let me help you. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Meryln is missing¡ªI¡ªI fell asleep and she wasn¡¯t there when I awoke.¡±

    Adder¡¯s blood runs cold as he sits up, heart beating wildly now. ¡°She¡¯s just gone?¡±

    ¡°There were footprints in the snow, but I couldn¡¯t find her in the garden or in the coop. It started to snow and covered the rest of the tracks¡ª¡±

    Swiftly, the gorgon heads out of his room, entering the main chamber before exiting the cave. He scents the air, another wave of anxiety washing over him as he realizes there is absolutely nothing directing him to where Merlyn might be.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Eben, search the garden again. I don¡¯t think she¡¯d go far¡­but I¡¯ll search the forest just in case.¡±

    Eben nods, immediately leaving to start his mission. Adder starts towards the forest, eyes scanning the forest for footprints, feathers, or Gods-forbid, blood on the pallid snow. But there is nothing, nothing, that indicates where his little hatchling has gone.

    ¡°Merlyn!¡± he cries out, his desperate voice ringing out across the bone-white landscape.

    His mind races as he tries to think of where she could¡¯ve gone. Suddenly, a frightening thought occurs to him¡ªthe river. It¡¯s the only place Merlyn had routinely been besides the cave¡­was it possible she would be able to navigate there in the snow?

    Adder races over to the destination, ignoring the bitter wind nipping at his skin. When he gets there, his heart stops; Merlyn is standing on the frozen bank of the river, talons scuffing the thin ice as she steps further onto the frozen water.

    The gorgon rushes forward, immediately picturing the little harpy plunging into the swift current below. But he freezes in his tracks as she jolts, turning around at the sound of his approach. Adder meets Merylns wide brown eyes, gasping as he realizes this is the moment he¡¯s been anticipating for so long. The toddler studies the gorgon, her curious expression morphing into terror as she takes in his visage. Adder¡¯s heart drops at the realization that she doesn¡¯t recognize him¡ªand why would she? Why would she expect him, with his horrifying form and piercing red eyes, to be the one who had been caring for her?

    Still, Adder needs to try. He scoots forward slowly, attempting to get close enough to drag her away from the embankment. She scuttles backward, whimpering as her fluff-dotted wings shiver in terror. He tries once more, causing the harpy to spit and hiss as she jumps back, growling lowly. The ice fractures at the action, causing Merlyn to flinch as frigid water seeps onto her talons. She whimpers as her head whips around, looking for an escape.

    ¡°Little bird, you¡¯re in grave danger. Please come here,¡± Adder begs.

    Merlyn¡¯s head whips around to Adder¡¯s face. She searches his gaze with a confused expression, shivering as she gives a quiet, timid, coo. The sound is heartbreaking. Even without words it''s clear what she''s asking; is it really you?

    ¡°Yes, it''s me¡ªMerlyn, you recognize my voice, don''t you? Come here, little fledgling.¡±

    The harpy rushes toward Adder, but her movement is too abrupt. The ice gives way with a sickening crack, and Merlyn plunges into the swift current below.

    ¡°Merlyn!¡± Adder

    Adder doesn¡¯t hesitate, plunging in after her.

    The water is a shock to his body, his muscles already slow and clumsy from the frigid snow. But Adder perseveres, a nictitating membrane covering his eyes as he swiftly swims towards Merlyn. She¡¯s moving fast, being swiftly pulled by the unforgiving current, but Adder is determined. He grabs the harpy, holding on tight as his other hand digs into the river rocks to anchor them against the unrelenting force of the water.

    Using his powerful coils, he attempts to make it back to where they entered. But the cold is causing his mind to fog over, dulling his senses. He fumbles, the side of his head bashing against a sharp rock jutting from the riverbed. His vision goes white for a moment before he regains consciousness. Using the last of his strength, he crashes his horns against the ice over and over. Once, twice, three times, until it gives way and his claws can dig into the ragged edge. He heaves Merlyn out first, rejoicing as he hears her cry out.

    The gorgon attempts to heave himself up as well, but the ice cracks as he does so¡ªputting Merlyn at risk of falling in again. Adder clings to the edge instead, staring at his little fledgling as he fights the urge to close his eyes. The harpy is huddled into a ball, hugging herself as she stares at Adder, eyes welling up with tears.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m okay,¡± Adder croaks, ¡°don¡¯t cry.¡±

    Merlyn gives a weak trill, wing twitching toward him. Her little claw wraps around his finger, squeezing tight as she gives a pathetic hiccuping sob.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t cry, Merlyn¡± Adder repeats dumbly, using it as a mantra to keep himself awake. He knows that if he loses consciousness for even a second, it will be the end of him. He won¡¯t be able to muster the strength to break through the ice again.

    ¡°Adder!¡± Eben screams.

    The gorgon turns his head toward the sound¡ªEben is running through the snow, terror warping his face. The half-elf runs to the riverbank, the snake on his skin turning a molten gold as he pulls magic from the aether. The air shimmers with his power, the trees on the riverbank bending and warping to his will. Their branches reach out to lift both Adder and Merlyn to land, pulling both of them to safety. The half-elf eagerly takes the little harpy into his arms before he rushes over to Adder, pulling him into an embrace.

    Adder groans in relief as the thrum of magic suffuses him with warmth, restoring feeling to his fingers and face. He looks down at where Eben is embracing them both, tears streaking down his cheeks. ¡°I thought I lost you both. I felt it¡ªI felt you go under.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Eben, you saved us.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡ªIt was¡ªIt was my fault. I fell asleep while she was by the hearth. I didn¡¯t even notice she was gone, Adder.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, okay? We¡¯re safe now. You did good.¡±

    ¡°Let''s go home,¡± Eben sighs, voice ragged.

    The little family of monsters trudges through the snow back toward the cave. Finally home, Eben immediately lights the fire on the woodstove as they enter, setting the kettle on the fire. Adder watches him, eyes still drooping from exhaustion. Although his nest is calling to him, he knows he won''t be able to go back to sleep until he feels they¡¯re all settled, secure, and comforted.

    He peeks down at Merlyn. The harpy has shut her eyes hard, using her wings to cover her face. Adder¡¯s heart thrums in fear that she¡¯s avoiding his gaze, but as he pets the top of her head, she peeks from behind her feathers. Her expression is sorrowful, tears still slowly trickling from honey brown eyes.

    Adder hums the lullaby Helia taught him, rocking the little harpy back and forth. Merlyn lowers her wings, sucking on a talon as she openly stares at the gorgon now, sniffling. Adder smiles softly, thanking the Gods he was able to pull her back from the grasp of Morthall.

    ¡°Are her eyes open?¡± Eben asks, shock overcoming his face as he sets the tea on the table.

    ¡°Yes. I guess she¡ªshe wanted to see the place I always took her.¡±

    The half-elf takes the toddler into his arms, overwhelmed with emotion as he looks down at the little harpy¡¯s expression of curiosity. Her eyes dart around Eben¡¯s face before she reaches for his braid, studying the orange color of his hair intently. The half-elf laughs, another lone tear tracking down his cheek.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re okay. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°I guess she¡¯s really fine. The magic must¡¯ve taken care of any damage¡­¡±

    Eben scowls, gritting his teeth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Adder. I should have never let my eyes off her.¡±

    Adder squeezes the redhead¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. ¡°Eben, it¡¯s okay. I know you would never let her get hurt on purpose.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just it though. Daisy wanted to stay the week to help but I turned her down. If I had just let her stay this wouldn¡¯t have happened.¡±

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have known Merlyn would wander off. I think we both underestimated her bravery¡­¡±

    ¡°No, but I knew things could go wrong. I knew having Daisy here would help but I¡ªI wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.¡±

    Adder¡¯s brow creases in concern. ¡°Prove to yourself¡­?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still just a criminal, Adder. I lived my whole life that way, I¡¯m not good at anything else. I wanted to prove that I could master this.¡±

    ¡°Oh Eben¡­¡±

    Adder pulls the half-elf and the harpy into his embrace, stroking his mate''s hair gently.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it alone. Nobody is asking that of you, not ever.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Adder pulls away, wiping a stray tear away from the half-elf¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. This was a good lesson for us¡ªwe won¡¯t let it happen again. Right?¡±

    Eben nods, teary eyes wandering down to where Merlyn is tugging on a strand of his hair. ¡°I know we were supposed to celebrate before you went to sleep again, but I¡¯m afraid to be alone with her now. I want to take her into town and stay with Adler for the night.¡±

    Adder¡¯s stomach turns uncomfortably at the thought of Merlyn entering the village again. ¡°I don¡¯t know if Helia would be okay with that. The villagers are still wary of her. I can stay up tonight until we can go together tomorrow to fetch Daisy.¡±

    ¡°I know Helia has her concerns, but I think Fern was right when she said the villagers just need to adapt. It doesn¡¯t even make sense they care so much about you and Merlyn when they let me come and go as I please.¡±

    Adder averts his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s because you look human, Eben. You¡¯re half human, you¡¯re part of their kind. Me and Merlyn will never be able to resemble true humanity¡­¡±

    Eben sighs, brushing his hand through Merlyn¡¯s hair. ¡°I¡¯ll keep her hidden, okay? I don¡¯t want to make you stay up all night for me.¡°

    Adder contemplates arguing more, but decides it¡¯s not worth it. It probably was safer for Merlyn to be with people who weren¡¯t always on the verge of passing out. Even if that meant angering the village.

    ¡°Okay¡­please be careful when you go.¡±

    Eben caresses Adder¡¯s face, smiling sweetly. ¡°I will, and I will be home soon, so we can have our own Mortfall.¡±

    ¡°I know. I love you, Eben.¡±

    ¡°I love you too, Adder. You and Merlyn.¡±

    The gorgon¡¯s heart trips in his chest, making him feel as lovestruck as the day they first confessed to each other. He pulls Eben into a kiss, knowing he will never tire of hearing those words.

 Molting

    Adder¡¯s body is delicately in tune with the changing of the seasons. Even if nobody else notices it, he can sense the gentle thaw of ice and snow. As winter finally lets up its harsh grip on the land, and his body awakens in turn: the color starts returning to his cheeks, the dullness of his eyes starts to fade, and, of course, he starts to shed. It¡¯s a painless, if itchy, process. However, it¡¯s the one and only monstrous trait Eben has a hard time with¡­

    So of course, Adder has to torment him with it.

    ¡°Adder! Just pull it off already!¡± Eben begs, nose scrunched up in disgust.

    Adder is at the table, enjoying his afternoon tea. He takes a sip, ignoring the small bit of dead skin under his right eye. ¡°I want to pull it off in one big piece. It¡¯s more satisfying.¡±

    ¡°Augh, Adder, that¡¯s disgusting!¡±

    Adder laughs, snorting into his cup. ¡°Should I take my tea in my room if you find me so repulsive?¡±

    ¡°No, I just¡ªyou know I don¡¯t deal well with the¡ªthe molting. It reminds me of when I saw a bastard get his face flayed by an unlucky swing,¡± Eben shivers.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take it off,¡± Adder agrees, reaching up.

    ¡°Wait no¡ª¡°

    The gorgon pulls on the bit of dead skin. It comes off in one big strip, much to the horror of the half-elf. Merlyn laughs, spilling her drink as Eben covers his mouth with an overdramatic display of disgust.

    ¡°Happy?¡±

    Eben scowls, setting down his spoon. ¡°We are going to the river today. You will exfoliate from head to tail.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ªbut it¡¯s not as fun to scrub it off!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also not fun to watch you pull your face off!¡±

    Merlyn laughs louder at their squabbling, flapping her wings. The action sends fluffy white feathers flying through the air. The half-elf scowls harder as one of them floats down and onto his slice of bread.

    ¡°See, I¡¯m not the only one,¡± says Adder.

    ¡°Both of you are going to the river. It should be warm enough by now¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright alright, we¡¯ll go, okay? Let me finish my breakfast, you gnome.¡±

    Eben huffs, pushing his food away to bite into an apple instead. Adder eats his meal quickly, helping Merlyn with hers before he starts preparing for the short journey. In a wicker basket, he packs the necessities; soap, some rags, an ivory comb, and a soft-bristled brush.

    ¡°You ready to go?¡± He asks.

    Eben stacks the bowls and picks up Merlyn. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡±

    The three monsters head toward the river together. Adder enjoys studying the newly-green landscape as they go; wildflowers dance in the warm wind, dotting the sides of the path with cheerful pops of color. Merlyn makes it her mission to gather one of every variety, hopping around gleefully as she collects them in her claws. When they finally reach the river, she cheers and throws the flowers into the air, watching the colorful petals swirl downstream in the gentle current.

    Eben dips his hand into the water, testing the temperature. Finding it a little too frosty still,he snaps his fingers, a golden hue shimmering in the water like a ray of sun hitting instantly. Adder tests it, finding it now pleasantly warm. He slips in, pleased to finally immerse his whole body; the washbasin is good enough for the winter, but nothing beats this. Merlyn seems a little more hesitant, though. She whimpers nervously, wings tight at her sides.

    Eben rolls up his pants, stepping in. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Merlyn. This is a shallow part of the river. See? Come here.¡±

    Cautiously, she steps in. She stares down at her talons, observing her claws digging into the colorful riverbed filled with smooth pebbles. She giggle-screams as a brave minnow nibbles at her toes. Fear forgotten, Merlyn tears off after the fish, jumping and splashing around as she tries to catch it. Seeing her occupied, Eben finds a large rock to perch on, deciding to wash his hair.

    Adder follows his lead, dunking his head under the water before resurfacing. He grabs the soap and a cloth from the basket, scrubbing at his face and arms. He splashes the suds off before turning to his tail. He rubs the soap in thoroughly, revealing jewel-like shimmering scales under the dull skin. When he¡¯s just about done, he dunks his head under again to rinse the rest of the soap off.

    However, when he breaches the surface he¡¯s ambushed by a screeching Merlyn. He yelps, falling backward into the water. The harpy laughs, splashing the gorgon as she flaps her wings.

    Eben comes to the rescue, picking up the delinquent toddler by the armpits. ¡°What am I going to do with you, little bird?¡±

    Meryln only giggles, kicking her feet in the air.

    ¡°All right, you overgrown omelet, bath time.¡±

    Eben carries the toddler to his rock, placing her on top. He squeezes the damp cloth over her head and gets to work lathering up her hair.

    Adder exits the river, basking in the warm sun as Eben gently combs through the tangles. Once all the knots are out, Eben hands the harpy the cloth. ¡°Okay, can you squeeze it yourself?¡±

    Merlyn stares blankly for a moment before she takes the washcloth, closing her eyes and squeezing the water over her head.

    Eben smiles, taking the washcloth back. ¡°Good job, Merlyn! Now turn around, it¡¯s wing time.¡±

    Already knowing what¡¯s next, Merlyn turns around, spreading her wings wide. Carefully, Eben begins to pluck the loose feathers. Clumps of white are carried downstream as more and more dark-brown pin feathers are revealed. Eben gets to work, setting them free one by one. By the time he¡¯s done, the appendages have completely transformed. No longer the awkward patchy things as they were before, they are now two perfect, glistening wings. The outside of each one is umber brown, dotted with snowy white speckles, while the inside is a sandy tan that''s only interrupted by a few dark bands on the primaries.

    Merlyn stands atop the rock, stretching her wings wide as if to rejoice their freedom from their fluffy prison. Adder can only stare, unbelieving that it happened so fast. Just yesterday it seemed she was a blind little creature, struggling to even breathe¡ªhow had one winter changed her so much?

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    ¡°Alright, time to get out, Merlyn. Go shake the water off on the shore.¡±

    Merlyn obeys partially, shaking the water off her wings and splattering both Eben and Adder in the process. She jumps off the rock with a splash, skipping her way back to shore. Adder follows after her, retrieving a dry cloth from the basket and patting her down. Merlyn coos contentedly, her hair sticking up at odd angles.

    ¡°Ready to go back, little bird?¡±

    Merlyn smiles, raising her wings so Adder can lift her up. The gorgon complies, hugging her tight as Eben retrieves the basket. The walk back is quiet, strangely tense, before the half-elf breaks the silence. ¡°Koranalia is tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°It is.¡±

    Eben darts his eyes away. ¡°I want us to celebrate with everyone else.¡±

    Adder frowns. ¡°You mean, actually go to the village?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I can stay with Merlyn if you want to go.¡±

    ¡°No, I mean all three of us, Adder.¡±

    Adder frowns. ¡°That¡¯s not a safe idea.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re hesitant, but we¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    Adder hugs Merlyn to his chest tighter. ¡°No, Eben.¡±

    ¡°Why not? We came back fine last time and when Merlyn hatched, the villagers celebrated.¡±

    ¡°Some of them did. Not all of them¡­¡±

    Eben¡¯s scowl deepens as he raises his voice. ¡°Who gives a rat''s ass about the others? Adder, your mother is the high priestess of the village. There¡¯s no way she¡¯d ever allow harm to come to any of us.¡±

    Adder whips his head around to face Eben. ¡°Is she strong enough to protect the villagers from Merlyn?¡±

    Eben pauses on the trail in shock. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I have read the books to you, you know what harpies can do. Their voices can decimate entire armies.¡±

    ¡°Adder!¡± Eben growls, ¡°you cannot be really saying Merlyn would hurt someone!¡±

    ¡°If she gets scared, or lost, upset; she could lose control. We¡¯ve never seen her manifest her powers, she might accidentally¡ª¡°

    ¡°Stop it! She wouldn¡¯t, Adder. What happened to you isn¡¯t going to happen again.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that,¡± Adder growls, ¡°If we want to prevent it we need to take all necessary precautions.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous!¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous? You think it¡¯s ridiculous that half the village lost twenty-five years of their lives because I couldn¡¯t control my powers? Whatever forgiveness they have granted me, I will still always carry the knowledge of what I did. I will not allow that to happen to Merlyn!¡±

    Eben falters, eyes going sorrowful. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡ª¡±

    The anger in Adder is bubbling over as Eben continues to dismiss him. He growls beastially, turning away from Eben and quickly going ahead on the trail. Eben calls after him, but it¡¯s in vain. Adder¡¯s agitation follows him all the way home, even as he enters the cave.

    Merlyn makes an unhappy noise in his arms, and Adder looks down to find her sucking a claw, clearly distressed by the argument. Guilt wraps around his heart¡ªhe hadn¡¯t thought about how she would react to them fighting like that.

    Suddenly, an ancient memory surfaces; he remembers Helia spitting something venomously at Sheppard, angered over what the man had told Adder. The little gorgon had curled under the table, shaking as the priest had raged against the woman.

    ¡°How dare you presume to order me,¡± Sheppard had roared, magic roiling with suffocating fury, ¡°you chose this monster over me, over your priesthood! Accept you have no power any longer!¡±

    Helia had scowled, unflinching in the face of Sheppard¡¯s malice. ¡°I did not choose him over you. I simply cannot love a creature who loves himself most of all, Sheppard. If you want that to change, it¡¯s you who must look inward,¡±

    Then there was a sound, almost like the crackle of a flame rolling in reverse, and Helia began to make some horrible choking sound. Adder had been glad that he hadn¡¯t been able to see what was happening.

    That hadn¡¯t been the last time they fought¡ªAdder became numb to it, eventually. He¡¯d hide himself away in some cold nook or cranny with a book, or go use the sound of the river to drown out his pain. But it was never easy to ignore, it was a constant anxiety that loomed over Helia and him both. The memories are still fresh, oozing and stinging against his mind.

    Thankfully, Adder is brought out of the nightmare by a touch to his chin. He looks down, finding Merlyn is looking up at him with a concerned expression. The gorgon sets the harpy down gently.  ¡°Did I scare you back there, fledgling? I wasn¡¯t¡ªI wasn¡¯t going to hurt him. I wouldn¡¯t do that. I was just upset, that''s all.¡±

    Thankfully, Merlyn doesn¡¯t seem afraid. She leans forward, hugging the gorgon with both wings. Touched, Adder pats the top of her head softly. ¡°Let¡¯s get our minds off this, I''m sure I can find a story you like in my collection¡­¡±

    The gorgon takes Merlyn to the study, searching for a proper book. He finds an illustrated novel, something about a porcelain rabbit, and shows the book to Merlyn. The harpy coos, enthralled by the gilded cover, and climbs into Adder¡¯s coils. He sits down with her, and begins to read. A few pages into the book, Eben enters the study. He lingers at the entrance for a moment, waiting for Adder¡¯s reaction before coming closer. When the gorgon doesn¡¯t respond with anger, Eben joins the pair. Adder reads on, pausing every now and then so Merlyn can see the pictures. She trills excitedly as Adder turns to a page with a particularly intricate drawing. She takes the book into her claws, toddling off with it to sit and stare at it intensely.

    Eben laughs, covering his mouth. ¡°You¡¯ve been robbed, Adder.¡±

    ¡°It seems so¡­¡±

    They watch Merlyn together, her glee is contagious, lifting away the caustic emotions with her joy.

    Eben turns to Adder. ¡°Are you still mad at me?¡±

    Adder sighs, kissing the crown of Eben¡¯s head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I did not like being called ridiculous for being worried, though.¡±

    ¡°I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have said that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I just¡ªdid I¡ªdid I frighten you?¡±

    ¡°Frighten me?¡±

    ¡°I got angry with you¡ªI didn¡¯t mean to raise my voice so loud.¡±

    ¡°We were both yelling, Adder. I knew you were just emotional.¡±

    ¡°Merlyn got upset¡­¡±

    Eben glances over to Merlyn, watching her flip through the pages of the book rapidly. ¡°She seems okay now. She knows it was just a spat.¡±

    ¡°I just don''t understand, why do you want to go to Koranalia? You never cared about it before, you don¡¯t even worship Giakora.¡±

    ¡°Merlyn¡¯s grown all her feathers, Adder. Don¡¯t you think she¡¯s going to be learning how to fly soon? This might be our only Koranalia with her¡­I want it to be a good one.¡±

    Adder glances at Merlyn¡¯s wings. ¡°She can have a good one with us at home.¡±

    Eben sighs, going quiet for a moment. Suddenly, his eyes widen. ¡°I have an idea!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been practicing my glamours¡ªwhat if we went to Koranalia disguised?¡±

    ¡°Disguised?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I could make you and Merlyn look human for a day. That would make you feel better, right?¡±

    Adder contemplates the idea. He pictures himself walking on two legs, being treated like any other human as they all enjoy the festival. The thought is extremely tempting, but, ¡°My concerns about Merlyn remain.¡±

    Eben grabs Adder''s hands with his own, kissing them. ¡°I know, I know, but I¡¯ll be right there with you. I¡¯ll stop any trouble before it ever happens, I promise.¡±

    ¡°This is really important to you, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Eben flushes. ¡°I might be dwelling on my own childhood a little. I always wanted to celebrate, but my father never permitted me to. Then when he died¡­it was too late.¡±

    The emotional story stirs something within Adder. He can¡¯t help but imagine a newly orphaned Eben, witnessing humanity celebrate joyously while he was resigned to watch from the shadows. Adder knew what it was like to be excluded, but at least in his childhood, he had Helia to spend the holidays with.

    ¡°I guess¡­if we¡¯re extremely careful,¡± Adder concedes.

    ¡°Yes! Adder, it¡¯s going to be great, trust me.¡±

    Adder hugs Eben close, ¡°I hope so.¡±

 Merry as a Lark

    Traditionally, Adder¡¯s preferred way to spend Koranalia is to simply give an offering at his homely little altar, enjoy the springtime sunshine, and perhaps indulge in a feast of fresh springtime fruit. However, now with Eben¡¯s plan in the mix, he awakens on the morning of the holiday with his heart aflutter with nervous excitement. When the time finally comes for them to depart for the village, his tail thumps nervously. Eben smiles, giving a reassuring hug.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, glamors aren¡¯t difficult to cast. If I do it improperly, the worst that will happen is that you¡¯ll look ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t dispel randomly, will it?¡±

    ¡°No, it shouldn¡¯t. The way it works, is, the magic plays off of how people expect to perceive you. You should be fine, just don¡¯t do anything that might give away you aren¡¯t human, like tripping someone with your tail.¡±

    ¡°All right, I understand. I''m ready¡­¡±

    Eben grins, his tattoo ablaze with a golden incandescence that leaps across the cavernous walls. With a gentle touch, he places his hands on Adder¡¯s bicep and Merlyn¡¯s head. In a heartbeat, their forms are cocooned in ethereal, silky planes of light. They swirl until all three monsters are encased in the warm and tingly cascade of magic.

    Amidst the currents of light, Merlyn squeals and stretches her wings out. The light weaves between her feathers, sinking into them weightlessly before moving further down to wrap around her legs. The ethereal fabric-like waves of magic similarly wrap around his horns and descend in ribbon-like waves down his body. As the brilliance intensifies, he¡¯s forced to squeeze his eyes shut.

    When he senses the magic is finally dimming, he cracks his eyes open to peek down at Merlyn.. She giggles in his arms, kicking out a very human looking foot. Adder pokes it, but is surprised to find he can still feel her little talons.

    ¡°It¡¯s a glamor, Adder. Like I said, you¡¯ll only look human,¡± Eben explains.

    Adder looks up to study the half-elf. His eyes remain the same gold-tinged hazel, but his red hair has been dimmed to a strawberry blonde, his ears dulled to round points, and the scar in the corner of his mouth faded away.

    Adder reaches forward. He studies his own hand as it caresses Eben¡¯s face. Adder¡¯s thumb, now with a blunted human nail, sweeps against the soft skin. He finds the scar there, the texture of it slightly raised and smooth.

    ¡°You could¡¯ve left the scar. I like how roguish it makes you look.¡± Adder says.

    Eben smiles, leaning into the touch. ¡°Do you want to see how you look?¡±

    When Adder nods, Eben lifts his hand to point at the cave wall. The air shimmers with magic as the stone becomes a glimmering mirror-like surface.

    Adder stares in shock as three humans stare back at him. It takes him a moment to realize the tall, dark haired man is him. He looks¡­normal now. No horns, no tail, no claws¡ªhe gives a toothy grin to find even his fangs are being obscured by the glamor. The only monstrous trait that remains is his eyes¡ªthey¡¯re still a burning red. Adder''s image of his humanity wavers as the illusion is broken.

    Noticing his disappointment, Eben leans into Adder¡¯s side. ¡°I can¡¯t change that. That¡¯s a different kind of magic¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯ll just keep my eyes closed, like always.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to hold onto me while we¡¯re in the village. Humans can¡¯t get around blind like gorgons can.¡±

    Adder leans his head onto Eben¡¯s, taking hold of the half-elf¡¯s arm. ¡°I have no qualms with that at all.¡±

    Eben snickers, leading Adder and Merlyn outside. They load up into the cart together before Eben urges Fairy forward, the dappled mare merrily trotting through the sunny yellow flowers that dot the path. Adder observes the forest as they head toward Naedre Tor. They¡¯re going a roundabout way, intending to enter through the front of the village instead of the back. Looking down, he notices Merlyn is also watching the forest scenery blaze by, verdant hues of green flashing as Eben speeds through the forest. Adder laughs as she spreads her wings, trilling loudly as the fresh spring air rushes through her feathers.

    ¡°Wanna fly, little bird?¡±

    Merlyn screeches with joy as Adder lifts her up, holding her firmly above himself. Her wings tremble with excitement, flapping wildly. Eben smirks at the scene, snapping his fingers. Merlyn lifts into the air with a shimmer of magic as Eben hands over the reins to Adder.

    ¡°Be careful, Eben!¡± Adder scolds.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got her, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Eben flicks his hand and Merlyn soars higher above them. She stretches her wings wide, taking to flight without a single shred of fear. The sight of her soaring through the sky, assisted by magic, is etheric. Her auburn hair dances in the wind, sun bouncing off rosy red cheeks as she twirls and dives.

    Adder looks away, attempting to focus on the path ahead instead. It¡¯s a confusing feeling¡ªthis longing and pain; how his heart begs to see her soar through the sky just like this, soar to greater heights than even magic could permit her. But he knows once she does, he can¡¯t follow her.

    As they approach the gates to Naedre Tor, Eben lowers Merlyn back to his arms. The path goes from dirt to neatly laid cobblestone, leading up to the massive entrance to the village. But it¡¯s not unguarded as Adder hoped. At the gate is Daisy in her massive wolf form, icy blue eyes narrowed as the cart of disguised monsters approaches.

    He halts the cart as she lumbers forward, Fern confidently astride her back. The vampire is clad in elegant pink and green silks, her burning red eyes complimented by beautiful lavender heliotropes lovingly braided into her dark curly hair. Similarly, Daisy wears an ornate wooden collar with azure blue forget-me-not¡¯s, pink peonies, and, of course, bright yellow daisies.

    However, Adder cannot open his eyes to admire the scene. Instead, his heart beats wildly as a sandy snout prods him. It sniffs his face before going lower, toward his tail. Adder jolts, moving his tail away. Daisy¡¯s eyes narrow, darting to his face. Adder begins to panic, contemplating what he will do once she alerts Fern they¡¯re not human. He will have to explain his hare-brained scheme, apologize, return home in shame¡ª

    Daisy gives a ¡°boof!¡± her tail wagging lazily as her tongue lolls out and licks Adder affectionately.

    ¡°Welcome to Naedre Tor, Travelers! Are you here to join the worshippers of Giakora for Koranalia?¡± Fern says.

    Slipping into old habits, Eben immediately takes over with his silver tongue. ¡°We are. We¡¯re thinking of converting.¡±

    Fern smiles, none the wiser. ¡°Wonderful! As I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed, Giakora extends her love to even the inhuman in this village. Please keep that in mind during your stay.¡±

    ¡°My great uncle was a dryad, we¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright then. You may pass.¡±

    Daisy steps aside, tail wagging harder as Fairy walks through the carved stone entrance to the village. Adder lets his breath out in one big puff.

    ¡°Can you believe it? Daisy didn¡¯t smell through the disguises!¡±

    Eben laughs. ¡°Uh, I think she did.¡±

    ¡°She did? She let us through though¡­¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she? She knows we aren¡¯t here to stir up trouble.¡±

    ¡°So she just let us in?¡±

    ¡°Obviously. We have every right to be here, Adder.¡±

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    Adder nods, deciding to observe the villagers in lieu of responding. Though his eyes are closed, he can scent the strong perfume of flowers that decorate the town. Daffodils are a favorite of the goddess, but many others can be spotted among the sea of yellow and white.

    ¡°Did you know that different flowers have different meanings?¡± he says.

    ¡°I think I knew that. There are certain flowers you can give to piss people off, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Like monkshood; it means an enemy is near.¡±

    Eben hums, looking out into the sea of cheerful villagers. He spots a boy receiving a crown of snow-white lilies from his mother. ¡°What do lilies mean?¡±

    ¡°It depends on context, but here they probably mean purity and family.¡±

    ¡°A fitting gift on a holiday dedicated to the goddess of love. We should get Merlyn a crown.¡±

    Merlyn tilts her head questioningly, looking up at Eben with big eyes. Adder ruffles her hair affectionately. ¡°Daisies might be a better fit. Lilies are toxic¡­not suited to a little one who has the tendency to put things in their mouths. Or cats. I hope someone warned the healer¡­¡±

    ¡°Gods! I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here to keep me from poisoning our little bird.¡±

    Adder smiles. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here too. We¡¯ll keep her safe together.¡±

    Carefully avoiding the festival goers in the streets, they head toward the stables. Once Fairy is squared away, they step out of the cart to join the throng of cheerful worshippers. Adder¡¯s skin feels clammy as he waits for someone to see through his disguise, but he¡¯s thoroughly ignored by the humans.

    Noticing the gorgon¡¯s discomfort, Eben squeezes his arm, tugging him away from the crowd and toward the church. Standing before the ancient structure is awe-inspiring. The weathered cobblestone is adorned with thick green vines blooming with pink clusters of flowers. The small petals dance joyfully in the wind, and Merlyn, captivated, attempts to catch one in her mouth¡ªforcing a brief pause to make her spit it out before entering the sacred space.

    Random plants not ingested by any party, they pass through the massive ancient doors of the church. It''s cool inside, a sweet-smokey scent of incense thick in the air. Near the front, before the pews, stands an altar. It¡¯s sparsely populated right now, with a few individuals quietly humming soft hymns.

    ¡°It looks much different here compared to when I first came here,¡± says Eben.

    ¡°You mean¡­after our first meeting?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Sheppard had hung up these gaudy red banners everywhere. It never mattered the season, he was always worshiping Morthall. It made this place feel like death.¡±

    ¡°It must¡¯ve been frightening to come face to face with a gorgon and wake up here.¡±

    ¡°It was. Then I was told I would become the servant of the serpent. I thought, Gods, I hope the gorgon likes the taste of elf. Little did I know you¡¯d be tasting me in a whole different way.¡±

    Adder laughs, the sound ricocheting against the walls of the church. He flushes in embarrassment, covering his mouth. ¡°Eben, we are in a holy space!¡±

    Eben smirks as they approach the altar. ¡°She¡¯s the Goddess of love, I¡¯m sure she can appreciate a good-natured dirty joke.¡±

    Adder ignores the blasphemy, pulling his satchel off his waist. He¡¯s brought several gifts for his Goddess: a bottle of pomegranate wine from him, a sketch of Giakora by Eben, and a crude drawing of a flower by Merlyn. He sets them down gently, arranging them carefully among the many other offerings. He puts his hands together in prayer, hoping his wishes reach her.

    Merlyn, watching from below, mimics the action. She presses her wings together, squeezing her eyes shut. After a quiet moment, Adder puts his hands down, feeling a little lighter.

    ¡°Alright¡­should we partake in some of the festivities now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, let''s!¡±

    Giddily, Eben leads them out of the church and back into the fray. Immediately, they¡¯re drawn to the heavenly scent of something floral and honey-sweet. It¡¯s the beekeeper¡¯s stand, but instead of just selling honey cakes, his son is selling something much more interesting; the young man is drizzling honey into a heart-shaped leaf, sprinkling in pistachios, then topping it with a healthy amount of candied cherries. Then he does the most unexpected thing¡ªhe lights it on fire and stuffs it into the waiting patron¡¯s mouth. The customer roars, and a vibrant red flame shoots out.

    Eben tightens his grip on Adder, dragging him along as he runs eagerly to the stand. ¡°My good man! Is this genuine sweet fire-flower?¡±

    The young beekeeper grins. ¡°It is! Sweetened with honey from our hard working bees! Are you interested, sir?¡±

    Eben slams down a few copper bits. ¡°Hit me, man!¡±

    Before Adder can advise a word of caution, the beekeeper¡¯s son has already wrapped up another fire-flower sweet and stuffed it into Eben¡¯s mouth fully aflame. There¡¯s a moment where nothing happens, before an astonishingly big blue flame erupts from Eben¡¯s lips. The crowd cheers at the sight.

    ¡°Would you like one too, sir?¡± The beekeeper¡¯s son grins.

    ¡°Oh no¡ªGods no. One honey cake, please,¡± Adder says.

    Eben chuckles, blowing a smoke ring at Adder. ¡°Scaredy snake.¡±

    Adder ignores the jab, handing Merlyn a chunk of honey cake before popping a chunk in his own mouth. It¡¯s warm, with a hint of sweet clover.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer if we stayed out of the lime-light, my love¡­¡±

    ¡°Sorry, sorry. You know I''ve always been a thrill seeker. How about we head to the town square? I heard they¡¯re reenacting the abduction of Morthall. Can¡¯t be in the limelight if everyone is paying attention to the actors.¡±

    At the mention of his favorite myth, Adder¡¯s tail wags excitedly. ¡°Yes! Let''s go!¡±

    Eben grins, picking up Merlyn and placing her on his shoulders. They walk along the cobblestone paths together, one happy little family, as they head toward the play. Along the way, they pass many other altars filled with flowers and fruit, people singing praises to the goddess, and even one woman handing out hand-woven flower crowns. Adder bows his head as she places a delicate crown of lily of the valley on his head, while Eben gets a lovely ring of bright yellow daffodils, and Merlyn gets daisies.

    Finally though, they arrive at the play. A small crowd has gathered to watch the performers, watching enrapt as they twirl and dance on the wooden platform. Adder listens intently as a dark-skinned woman steps forward on stage, wearing a dress draped in roses, carnations, and daffodils. Beside her, is a pale man dressed in silver and black finery. He steps forward, a snarl on his face.

    ¡°I have come to kill you, Giakora. I will take your place in the pantheon and punish your mother for refusing me my birthright!¡±

    It appears that the threat is not received as intended. With a grin, the woman steps closer. As the actor playing Morthall attempts to retreat, the introduction of a wave of silken verdant fabric, representing Giakora¡¯s powers, impedes him.

    ¡°You needn¡¯t do something so foolish as slaying me,¡± she purrs.

    ¡°There is no other option. You are the Goddess of spring, the Goddess of new life. I must prove myself by conquering my natural enemy. ¡±

    ¡°There are many ways to conquer a woman, Morthall. Are you not interested in them, as a God of death?¡±

    ¡°I¡ªIt is not enough to defeat you in combat¡ª¡±

    ¡°I have remained in my realm since birth, Morthall. I have been hidden away from the world for far too long, hidden away from even the other gods. But I have seen you, you on the edges of my garden, staring at my creations like you want to take it all for yourself. Did you not think I also might see your barren lands and feel the same way?¡±

    ¡°You¡ª!¡±

    ¡°You have entered my domain to kill me, but now you will not leave until I have sown life in death!¡±

    Adder¡¯s tail wags with enthusiasm as the band starts up, filling the square with the intense sound of music and melody. Eben grins, squeezing Adder¡¯s hand as the actors on stage break out into a dizzying dance, colored green and white silks flowing rapidly as they twirl and leap. Of course, with his eyes closed, Adder cannot see it. It¡¯s okay though, things like this just weren¡¯t made for creatures like him. It was enough to be here with his family, to be¡ª

    ¡°Morthall is fleeing from Giakora, but he¡¯s not really trying to escape,¡± Eben whispers, ¡°he¡¯s avoiding her but he keeps coming back. Like he¡¯s drawn to her.¡±

    Adder¡¯s heart thuds. ¡°And now?¡±

    ¡°They are dueling. But he¡¯s not actually trying to hit her. He¡¯s just trying to get closer.¡±

    Eben giggles, leaning into Adder¡¯s side. ¡°Merlyn is entranced.¡±

    Suddenly, the crowd gasps and Merlyn kicks her feet in excitement. Adder can feel the heartbeats of the crowd as humans and monsters alike watch in awe.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Adder asks.

    ¡°Morthall has joined the Goddess in the dance. He¡¯s lifting her up, and around them life grows and dies in unison.¡±

    The music swells with the frenzy of the crowd, the anticipation leaving them all on the edges of their seats.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening now?¡± Adder asks.

    ¡°Just look, nobody is looking this way.¡±

    ¡°Eben, I can¡¯t. What if I hurt someone?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll fix it then¡ªlook, hurry! You¡¯ll miss it!¡±

    Adder covers his eyes, peeking from between his fingers. He gasps at what he sees before him; the performers are dancing on stage, their intricately woven gowns swaying elegantly as they twist in turn. Giakora is moving abruptly, ferally, like a wild thing intent on capturing its prey. Morthall on the other hand is cold, elegant, calm¡ªexcept for when Giakora gets too close. When that happens he stumbles and cowers, yet still, takes too long to pull away when she¡¯s finally got him in her grasp. He succumbs willingly as she finally subdues him, pulling him into a passionate kiss as the crowd roars with glee.

    Adder shuts his eyes, face aflame with emotion. As fearful as he was to come here, he can¡¯t help but feel grateful to Eben for convincing him. He¡¯d never get the opportunity to see something so beautiful otherwise.

    ¡°This story reminds me of us,¡± Eben whispers as the fanfare dies down.

    ¡°I am your Morthall, am I?¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re Giakora, of course.¡±

    ¡°Giakora?¡±

    ¡°You breathed life into my existence. You changed everything, Adder.¡±

    Adder can¡¯t form the words to respond. For such a monster to be compared to his Goddess, the Goddess of life and love is¡ªit¡¯s blasphemy. And yet¡­he knows Eben means it.

    He tries to express just how much he¡¯s feeling, but his words are interrupted by the crowd cheering as on stage, a maypole is erected. Ribbons of many colors flutter down from the top of the spiraling poll, arranged neatly by several individuals dressed as elves.

    The actress playing Giakora steps forward, facing the audience. ¡°It is time, my children! Let the little ones in the spring of their youth come forward and celebrate the rebirth of the earth!¡±

    Children squeal with glee, rushing toward the stage. They all choose a ribbon, fidgeting and jumping as they wave to their parents in the crowd. Much to Adder¡¯s horror though, he¡¯s too caught up in the show to stop Merlyn as she jumps off his shoulder, gliding to the ground and squeezing into the crowd.

    ¡°Merlyn!¡± He yelps.

    She quickly disappears into the throng of bodies, the varying scents of human and monster immediately hiding her from Adder.

    ¡°Eben, where is she!?¡±

 Chickadees Song

    Merlyn climbs onto the stage, joining the flock of children excitedly waiting for the music to start again. She looks around with big eyes, a little intimidated by all the sound and color now that she''s up here. Suddenly, someone kneels before her.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Kora whispers. Her voice carries an unfamiliar tone of maturity, somehow. ¡°It''s your first spring, isn¡¯t it Merlyn?¡±

    Merlyn nods as she sucks on her claw, barely comprehending. All she knows is her friend is speaking to her softly.

    Kora holds out her hand in offering. ¡°I''ll help you, my little fledgling. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Merlyn takes the hand and allows herself to be led to a bright red ribbon. She takes it into her claw, observing the color intensely. It¡¯s the color of her father¡¯s eyes.

    Suddenly, a jubilant melody fills the air. Merlyn squeals excitedly as Kora leads her in the dance. They skip around the maypole, the ribbons weaving together as the children laugh. It starts out slow, following the pace of the music, but as the hurdy gurdy speeds up so do the children.

    As the children prance around it, they cover more and more of the maypole with the pattern. However, before it can be completed, screams erupt from the crowd. Someone is pushing through the gathered humans and monsters, slithering onto the stage with dark serpentine coils that gleam in the sun.

    ¡°Eben, where is she!?¡±

    ¡°There, she¡¯s on stage, Adder¡ª¡±

    Adder¡¯s heart is in his throat, uncomprehending of Eben¡¯s words any longer. She¡¯s on stage? With everyone watching her? What if the illusion is dispelled? How would the villagers react to a harpy amongst their young?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get her.¡°

    ¡°Adder, wait, she looks okay. Kora is with her.¡±

    ¡°I cannot leave her up there alone.¡±

    ¡°Adder, just stay calm. We can get her after the dance is over.¡±

    Adder starts forward, pushing through the crowd. ¡°I can¡¯t risk that!¡±

    ¡°Adder, stop¡ª¡±

    The cacophony of music and cheering swallows up Eben¡¯s pleas. Adder, initially attempting to weave through the bustling crowd with patience, finds the fear gripping him tighter and tighter as the song¡¯s tempo grows in tempo. He can¡¯t see Merlyn, and his mind is conjuring a variety of horrifying images in his mind. What if the other children knock her to the ground and hurt her? What if she gets upset and hurts them? What if she does something not even Eben can reverse?

    With a burst of urgent energy, he surges forward, uncaring of the humans and monsters around him. His tail slaps several people away, and they fall to the ground. It takes a moment for the crowd to realize that the serpent is among them¡ªthe first startled yelps are buried below the fanfare. But as Adder approaches the stage, fear consumes the villagers. Several people scream out in fear as the glamor is lifted, with some fleeing, some covering their eyes, some staring in shock, and some¡­reaching for weapons. Adder ignores it all, only intent on finding Merlyn now. As he climbs onto the platform, he hears her cry out in her strange, trilling, voice.

    ¡°Merlyn!¡±

    He scoops her into his arms, hugging her to his chest tightly. There¡¯s a moment of bliss where he just exhales, letting the fear drip away now that she¡¯s safe in her arms.

    ¡°Let the child go, monster!¡± someone screams from the crowd.

    Adder startles, realizing where he is. He holds Merlyn more secure to his chest. ¡°No¡ªI¡¯m sorry¡ªshe¡¯s my¡ª¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s taking a child! Someone stop him!¡± Another voice screams.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s a monster,¡± someone murmurs, ¡°maybe he¡¯s protecting us?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a little girl! He¡¯s going to kill her!¡± a man growls.

    Adder is breathing fast now. He¡¯s unable to get the words he needs to out, his tongue frozen as his heart races. Luckily, just then, Eben steps onto the stage as he dispels the glamors with a flourish of golden light. The crowd gasps in awe of the half-elf as he stands before them, eyes bright with magic.

    ¡°We apologize for the disturbance. This is Merlyn¡ªthis is the child we have been caring for. We have come to show her the light of Giakora¡¯s love by celebrating Koranalia with you all. We mean you no harm¡­¡±

    ¡®How dare you!¡± a burly man screams, ¡°we belong to the goddess on this holy day! You are not welcome here, monsters!¡±

    Suddenly, the young dryad next to him turns to him with green eyes aglow. ¡°Bite your tongue, heathen! Do not presume to speak for the Goddess!¡±

    ¡°How can he be welcome here? He is an agent of death! He is an agent of The Great Deceiver!¡±

    ¡°Monsters belong here too!¡± A familiar voice rings out¡ªAdder recognizes it as Basil, the felid.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend we don¡¯t know what you did, cat!¡±

    Basil shrinks back, ears pinned to his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t¡ªnone of us wanted to do what Sheppard commanded!¡±

    ¡°You lie! You have bound a human as your slave under the orders of the elf! He has taken Sheppard¡¯s place!¡±

    ¡°That''s enough!¡± Eben roars, ¡°Sheppard is dead because of me, because of Adder!¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Adder puts a hand on Eben¡¯s shoulder, intent on pulling him back so they can flee. Merlyn is whimpering in his arms, and it¡¯s clear they¡¯ve overstayed their welcome. However, before they have a chance, something solid crashes into Adder¡¯s temple. A sharp pain blossoms behind his eyes as he falls to the ground, grunting in pain. A large, heavy stone has been launched directly at his head and with it rains down a hail of fury. As the blows keep coming, the crowd erupts into a roar of raging voices. Adder curls around Merlyn protectively, ignoring the blood trickling down his face as Eben shields them both with his magic.

    Daring a glance, Adder turns around to look at Merlyn. His eyes find her face pale, eyes wide as a droplet of red falls  on her face. Her eyes dart away from Adder as Eben suddenly yells out a new command to the crowd.

    ¡°Cease this madness now! This is no human child, this is¡ª¡±

    Suddenly, a horrible sound rings out in the air; a sharp, ear-piercing scream emanating from none other than Merlyn. She¡¯s vibrating with rage much too strong for such a little body, lips curling back to reveal sharp, pointed teeth. Over half the crowd stares in shock while several others fall to the ground clutching their heads. Adder tenses as he scents blood in the air¡ªthe earth-shattering scream is making the humans writhe in pain as red trickles from their eyes, ears, and even their mouths.

    ¡°Merlyn! Stop!¡± Adder begs.

    Merlyn¡¯s savage song cuts short. She whimpers, burying her face against Adder¡¯s chest. The humans sag with relief, gasping for air like they had just been strangled. Deathly quiet overcomes the crowd as everyone tries to piece together what just happened. The monsters of the village dart their eyes around nervously while some humans openly stare at Merlyn. Some cough and spit up blood, while others still grip stones in their hands with white knuckles.

    Suddenly, though, the crowd parts as someone new arrives; Helia.

    She¡¯s in her ceremonial Koranalia garb, dressed to the nines in layers of colorful green and pink embroidered silk cloths. A long train of fabric trails behind her as she strides to the stage with a stern expression, Fern and Daisy at her side assisting her as he walks. As she steps aboard the platform, Adder stands up with Merlyn in his hands.

    ¡°Helia, mother¡ª¡±

    Before he has a chance to explain himself, Helia turns to face the crowd.

    ¡°N?dre Tor! The festivities have not yet ended. Our Goddess still deserves our praise and worship¡­I encourage you to return to your homes and continue the celebration with your families. We must show our Goddess her influence has not been weakened..¡±

    Villagers awkwardly shift around for a moment, gathering their belongings as the first few begin to obey her orders. Some stubbornly try to stay¡ªbut they¡¯re easily cowed as the priestess of Giakora glares with all the fury of a Goddess. Finally, as the last reluctant few begin to leave, the town square slowly becomes more and more desolate. Adder feels empty as they disperse.

    ¡°Adder. Eben. You will come with me,¡± Helia growls lowly.

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Now, child.¡±

    Ever the good son, Adder bows his head meekly and obeys. He feels exposed as he traverses the streets of  N?dre Tor without Eben¡¯s glamor. They pass several villagers still celebrating¡ªbut as soon as they see Adder they freeze to gawk. Although Adder cannot see their faces, he feels the trembling of their hearts in the earth.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bad omen,¡± the beekeeper¡¯s son whispers hoarsely as they cross by.

    Adder ignores the cruel words, hugging Merlyn more securely to his side as they enter the church once more. This time, the worshippers are deathly silent as they pass the altar and enter the narrow, catacomb-like hallways of the church.

    Adder¡¯s skin crawls as they get closer and closer to Sheppard¡¯s old study. Even though it¡¯s been long converted back into Helia¡¯s space, Adder can¡¯t unlearn the tremor his body makes with the squeak of the ancient door. Nor can he suppress the shudder as Daisy and Fern open the door and the smell of old books, potions, and Sheppard spills out.

    He¡¯s dead. He¡¯s dead. He¡¯s dead, Adder chants in his mind.

    Fern and Daisy shut the door with a solid thunk, leaving Eben and Adder to their fate. Helia shuffles to her seat, groaning as her joints creak with the motion. She begins to gather several ingredients; what looks like pink petunias, willow bark, and a bright red jewel. She grinds them in an ancient moss-stained mortar and pestle before adding them to a teacup.

    ¡°Mother¡ª¡±

    ¡°Silence. How dare you do this?¡±

    Adder¡¯s heart squeezes painfully. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡ªI just wanted to come celebrate¡­¡±

    ¡°Have you no sense? Have you forgotten all the years I spent keeping you away, keeping you safe?! Do you intend to waste all I have done for you?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡±

    Eben steps forward, in between Adder and Helia. ¡°It was my idea, Helia. We meant no harm.¡±

    ¡°Oh I know it was your idea because never in my son¡¯s life did he do such hare-brained things until you came around!¡±

    ¡°Now that¡¯s¡ª¡±

    There''s a sharp bang as Helia slaps the mortar and pestle down on the desk. ¡°Be quiet! Do you think I didn¡¯t hear what happened with Basil and Edmund? Or in the orchard? Or at the river? Those were all your failures as much as his!¡±

    Eben looks down at the ground, shame heating his face.

    Adder takes that as his cue to jump in. ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t blame Eben. I knew it was dangerous¡ªhe didn¡¯t understand¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    Helia scowls harder. She snaps her fingers and a small flame is conjured there. She lights a small, ornate, alcohol stove and places a small kettle on it.

    ¡°Is it me you should be apologizing to? I told you there would be consequences for incubating that egg. Now you both have something bigger to care for. You need to be willing to sacrifice, to die for this child.¡±

    ¡°I would I¡ª! I thought we were doing the right thing...¡±

    ¡°Just go, Adder. Leave the village; we will discuss this more later. Me and Eben need to have a chat.¡±

    Adder is about to argue further, but Eben interrupts. He looks weary, fussing with one of his ears as he looks down at the ground.

    ¡°Adder, just¡­do as she says.¡±

    Shame heats Adder¡¯s cheeks¡ªhe made a fool of himself, didn¡¯t he? Even Eben thinks so¡­

    ¡°Okay,¡± Adder croaks, ¡°we will be in the orchard waiting for you.¡±

    Adder leaves the study with haste, still holding Merlyn tight to his chest. As he re-enters the winding streets of N?dre Tor, he sees it is completely abandoned now. Without the villagers here, it feels incredibly lonely. He passes several abandoned altars, barren of the gifts that would usually be piled up by now. As he nears the exit, he finds an especially tragic sight¡ªan altar not only barren, but completely destroyed. The offerings have been tossed to the ground, the flowers trampled. Did an angry villager toss them down, raging at the Goddess for allowing a beast to celebrate among them? More guilt wracks Adder¡¯s mind; he didn¡¯t just ruin the holiday for Merlyn and Eben, but for everyone.

    The only balm to ease his heart is solitude right now. Luckily, solitude is exactly what he finds in the orchard¡ªit''s barren of fruit now, and with the villagers all gone it''s extremely quiet save for the songbirds tittering.

    Adder curls up in a sunny spot with Merlyn, holding her close. He looks down at her finally, finding big wet eyes and tears that track down her cheeks steadily.

    ¡°Oh little fledgling,¡± he whispers, ¡°you didn¡¯t mean to hurt them. It¡¯s not your fault, little bird.¡±

    Merlyn hiccups, snot trailing down her lip. Adder wipes it away gently.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Are you tired? Why don¡¯t you take a nap with me while we wait for Eben?¡±

    Merlyn coos softly, sniffing. Adder lies on his side, using his tail as a pillow, and closes his eyes. He tries to calm himself with deep breaths, hoping that Merlyn will take his lead. He focuses on the sensations around him; Merlyn''s little heartbeat, the soft green grass beneath him, and the warm sun, filtering through the dappled shadows of the apple trees. Quite soon, he¡¯s relieved to feel Merlyn¡¯s breaths even out as she starts to fall asleep.

    However, Adder can¡¯t sleep. Not really, not when there¡¯s so much to think about. He settles on praying to his Goddess. He begs for forgiveness once again, his coils tightening as his face tightens in pain.

    If his eyes were open, he¡¯d see a singular Lily of the valley sprouting from the earth. Its snow white bells tremble in the wind.

 First Flights

    The ride back from N?dre Tor is quiet. Even Merlyn, who usually loves to babble or sing nonsense, is silent. She tucks her face into the crook of Eben''s shoulder, her big wet eyes contemplating the clear blue sky above them. She watches chickadee¡¯s flit about, listening to their warning calls ring out in the afternoon air; chicka-dee-dee-dee! Chicka-dee-dee-dee!

    Adder is listening too. He¡¯s been too afraid to say anything since Eben¡¯s returned with the cart. So even though they are nearly to their home, nobody has spoken a peep. Luckily, Eben finally breaks the silence.

    ¡°Adder, you were right¡­¡±

    Adder blinks in surprise. This is far from what he expected. ¡°You¡¯re not mad about what happened?¡±

    ¡°No. I knew things could go south. I just thought¡ªI thought I could integrate her with human society. But I talked to Helia, and she was right; I was just projecting my desires onto Merlyn. I let my stupid ideas hurt you both again. We¡¯re monsters, real monsters. I need to accept that.¡±

    ¡°You¡­wanted Merlyn to integrate with humans?¡±

    ¡°I wanted her to stay here. With us,¡± Eben whispers.

    Adder feels his face warm. ¡°I¡ªI want that too. But we can¡¯t, Eben. The villagers would never permit her after today.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    They¡¯re both silent for a moment, letting the heavy words hang in the air. Adder looks to Merlyn, who is still watching birds acrobatically maneuver in the air. Her wing¡¯s tremble, like she¡¯s eager to join them.

    ¡°We need to teach Merlyn how to fly.¡±

    Eben looks stricken, but nods solemnly.

    In the coming weeks, they try to prepare Merlyn. However, things are unfortunately slow going. Although Merlyn shows much interest in flying, she much prefers for Eben to do all the work with magic. When they try to get her to try without it, well, they get tantrums. Ear-piercing, wailing, tantrums. Right now, they¡¯re suffering through an especially horrible one. They¡¯re in grassy outcropping near their home, the area cleared of obstacles for the lesson. Merlyn is crying, having tossed herself to the ground once again after Eben had tried to force her into a running start.

    ¡°I think she needs a break,¡± Adder yells over the screeching.

    ¡°She¡¯s had four breaks, a nap, and several snacks! She needs to get this, Adder!¡±

    Merlyn screams louder, running to Adder with wings outstretched. She hugs Adder and with tears streaming down her face, looks up at him with an especially pathetic expression.

    ¡°Oh, Merlyn, it¡¯s okay,¡± Adder coos, brushing her hair away from her face.

    ¡°Adder, for the gods sake, stop coddling her!¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯m not coddling her, she¡¯s upset!¡±

    ¡°You are being manipulated by a toddler. Look at her! She¡¯s using puppy eyes! Merlyn, no more breaks. Try again. Now.¡±

    Merlyn gives an enraged screech that turns to sobs, glaring with a red face at Eben. Eben glowers back, the tattoo on his skin writhing rapidly with a red-tinted glow.

    ¡°Eben, maybe you need a break¡­¡±

    Eben opens his mouth to respond, face red and body tense. However, all the tension seeps out of him suddenly. He sinks to the ground, groaning as he flops onto his back, hands raking over his face. Adder slithers over, looking concerned.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°No. Her screams are making my head hurt.¡±

    ¡°Is it magic?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the screams of all children essentially dark magic, intent on driving all who hear insane?¡±

    Adder huffs, lying on the ground beside Eben. They both look up at the sky¡ªwhite fluffy clouds drift lazily. Merlyn approaches them warily. Her eyes are wide as she leans over Eben, face creased as she sobs.

    ¡°Just one more break, Merlyn. For my sanity,¡± Eben sighs.

    Merlyn crouches. A claw nears Eben¡¯s face¡ªit carefully picks a blade of grass from his hair.

    Eben smiles despite the exasperation still creasing his face. ¡°Thank you, little bird.¡±

    Merlyn trills quietly. She lowers herself to the ground, nuzzling her head into the crook of Eben¡¯s arm. All three of them turn their gaze skyward.

    ¡°Look, Merlyn. Doesn¡¯t that cloud look like a kitty-cat?¡±

    Merlyn cocks her head, looking at where Eben is pointing. She trills quietly, calming as she studies the cotton-white puffs.

    ¡°Has Merlyn seen a cat before?¡± Adder asks.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s seen a felid.¡±

    Adder giggles. They¡¯re both quiet again as they watch the wind blow the cloud across the sky. Vaguely, he can make out two pointed ears and a tail. Slowly, the ears conjoin into one fluffy mass as the tail drifts away.

    Adder closes his eyes and lets the quiet of the moment sooth his nerves. In the ground, he can sense how alive the forest has become now. He feels the vibrations of two jackalopes warring over a mate, the warm breeze carrying feather-light dandelion seeds, and the tickle of soft grass beneath him. And even distantly, he smells werewolf¡ªhe wonders if Daisy is out hunting nearby.

    Suddenly, Eben¡¯s quiet voice interrupts the twitter of birds and bugs. ¡°Adder?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Is this hard, or are we just bad at it?¡±

    Adder smiles. ¡°I think nobody is ever prepared to be a parent. I think we¡¯re bad at it and it''s hard.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful. Maybe I should convert to worshiping Demeterra. You think Merlyn would sleep through the night if I did that?¡±

    ¡°No, but we could add a space for her on the altar. I hear she¡¯s fond of cheese.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that cannibalism?¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ªEben, she has cow ears. Cows make cheese. They aren¡¯t made of cheese.¡±

    ¡°What does cannibalism mean again?¡±

    Adder traces one of Eben¡¯s ears. ¡°It means to eat one of your own. Like if I ate you¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯ve been a spotted forest dwarf this entire time? Or am I a legless lizard?¡±

    ¡°Legless lizard is a low-blow.¡±

    Eben laughs, throwing his arm over his face. Merlyn joins in, twittering gayly.

    Adder sits up, slithering over to Merlyn. ¡°You seem in better spirits now. Let''s try again?¡±

    Merlyn coos, smiling sunnily now.

    ¡°Alright, this time let her run to you,¡± says Eben.

    Adder nods, moving back a few paces.

    ¡°Alright, come here Merlyn! Run! Run!¡±

    Merlyn jumps from Eben¡¯s arms and begins to sprint toward Adder. Her wings tremble as her clever clawed feet navigate the flat prairie, causing dandelion puffs to explode in her wake. Finally, as she reaches her destination, Adder picks her up and tosses her into the air.

    To his amazement, Merlyn doesn¡¯t sink to the ground like the last time. She opens her wings wide and up, up, up she goes. Adder¡¯s heart goes with her, feeling simultaneously overjoyed, terrified, and sorrowful all in one.

    ¡°Merlyn! Not so high! Come back now!¡±

    She¡¯s gliding gracefully, her wings flapping occasionally to stay aloft as she circles the prairie. However, a sudden and uncharacteristically brutal bout of wind disrupts her smooth flight. Adder¡¯s heart goes cold as Merlyn tumbles and is promptly swept off in the direction of the forest.

    ¡°Eben!¡±

    Eben¡¯s eyes are already aglow with magic. ¡°I¡¯ve got it! Go after her!¡±

    Swiftly, Adder heads to where Merlyn disappeared behind the treeline. His mind flashes back to that horrible day at the river; but he can hear her this time. She¡¯s crying out above him, her voice rapidly growing in volume as she descends.

    Soon, he spots her. She¡¯s glowing as she crashes through several branches, heading for the ground. The magic is keeping her safe and unharmed, but from her heartbreaking cries, it¡¯s clear she¡¯s extremely fearful of the circumstance she¡¯s found herself in.

    Mustering as much energy as possible, Adder darts ahead, opening his arms wide. He thanks the Gods as Merlyn tumbles into his embrace with such force his coils ripple rapidly to stabilize himself. He pants heavily as he closes his eyes in relief.

    ¡°Gods, oh Gods. You gave me fright, Merlyn.¡±

    Merlyn is crying once more, face buried in Adder¡¯s shoulder. Adder sighs, knowing there¡¯s nothing he can do to soothe her. They will have to try again soon. She might have to endure falling again. With a heavy heart, he heads home. As he approaches the cave though, he¡¯s surprised by the sight of not just Eben, but Kora waiting for him anxiously.

    ¡°Is Merlyn okay?¡± Kora asks pleadingly.

    ¡°Kora, where¡ª¡°

    ¡°She was hiding in a tree,¡± Eben explains, ¡°spying on us. Is Merlyn okay¡±

    ¡°Was not!¡± Kora whines.

    Adder scowls. ¡°She¡¯s fine. But why are you here, Kora? Helia has expressly forbade all villagers from thai place.¡±

    ¡°Merlyn is my friend, you can¡¯t just keep me away!¡±

    Adder is about to demand Kora head back home, but Merlyn sniffles and looks down at Kora from her perch. She wiggles out of Adder¡¯s arms, dropping down to forcefully hug Kora with a sob. She returns the embrace, smoothing out the tot¡¯s wild hair gently.

    Adder sags, sighing as he pinches the bridge of his nose. ¡°Does your father know you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°No. But my mother does. She said if Helia wants to tell me who I¡¯m allowed to befriend, she can kiss Morthall¡¯s a¡ª¡°

    ¡°Okay, okay! But you shouldn¡¯t have come alone¡­the forest is dangerous.¡±

    Kora huffs, rolling her eyes. ¡°Daisy gave me a locket with her fur in it¡ªno basilisk in their right mind would come after a girl who smells of werewolf.¡±

    ¡°You might as well come in for dinner,¡± Says Eben.

    ¡°Yes! Let me stay the night too?¡±

    ¡°Only because I don¡¯t trust a locket to keep you out of the belly of a chimera.¡±

    ¡°Alright. C¡¯mon Merlyn, let¡¯s go inside and color.¡±

    Kora tugs Merlyn ahead on the trail. The little harpy sniffles as she allows herself to be led by the older girl. Adder follows close behind, interlacing his hand with Eben¡¯s.

    ¡°She was doing so well, then she just¡ªlost control,¡± Eben sighs.

    ¡°I know. I guess she needs more practice?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because she has no tail,¡± Kora says.

    ¡°I¡ªshe doesn¡¯t need one¡­¡± says Adder.

    Kora enters the cave, setting her satchel on the table. She pulls out her crayons and paper before revealing an intricate kite¡ªAdder realizes it''s the one she mentioned before, the one modeled after Merlyn. The drawing didn¡¯t do it justice; It has two intricately articulated paper wings and a wide-fanned tail, with delicately painted on-features. Jacqueline even made sure to include the barring of the primaries.

    ¡°Mother painted it. But father and I built it.¡±

    Adder sits at the table, eyes wide as he studies the kite. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, Kora.¡±

    ¡°It flies, too. It goes really high! But I noticed that when I take the tail off, it can¡¯t turn.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Kora holds the kite up, pointing at the wings. ¡°The wind pushes here, making Merlyn lift into the air. They can make her turn a little bit, but not much. So if there¡¯s a gust of wind or if she turns too much¡ª¡° Kora wiggles the small kite, making a woosh sound as she angles it toward the table. Adder clenches his fists as it hits the ancient wood with a thud. Although it''s just a kite, he can¡¯t help but think back to their close call today. If he had been a bit slower, would Merlyn faced a similar fate?

    ¡°She was turning just fine, she just¡ªshe got scared¡­¡±

    ¡°She got scared because she can¡¯t turn. Look¡ªI¡¯ve been watching birds. When they turn, their tails flip around and fan out. Something is wrong with Merlyn; she''s missing a part she needs to fly.¡±

    ¡°Watch what you say. Nothing¡¯s wrong with her. You¡¯ve never even seen a harpy!¡± Eben says.

    ¡°I have, though. Adder has petrified a harpy who attacked the village. Visit the graveyard if you don¡¯t believe me¡ªit has a tail. Merlyn can¡¯t fly without one!¡±

    Adder tenses, remembering the fight. It had been brutal, with there being several times he¡¯d almost lost his life to the fierce creature. But did it have a tail? Surely, he would¡¯ve noticed, right?

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Adder says. ¡°We¡¯ve had a taxing day. We need to rest.¡±

    Kora, sensing she overstepped, bunches her hands in her dress nervously. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Eben stands from the table, putting the kite back in the satchel¡ªout of sight. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Kora. Come help me prepare supper¡­¡±

    Dutifully, she rises to follow Eben to the kitchen. Adder stays at the table, listening to Merlyn as she scribbles on her paper, still sniffling.

 Mourning Dove

    When it was just Eben and Adder, their schedule was dependent on their moods. Some days they took time to indulge in leisurely breakfasts. Adder would sip his tea while reading, while Eben used the golden hour to paint or sketch. Other days, Adder would sleep in, only leaving bed to find a sunny spot to bask in. Eben might go for a ride on fairy, bringing home a slain buck or jackalope by the time the crickets started to sing.

    Something they soon learned about raising children, though, is that they crave schedules. Merlyn¡¯s tantrums soon made it obvious that she didn¡¯t like to be in the dark about how the day would go. So everyday follows a familiar pattern now: Merlyn rises first at the crack of dawn and plays with her doll until Adder or Eben wakes up. Usually it¡¯s Adder, who gives himself the indulgence of stretching for a good ten minutes before carrying Merlyn to the breakfast table. He makes her eggs with a side of fruit and a cup of goat milk. Sometimes he lets her pour the milk herself¡ªit''s important to let her try, even if it results in a spill literally every time. Next to rise is Eben, who eats at the table while he has a cup of strongly brewed tea. Once his breakfast is over, he heads out to tend to go hunt before returning to help with the garden. At noon, they sit down to a meal before returning to work, usually storing and canning produce.

    Today, though, is a little different. Adder¡¯s eyes are bloodshot this morning. Sleep eluded him all night, his anxieties whirring around his mind all night like bees in a hive. As the sun begins to peek over the treeline, he¡¯s in the study looking over the small altar he¡¯s arranged. Previously, he¡¯d solely worshiped Giakora, so he never thought to get a dedicated altar for her. Rather, he¡¯d converted one of the bookshelves into a space to place offerings. The Goddess is not picky, nor vain, and he felt she would appreciate her altar being betwixt some of his most beloved tomes. However, taking recent events into consideration, Adder had moved some of Giakora¡¯s offerings to the side to add some new additions. Beside her pressed flowers, a small goblet of wine, and an intricate garnet necklace, Adder has decided to add some items for Demeterra and Zephereon. For the Goddess of motherhood, he adds a corked bottle of strong spirits, some cinnamon bark, and a  hand-crocheted potholder. For the God of the ether, however, Adder adds something especially precious: one long, banded, brown feather. The one first ever shed from Merlyn¡¯s adult set of feathers.

    Adder closes his eyes as he gently places the feather down. He sighs deeply before lighting the incense. The smoke drifts into the air with a stream of delicate white. He studies it carefully.

    ¡°She can¡¯t stay with us. Flying isn¡¯t an option,¡± Adder croaks, ¡°Otherwise¡ªwon''t she be trapped? What do I do? Gods¡ª¡±

    Adder doesn¡¯t finish. He thinks of the first night after Helia had been petrified. He¡¯d slept here in the study, at the table. Everything had seemed so cold, so dead. If Merlyn stayed with them, that would inevitably be her fate¡ªisolated from humanity by her monstrous nature, abandoned by her kin for her inability to fly. He and Eben won¡¯t live forever, after all.

    Voices from the living room break him out of his stupor. Adder enters to find Eben portioning out a healthy helping of scrambled eggs to Merlyn and Kora.

    ¡°Goo¡¯ morning!¡± Kora chirps, mouth full.

    ¡°Good morning, Kora.¡± Adder replies.

    ¡°Are you going to train with Merlyn more today?¡±

    ¡°No. We¡¯re going to the stone graveyard today.¡±

    Eben looks up from his plate. ¡°Adder, are you sure that¡¯s wise?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s about time I visited. We need to confirm what Kora claims.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­I¡¯ll pack as soon as we finish up here.¡±

    Adder nods solemnly, poking his eggs with a wooden fork. He can¡¯t make himself eat, so he simply pushes his food off onto Merlyn¡¯s plate. Growing like a sprout, she takes it gleefully. Once they¡¯ve all eaten, Adder takes it upon himself to clean up the table and put everything away as Eben starts to get Fairy ready.

    The ride over to the stone graveyard is much like the route to N?dre Tor, but they¡¯re not heading for the resting place of the villagers. No, they¡¯re heading toward the graveyard of the disgraced, the creatures and beings deemed too unsafe for Eben to heal with his powers. The victims of Adder who remain in their prisons of stone.

    Just before they come to the wall of  N?dre Tor, the path forks, veering deeper into the dense forest. They drop off Kora at the fork, sending her on her way home before they enter. Adder is tense as the dappled springtime light slowly fades away as they enter the depths of the pines.

    Merlyn seems to pick up on his apprehension. She eyes the unfamiliar surroundings warily. Eben ruffles her hair affectionately. ¡°It¡¯s okay, little bird. Nothing out here can hurt you with me here.¡±

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    As if in offense, the trail grows even darker as dark clouds roll in overhead. A gentle rain begins to drizzle down, falling in fat droplets that muddy the path. With a wave of Eben¡¯s hand, a barrier covers the cart. Merlyn smiles as she watches glimmering trails streak down it, leaving glittering gold trails.

    The rain lets up as they finally reach their destination. The graveyard is nestled in a small clearing in the forest, surrounded by a rusted iron fence. It creaks open as Adder enters, a foreboding sound that grates on his nerves as he opens his eyes. The graveyard is much more¡­serene than expected. Somehow, Adder expected the statues to be lined up at the gate, rage and fear as fresh as the day they died¡ªbut that''s not the case. Nature has started to claim most of the statues that were haphazardly thrown to the ground. From what Adder can make out of the fog that has started to roll in, highlighted by the ethereal morning sun, most of the statues are covered in blankets of moss and lichen. In the corner there¡¯s even a patch of opalescent glass poppies, their delicate blooms quite fitting for a place of eternal slumber.

    ¡°Adder, I think this might be a bit harder than we thought. Should we come back another day?¡±

    ¡°No. Let¡¯s give it a try¡­we¡¯ll go back if we can¡¯t find it soon.¡±

    Eben nods, heading towards the largest statue in the center. Adder goes toward the right, heading for a lumpy statue lying face-up. Merlyn tottles after him, squatting down to study the object at her feet. Taking a deep breath, Adder pulls the moss away. It¡¯s a statue of a man with a permanent snarl on his face. Adder pulls off more growth, revealing the armor plating of the victim. A member of the monster-hunting guild of Crestholm. Not who Adder is looking for.

    Getting at the game they¡¯re playing, Merlyn steps over the hunter and toward a statue leaning against a stump. She pulls off a large blanket of green with a grunt, revealing the maw of a snarling chimera. She squeals, jumping up and down as she points at the frozen creature.

    Adder traces the scars that trail down his chest. ¡°It''s a chimera, Merlyn. Very dangerous¡­very vicious.¡±

    Merlyn isn¡¯t listening. She pets the head of the statue, as if it¡¯s simply a sleeping kitten and not a man-eating monster. Adder smiles, turning toward a particularly decrepit statue. Not only weeds, but a flourishing bush overtake this one. Several bright flowers bloom in violet starbursts, alongside several glossy black berries with striking star-shaped leaves. Instantly, Merlyn is attracted to the berries, reaching for some. Adder moves quick, pulling her away.

    ¡°Merlyn! That¡¯s nightshade. Drop it!¡±

    Merlyn drops the stalk she¡¯d gripped in her hand, cowed by Adder¡¯s tone. Adder sighs, setting her down. ¡°Thank you, little bird¡ª¡±

    As he looks back at the bush, his words become stuck in his throat. As he removes the branch, he uncovers a gruesome sight. Sheppard¡¯s weathered face peeks from behind the leaves of belladonna, crowned in the forest¡¯s detritus and decay.

    Adder stares down at his former mentor in shock, ice filling his veins. He knew Sheppard was here, among the disgraced. But it still never felt like he was gone¡ªAdder always felt on edge, like the high priest would find a way to come back from the dead. Now though, he has confirmation that Sheppard is truly gone. The roots of the nightshade have burrowed its way into the stone, creating hairline fractures that, overtime, became wide fissures. Of particular note is the state of the neck: Adder leans over to brush his thumb against it warily. The stone crumbles easily under his touch, revealing a clear separation between Sheppard¡¯s head and shoulders. The flowers have severed his head, leaving absolutely zero chance of his recovery.

    A confusing deluge of emotion catches Adder off guard. He¡¯s relieved, of course he is. But there''s also a deep, resounding sadness that makes him ache inside. Sheppard loved himself most of all, Adder knew that. But there had been times¡ªtimes that he¡¯d wondered if they had a bond of sorts. Sheppard was the one who took charge of Adder¡¯s education, the only person outside Helia that had regular interactions with him. So no matter how horrible Sheppard had been, there had also been moments of tenderness¡­moments where Adder had seen him as a father figure. It had been why Adder had been subservient for so long. It was easy to ignore the fear and pain if he justified it. If he pretended that Sheppard saw him like a son and not a weapon.

    Adder takes a slow breath in before he picks up the branch and places it back over Sheppards face. He feels an urge to cover it more, perhaps bury the statue¡­but he doesn¡¯t do it. Sheppard hurt a lot of people, not just Adder. This was their justice.

    ¡°Adder, come take a look at this!¡±

    Remembering why they came, Adder picks up Merlyn and joins Eben on the other side of the graveyard. On the ground is the harpy, lying supine with wings spread and lips curled. With the thick vines curled around his body, it almost looks like he¡¯s trying and failing to escape their cruel grip. Eben kneels to touch the vines and they begin to glow with magic. When the tendrils recede, the sunlight exposes the damage for the first time in years. Nature has taken its toll here, leaving several deep cracks across the statue''s surface. There would be no resurrection of this monster, either.

    ¡°Do you see a tail?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell. Help me flip it over.¡±

    Adder leans down, the wings crumble away from the body as he flips it over. As he places it back down, he confirms his worst fears: the harpy has a large, fan-like tail. He stares at it, uncertainty and fear swirling in his stomach. He glances at Merlyn, realizing she¡¯s been watching them this entire time. She¡¯s invested in investigating the stone wings, fascinated with seeing someone that looks like her for the first time in her young life. It hurts Adder to know this is the first interaction she¡¯s ever had with her own kind. Seeing a dead harpy, one that had tried to hurt several innocent villagers.

    Wordlessly, Adder picks Merlyn up and heads to the cart. Eben follows after him, giving him an anxious glance as they start to head back home. The rain starts to pour down again, this time in angry sheets of rain, accompanied by a loud peal of thunder. Poor Merlyn jolts in fear, scrambling under Eben¡¯s cloak. Eben hugs her close, linking his and Adder¡¯s hands together as the cart rumbles down the stone path through puddles and mud. Adder can¡¯t help but think the road ahead is just as rough.

 Bird Flu

    The transition from winter to spring is one full of fanfare. However, if spring is busy, filled with creatures all raring to grow and find mates, summer is doubly active. In Adder¡¯s little corner of forest, this couldn¡¯t be more true. Scorching heat warms the earth, replacing cool springtime mornings. In the afternoon, the light of day lengthens, and in the evenings are no longer dominated by the sounds of the nightingales, but a trilling chorus of cicadas.

    Their habits in turn, also shift. Farm work doubles as Eben and Adder take advantage of the season. This year they have a bountiful early summer harvest to enjoy: peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, cabbages, and leeks, to name a few. Previously, Merlyn preferred to bumble around the garden gathering pill bugs and chasing butterflies. However, seeing her caregivers hard at work, she makes it her task to mimic them any way possible. She follows Eben around with a basket, plucks eggplants off the stem with great effort, ferociously rips apart weeds, and nearly falls on her face attempting to lift the watering can.

    Most of this occurs in the morning, after breakfast. Sometimes changes to the routine do happen though. This morning proves to be one of those times, as Adder is not awoken by the usual sounds of Merlyn playing with her doll. Instead, he wakes up to the upsetting sound of gagging and coughing. He sits up in a hurry, eyes wide, just in time to catch poor Merlyn look up with shivering wings, hair disheveled and tears running down her face.

    ¡°Gods!¡±

    Quickly, he rushes to her side. His first instinct is to pick her up, but the heaving of her chest tells him that more is to come. He rubs her back as she coughs harder. The sound quickly rouses Eben, who sits up in the dark.

    ¡°Adder? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡ªshe¡¯s sick, she was coughing and¡ªEben you need to go get a healer now!¡±

    Eben comes closer, brushing his hand against Merlyn¡¯s forehead. She leans into the touch, breathing heavy as she fights back another fit. ¡°She feels a bit warm. Did you see any blood?¡±

    ¡°No. She¡¯s just coughing.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit then. I don¡¯t think a healer is necessary yet.¡±

    ¡°You must be joking, didn¡¯t you hear her? She¡¯s in pain!¡±

    Eben smiles, picking up Merlyn. He rubs her back soothingly, rocking her back and forth. ¡°Adder, I was sick all the time at her age. She just needs some rest and care to get back on her feet.¡±

    ¡°Really? Are you sure? ¡±

    ¡°Make something easy to eat. I¡¯ll tidy her up.¡±

    Adder frowns, but obeys the order. Into the kitchen he goes to fret over their supplies. He counts five pears, plenty of carrots and potatoes, some dried meat, and some fresh bundles of herbs. Stewed pears would be an easy enough breakfast, and he knew it was good for the lungs. However, she needed something better for her lunch if she was to recover soon.

    Adder thinks back¡ªwhat was it that Helia used to make when he got sick?.

    After nearly biting his nails to the nubs, he finally remembers Helia¡¯s remedy for coughs and runny noses. It was a spicy stew, filled with soft vegetables and meat in a savory broth. Immediately, he hurries to get it done. After slicing some pears and plopping them into a pot with spices and sugar, he moves onto the soup. He chops the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, thyme, rosemary, and garlic first. Into the large cauldron the root vegetables and herbs go, while the celery, onion and garlic go into a sizzling pan. Adder sautes them in butter, mixing them around with a wooden spoon until they¡¯re soft and translucent. Once that¡¯s done, it¡¯s time for the meat. Luckily, Eben had brought home a particularly large jackalope a few days ago. They had prepared the carcass together, skinning it before thoroughly covering it in salt and herbs. Adder goes now to utilize it. He quickly dices the meat into small bite-sized chunks before adding it in. He¡¯s just about to close the lid and let it simmer, before he jolts, realizing he forgot the crucial ingredient: peppers! Adder looks up from the simmering pot, to where the peppers hang drying in bundles. Looking between them, he sees two varieties. A long rope of red peppers, and some short, squat, wrinkly orange ones. Figuring the orange ones to be more mild, he grabs four of them, dicing them up and adding them in.

    A few minutes later, the pears are ready to eat. Adder observes them carefully as he spoons a small portion into a wooden bowl. The pears are soft now, covering in a glossy glaze of spiced syrup. He places down three bowls at the table, sitting down to eat just as Eben arrives with a bundled up Merlyn. He holds her in his lap, patiently spoon feeding her. Adder smiles at the domestic scene.

    ¡°I guess if she¡¯s eating it must not be too bad. But you could heal her with your powers, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea, Adder.¡±

    ¡°Why not? You¡¯ve healed me plenty of times.¡±

    Eben gives Merlyn another generous spoonful of pear. She looks up at him with sleepy eyes, sniffling. Eben smiles, kissing the top of her head. ¡°Didn¡¯t we have this discussion when she was born? Healing magic is tricky.¡±

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    ¡°So it would hurt her somehow?¡±

    ¡°Children get sick, Adder. It makes them stronger as adults to endure it now. She¡¯s going to need to be strong.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­you¡¯re right, of course.¡±

    Adder tries not to dwell on the deeper meaning of those words, eating his breakfast. Soon enough, all three bowls are empty, scraped clean. Without food to occupy her, though, Merlyn has nothing to occupy her thoughts but her misery. She begins to whine and fidget in Eben¡¯s lap, her little body occasionally shaking with bouts of coughing.

    Seeking to distract her, Adder starts thinking. ¡°Merlyn, do you wanna play?¡±

    Eben catches onto the plan. ¡°Yeah Merlyn. Do you want your dolly?¡±

    Merlyn looks up from behind her feathers. She frowns, wiping her nose. She makes a morose chirping noise.

    ¡°Okay little bird. I''ll go get it for you. Okay?¡±

    Eben gets up from the table, heading to their room. He returns a moment later, handing something to Adder and Merlyn. All three monsters are now equipped with a toy: Merlyn gets her doll, Adder gets a crudely carved wooden horse, and Eben gets a small, paper bird. Merlyn studies the toys intently, hugging her doll securely to her body.

    ¡°Look, Merlyn, here comes the birdy!¡±

    Eben moves the paper bird through the air like it¡¯s flying around. He makes it dive towards Merlyn, causing the paper beak to poke against her cheek. She squeals and flaps her wings, dodging the touch. She swings her doll, bouncing it in the air. Suddenly, before Adder has a chance to prepare, she makes her doll dive and squish into Adder¡¯s horse.

    ¡°Ah! No! Merlyn, don¡¯t eat my horse!¡±

    Merlyn screeches, pushing the doll even harder into Adder¡¯s horse. Adder somehow wrests it away, making it clip clop across the table.

    ¡°Run Adder, she''s gone mad!¡±

    Making the fatal mistake of drawing attention to himself, Merlyn switches her focus to Eben. She laughs as she attempts to grab the paper bird. Eben holds it up and away from her.

    ¡°Don''t eat the bird, that''s cannibalism!¡±

    Merlyn laughs, jumping up on the table to grab the paper toy. In the process, she nearly knocks a bowl onto the ground. Adder lunges to grab it, leaving his toy vulnerable. Merlyn strikes out, grabbing the wooden horse with inhuman speed.

    ¡°My horse!¡±

    Merlyn squeals and laughs, jumping off the table and running towards the hearth. The burrows under the blankets and furs piled up there, hiding from Adder and Eben. Adder laughs, watching the mound tremble as Merlyn giggles under the blankets.

    Eben snorts, standing from the table. He collects the bowls, piling them with the other dirty dishes. ¡°The nerve. The absolute nerve.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just glad she''s not crying anymore.¡±

    ¡°I told you she¡¯d be okay.¡±

    The rest of the day is spent in relative peace. Adder and Eben play with Merlyn, do household chores, and tend to the garden. As the sun starts to sink lower in the sky, the stew bubbling over the hearth begins to become more and more fragrant, filling their home with the scent of savory spices.

    ¡°Adder, that smells amazing. What is it?¡±

    ¡°Helia¡¯s home remedy.¡±

    Eben saunters up to the pot. He stirs the pot, inhaling the scent. ¡°My dad used to make something just like this. He used chicken and noodles, though.¡±

    ¡°That sounds delicious. We should make that next.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan. Now go get Merlyn, I''ll make you a bowl.¡±

    Adder finds Merlyn in the study, sleeping in a bookshelf for some reason. He picks her up, carrying her to the living room. He coils beside the table, setting her down on top of his scales. She gives sleepy peep, followed by a cough.

    ¡°Hold on, Adder. Let it cool a little. It¡¯s still hot.¡±

    Adder nods, pushing the bowl out of reach of Merlyn. ¡°This was my favorite food as a child, but Helia only made it when I was very ill. I still remember the first time she made it.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°It was a very dry summer. I got stuck in a shed and could barely move. Then just when things couldn¡¯t get worse, my head started pounding and I started coughing and sneezing.¡±

    ¡°Aww, that sounds horrible.¡±

    ¡°It was.¡±

    ¡°I think the last time my father made me soup, I caught the florid curse.¡±

    ¡°Oh my¡­really?¡±

    ¡°The whole of Crestholm was coughing up flowers everywhere. Even my father was coughing up forget-me-nots. Luckily, my crush on the neighbor was very much puppy love. It didn¡¯t take long for me to recover from the curse.¡±

    Merlyn has enough of the talking. She stands up from Adder¡¯s lap, pulling the bowl forward. Adder checks the temperature before handing her a spoon. She begins to drink it happily, eating her way around the celery.

    ¡°What flowers were you coughing up?¡±

    ¡°Buttercups. Nobody tells you they¡¯re poisonous.¡±

    ¡°Gods, I''m glad you recovered well.¡±

    Eben nods, taking a sip of his soup. ¡°Yes¡ªack!¡± His face turns red as he starts to chug the water beside his bowl.

    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Adder! Augh! How many peppers did you put in this?!¡±

    ¡°I only added three!¡±

    ¡°Which ones?¡±

    ¡°The¡­the orange ones?¡±

    ¡°Adder, those are the wyvern''s breath peppers! Why didn¡¯t you use the normal ones?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know!¡±

    Eben laughs, covering his face as he wipes his nose. ¡°Gods, Merlyn doesn¡¯t even care, look at her.¡±

    Adder looks down. Sure enough, Merlyn is watching the turmoil unfold with a confused expression, spoon still in her mouth.

    ¡°Maybe I made hers less spicy, somehow?¡±

    Eben leans over, stealing a spoonful of Merlyn¡¯s soup.

    ¡°Eben, shes sick! Dont eat that!¡±

    Eben ignores the warning, popping the spoon in his mouth. ¡°Augh! It''s even spicier, somehow!¡±

    ¡°I''m sorry, I didn''t know¡­you don¡¯t have to finish it.¡±

    Eben sniffs, eyes still watering. He dips his spoon back in his bowl.

    ¡°Eben, don¡¯t! You¡¯re going to hurt yourself.¡±

    ¡°It''s good. I like it.¡±

    ¡°Gods, Eben, don¡¯t lie. You look like you¡¯re turning into a tomato, Just put the spoon down!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± He stands up, chugging the soup directly from the bowl.

    ¡°Eben, you¡¯re ridiculous.¡±

    He slams the bowl down, coughing hard. ¡°I did it.¡±

    ¡°You did something.¡±

    Eben grins, swiping Adder¡¯s bowl. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to eat this¡­¡±

    He starts to drink a second bowl, coughing and crying all the while.

    ¡°Eben!¡± two voices cry in protest.

    Adder freezes just as Eben does a spit take, soup trickling out his nose. He stares at Merlyn in shock. ¡°Did she just¡ª¡±

    Merlyn climbs up on the table, trotting over to confiscate the bowl from Eben. ¡°Nour! Nour!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s talking!¡± Adder gasps, ¡°Is she saying no?¡±

    ¡°Yes I think¡ªI think her first words were her scolding me.¡±

    ¡°You did it Merlyn! Good girl!¡±

    Merlyn smiles, sitting down right in the middle of the table. She sips her soup merrily, swinging her legs off the side.

 Flying South

    In only one year, Adder hasn¡¯t changed much.Just last week was his birthday, and though he feels the passage of time, neither his face nor his body is really showing it yet. Despite this, in just one year, he feels as if everything has drastically evolved since the arrival of Merlyn.

    Contrasting to the easy, slow days that followed shortly after Sheppard¡¯s death, Adder is now often anxious and worried, usually about Merlyn. He ponders daily if he had made the right choice bringing her into the world, and if he was making the right choices for her future.

    It seems that Adder isn¡¯t the only one who is affected, either. Eben has changed too. He seems more on edge lately, more apprehensive. Some days, Adder misses the carefree man who loved to risk it all. He misses the lazy mornings filled with just the two of them, the afternoons spent celebrating with drinks, and the quiet nights with no squabbling. Despite the added stress, however, it seems as if every other joy in Adder¡¯s life has been enhanced tenfold. Every little thing Merlyn does makes him happy. Every milestone she hits, no matter how small, makes his heart swell with pride. When he glances at Eben during these moments, it''s clear he feels the same. They¡¯ve spent the summer together as a little family of three, growing their bonds closer with each passing day.

    For that reason, Adder is not enthused about their mission today, no matter how nice the break from parenting will be.

    ¡°Thank you for doing this,¡± he says.

    Helia is in the kitchen. She¡¯s tending to Merlyn, who¡¯s currently playing with a mushy bowl of oats. ¡°Of course. Do you have everything you need?¡±

    ¡°Just about. Do you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Aaaaaaerrr!¡± Merlyn squeals.

    Adder¡¯s can¡¯t help but smile at Merlyn¡¯s childish attempt to say his name. He slithers over to where she sits at the table. ¡°Yes, chickadee?¡±

    ¡°Nnn.¡±

    ¡°Are you having fun with your breakfast? You¡¯re making a mess! Let me clean you up¡­¡±

    ¡°Adder, I can handle it,¡± says Helia.

    ¡°No, I can do it. Don¡¯t wiggle, Merlyn¡ª¡±

    ¡°Adder, you need to go now. You¡¯ve been stalling all morning.¡±

    Adder freezes. ¡°No I haven¡¯t, I just¡­she¡¯s never been left alone before.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t be alone. You know I¡¯ll take care of her.¡±

    ¡°But we don¡¯t have to go now. Maybe we should wait longer, when she¡¯s a little older and won''t miss us as much¡­¡±

    ¡°Adder. Harpies roost here in spring, summer, and early fall. You need to take every opportunity you can to find her flock, before it''s too late. We¡¯ve already lost most of this summer.¡±

    ¡°I know! I know that¡ªI know you want to be rid of her.¡±

    ¡°Adder, you¡¯re misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°I understand quite well. ¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I said.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to. I have been trying, mother. I would have gone sooner if Daisy had found hide or hair of this flock earlier. It¡¯s not my fault she didn¡¯t find anything until now.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t blaming you. Just¡ªgo. Now, while you have daylight left.¡±

    Adder scowls. He takes one last look at Merlyn.

    ¡°Be good, little bird.¡±

    He leaves before he can change his mind. He finds Eben outside, stroking Fairy¡¯s mane. She¡¯s hooked up to large ornate caravan. The outside is red, with green serpents and yellow flowers delicately painted onto the curved walls. Adder admires the craftsmanship, but isn¡¯t looking forward to the confined space inside. His long coils will be squished like sausages, no doubt.

    ¡°You took awhile.¡± Eben comments.

    ¡°I was helping with Merlyn.¡±

    ¡°Right. Helping.¡±

    ¡°Silence. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay, grumpy scales.¡±

    Eben climbs aboard Fairy, waiting for Adder to climb inside the caravan before starting down the road. Adder''s stomach lurches as they begin to move, their humble abode quickly swallowed by the forest as they get further and further away. Adder tries not to dwell on the irrational feeling that he¡¯s abandoning his heart as they do.

    The caravan sways gently as it bumbles down the road. The repetitive sound of wheels on stone should be calming, but Adder feels himself growing more and more anxious as they get deeper into the forest. Attempting to ward off negative thoughts, he curls into a snug corner, and closes his eyes. The world narrows down into that small dark space, the only thing keeping him anchored, the sound of Eben¡¯s humming.

    However, as they traverse the road, Adder inevitably awakens again.

    He leans out the front window of the caravan. He watches Eben from behind, studying the way his body sways with the motion of being atop his steed. In the dark night, only lit by the moon, Adder can¡¯t  help feel his heart flutter.

    ¡°I feel your eyes on me. Got something to declare?¡± Says Eben.

    ¡°You look beautiful.¡±

    Eben grins, looking back at Adder. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being romantic. Are you sure it''s not just the dark tricking your eyes? I¡¯ve been riding for nearly eight hours.¡±

    ¡°I slept that long?¡±

    ¡°I might¡¯ve put a little spell on you. Just something to help you calm as you slept. Didn¡¯t intend to knock you off your scales, though, I''m sorry.¡±

    Adder stretches, now recognizing the tingly-soft warmth of magic running through his frame. ¡°Thank you, Eben. I guess you noticed I''ve been on edge lately.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Adder, everything is going to be okay.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I can''t help but worry.¡±

    Eben is quiet for a moment, choosing his words carefully. ¡°You know, sometimes I feel more frightened living like this than I ever did as a bandit.¡±

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    ¡°You do?¡±

    ¡°In those days, I¡¯d say a prayer to the Great Deceiver every night, asking him to help me trick the world. Make them all think I reveled in the sex, the violence, and the gold. But in the light of the day, I¡¯d be waiting for the blade that was just a little too fast for me to dodge. Waiting to be reunited with my father, I guess.¡±

    There¡¯s a pregnant pause as Adder absorbs the words. His eyes shift to Fairy¡¯s hooves, watching the repetitive motion of her gait. ¡°You don¡¯t feel like that any more?¡±

    ¡°No. You¡¯ve brought so much uncertainty to my life. I don¡¯t think I could ever go back to the monotony of waiting for death.¡±

    Adder laughs out loud. ¡°So this is all just a thrill for you? Something to get your heart racing?¡±

    ¡°Not quite. It''s an adventure. All adventures have stakes.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I''m glad to be on it with you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Adder. I¡¯m honored.¡±

    They continue on like that for a while before finally, Eben decides to stop somewhere to set up camp. Luckily, they find a cozy little outcropping on the side of the road. Eben rolls out a bed roll under a large oak tree, laying back and staring at the stars. Adder leaves the cramped caravan, joining him at the spot.

    ¡°This brings back memories,¡± Eben sighs, ¡°been awhile since i¡¯ve been on the road. I''m losing my touch though, my back is aching from riding all day.¡±

    ¡°How long do you think until we get to the spot Fern and Daisy are at?¡±

    ¡°Not long. Tomorrow morning, surely.¡±

    Adder nods. He scoots closer, coils wrapping protectively around the two of them. He looks up at  the stars. The glimmer brightly in between the gaps of the canopy. He hugs Eben closer, bringing his head to rest on Adder¡¯s pec.

    ¡°I''m glad you¡¯re here with me, Eben.¡±

    Eben is quiet. In the dark, Adder senses a rapid heartbeat and a tinge of fear that scents the air. Eben is scared¡ªbut of what?

    ¡°Eben?¡±

    ¡°Did I tell you that Fern and Daisy are engaged?¡±

    ¡°Really? You didn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Last week, when I ran into Fern at the market, she told me.¡±

    ¡°This is so exciting!¡±

    ¡°Their marriage is at the end of fall. Apparently werewolves mark their mates somehow so there''s also going to be a bonding ceremony¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose it will be held in town, will it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it will.¡±

    Adder sighs. Of course, they¡¯d celebrate in town. Why wouldn''t they? Why would they celebrate where Adder would feel welcome. It¡¯s not his wedding.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to find appropriate wedding gifts for them both. Oh, I bet they¡¯ll look beautiful in their gowns¡­¡±

    ¡°Adder¡ªyou know¡ªwe could. We could do it too¡­¡±

    ¡°You want a gown?¡±

    Eben laughs, his heart speeding up. ¡°No, Adder. I mean to say¡ªI want to spend my life with you. I want to be with you forever. So we¡ªwe could also get married. If you wanted to.¡±

    Adder freezes, face going hot. ¡°You want to marry me?¡±

    Instantly, Adder is picturing their wedding ceremony. He sees their friends and family gathered around them, celebrating their love, watching Adder and Eben solidify their bonds eternally in the eyes of giakora.

    ¡°You really want to marry me?¡± Adder asks again, voice weepy.

    ¡°Oh Gods, don''t cry.¡±

    Eben yelps as Adder pounces on him, trapping him in a constricting embrace. ¡°You just asked me to marry you, am I not allowed to cry?!¡±

    ¡°You still have to say yes or no!¡± Eben laughs.

    ¡°Yes, yes of course, Eben.¡±

    Adder presses their mouths together in a passionate kiss. Eben giggles through it, slinging his arms around Adder¡¯s neck. When they finally break apart, Eben is grinning salaciously. His tattoo is glowing a warm golden color.

    ¡°Should we practice for our honeymoon?¡±

    ¡°Really? Out here?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like anyone is here to see it. Unless you count the chipmunks and jackalopes.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡±

    Eben smirks. ¡°Lay back. I want to try a new spell.¡±

    Adder lays back obediently. Eben immediately straddles him, looking down with glowing eyes. There''s a sharp intake of breath from Adder as a hand caresses his chest softly. Down Eben¡¯s arm the shimmering image of the serpent goes, down until it finally meets Adder¡¯s pale skin. Immediately, he feels a pleasant burn of magic tingling in his skin and warming his cheeks.

    ¡°How¡¯s that feel?¡±

    ¡°It''s warm¡­¡±

    ¡°That''s not all.¡±

    Eben sits up, raking his hand down his own chest. Adder gasps as he feels a ghostly sensation across his own body.

    ¡°I feel it!¡±

    Adder lays back obediently. Eben immediately straddles him, looking down with glowing eyes. There''s a sharp intake of breath from Adder as a hand caresses his chest softly. Down Eben¡¯s arm the shimmering image of the serpent goes, down until it finally meets Adder¡¯s pale skin. Immediately, he feels a pleasant burn of magic tingling in his skin and warming his cheeks.

    ¡°How¡¯s that feel?¡±

    ¡°It''s warm¡­¡±

    ¡°That''s not all.¡±

    Eben sits up, raking his hand down his own chest. Adder gasps as he feels a ghostly sensation across his own body.

    ¡°I feel it!¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Eben unbuttons his cloak, letting it fall to the ground. He pulls from the bottom of his tunic, pulling it over his head. Adder shivers as the sensation of night air kissing his skin overwhelms his mind.

    ¡°What should I do, Adder? Tell me what you wanna feel.¡±

    ¡°Touch yourself, please.¡±

    Eben does as instructed, hands running over freckled skin. Adder hand help but stare as he feels everything. He wriggles, confused at the sensation of hands palming at his non-existent thighs.

    ¡°It¡¯s been awhile, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Eben purrs.

    ¡°It has¡ªah, Eben.¡±

    Eben is touching himself through his pants now. Adder squeezes his eyes shut. He feels his body thrumming with energy, begging him to respond to his mate and the ghostly sensations drifting across his skin.

    Suddenly, Adder is being kissed. He gasps as a feedback loop is formed. He can feel his own forked tongue, his own scales as Eben ruts against him.

    When Eben pulls away, Adder is a puddle. He trembles at the intensity of the sensation. He¡¯s overwhelmed yet not nearly satisfied. He needs more.

    Luckily, it seems like Eben has more planned. Adder gasps as thin fingers trace the slit at Adder¡¯s hips. One dips in, gently swirling. Adder trembles as the head of his sheathed cock is played with.

    ¡°Should I fuck you, Adder? Do you want to feel how good it is for me when I¡¯m inside you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Adder gives a breathy moan as Eben complies. He shivers as he feels it, feels the sensation of his erection pressing into something soft, warm, and wet.

    ¡°Eben¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah¡ªAdder. Fuck. You didn¡¯t tell me how good this is¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? I''ve always praised your abilities.¡±

    Adder gasps as Eben gives a sharp thrust, filling Adder completely.

    ¡°Eben!¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me how big I feel inside you, though.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to inflate your ego more than it already is.¡±

    Eben snickers, lowering his mouth to Adder¡¯s neck. Adder shivers as it¡¯s peppered with soft kisses. It makes him twitch inside, and he can¡¯t help but gasp at the feedback loop of feeling the squeeze from Eben¡¯s end.

    ¡°Are you just realizing how transparent you are? You do that anytime I do anything.¡±

    ¡°No I don''t¡­¡±

    Eben sits up, hips still slowly rutting into Adder. He laces their fingers together, smaller hands dwarfing clawed ones, yet still holding so much power. Adder groans as he feels another tight squeeze, his mind filled with nothing but the wet warmth.

    ¡°See? And it¡¯s even worse if I keep talking. You love my voice, don¡¯t you?.¡±

    Adder is incoherent at this point, his mind fuzzy from the feeling of fucking and being fucked rolled into one.

    ¡°You¡¯re making such a funny face right now,¡± Eben cackles.

    Tired of being teased, Adder growls bestially. He loves that Eben isn¡¯t afraid, but right now all of Adder¡¯s instincts are telling him to put his lover in his place, to show him that he¡¯s taunting a real monster.

    Without warning, Adder rips his hands out of Eben¡¯s hold. Eben¡¯s face only has a moment to look shocked before strong, muscled coils rapidly wrap around him and push him to the ground. He cries out as Adder lines up their hips and pushes Eben¡¯s erection back in.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Eben cries.

    Adder growls again, this time directly into a pointed ear. He flicks his tongue, feeling the rush of endorphins as Eben¡¯s weak spot is targeted.

    ¡°Adder!¡±

    ¡°I think you forget how obvious you are, how you¡¯ve always been, to me.¡±

    His claws sink into the ground as he ruts his hips roughly against his captive. He snarls with each thrust, enjoying the flushed look of bewilderment each time the movement jostles Eben.

    ¡°My senses are twice as sensitive as yours. I can hear your heartbeat in the earth when you look at me. It speeds up, like a little rabbit in the wood,¡± says Adder.

    Eben jolts as Adder licks up the side of his neck. Adder groans at the zing of pleasure it sends down his own spine.

    ¡°Even that first day you saw me, even if your fear, you wanted me. I could smell it on you. You knew you were meant to be mine.¡±

    Adder gasps as suddenly, he feels the oncoming rush of an orgasm that isn¡¯t his own. Eben cries out, whipping his head around as his cock twitches. Warmth floods Adder as he follows shortly after, his own pleasure crashing down on him suddenly.

    For the next few moments they both just pant on the forest floor. Adder nuzzles into Eben¡¯s neck, face aflame.

    ¡°Oh Gods, I got a little worked up there.¡±

    Eben laughs. ¡°I love when you get worked up. I should torment you more often.¡±

    ¡°Ugh. You menace.¡±

    ¡°Fiance, you mean.¡±

 Flew Too Close to the Sun

    Adder¡¯s whirling thoughts do not evaporate with the rising sun. They only fester in his resentment, even as his companions begin to stir and wake with the gentle morning light. If there is one blessing, though, it¡¯s that their roadblock has lifted with the twilight. Adder looks out at the path as he packs. The evergreen has shifted to the right, freeing the way home. It shimmers ominously in the distance, wavering hypnotically like silk in the wind.

    Not all is well, however, as Adder learns while waking Zarek. He groans, unresponsive, clutching his side. Immediately, Adder notes something is wrong as he reaches out to touch the man¡¯s shoulder. A putrid scent, sharp and cloying, makes him recoil.

    ¡°Zarek?¡±

    He groans again, more pained this time. Adder¡¯s heart quickens, carefully pressing two fingers to Zarek¡¯s neck. A flutter of a pulse is present, but it¡¯s weak. Fading.

    ¡°Fern! I need you over here!¡±

    Fern dashes over at the urgent call. ¡°Oh, oh no. It''s progressing much faster than I hoped.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±

    ¡°The dark mark¡ªits spread. It¡¯s nearly covering half his chest now. This is definitely a curse of some sort. I was hoping we¡¯d avoided whatever the trigger might be.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything we can do?¡±

    ¡°Basil will know how to treat it. We need to make haste.¡±

    Adder nods, lifting Zarek into a secure hold. He groans in protest, face tense with pain.

    ¡°Zarek, can you hear me? Hold in there, we¡¯re almost back home. Eben, we need to go! He¡¯s deteriorating!¡±

    Adder places Zarek in the caravan as gently as possible, joining him shortly afterwards. Eben follows quickly behind, stowing away the bedrolls before hopping on Fairy. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Fern rides up to Eben¡¯s side, nervously stroking Daisy¡¯s fur. ¡°He¡¯s going to die if we don¡¯t get back before sundown. This is much more of a severe case than I previously thought.¡±

    ¡°Shit! Let''s go then.¡±

    Adder jolts as the caravan starts forward abruptly. It shakes as Eben pushes Fairy to her limit, causing them to thunder down the path at break-neck speeds. The trees and underbrush mesh into one blur of green, swaying as Fairy brushes past them.

    Adder looks down at Zarek. His face is pallid, eyes sunken in with spidery black veins creeping up his neck. Adder tries his best to monitor him through the day, carefully counting each beat of his heart. Much to Adder¡¯s dismay, though, Zarek¡¯s condition worsens with each minute they spend on the road. By the time they have traversed half of the journey, the snaking dark marks have begun to kiss Zarek¡¯s chin, staining tanned skin with an uncomfortable purple-pink.

    Soon, the sun is uncomfortably low in the sky. Adder¡¯s anxiety grows as the call of the night bugs signals the impending dusk. Worse yet, Fairy is panting and sweating, exhausted by carrying her burdensome load for so long.

    However, Eben isn¡¯t ready to give up yet. He glows with a golden aura as he infuses vitality into his steed. Adder tenses as Fairy takes on a glistening amethyst hue and streaks down the road with supernatural intensity, leaving Fern and Daisy in the dust.

    Just as the sun has started to kiss the horizon, they arrive at the tall walls surrounding Adder¡¯s home. Fairy yelps as Eben yanks on the reins, causing her to skid to a halt, nearly tipping over  the caravan.

    ¡°Adder, get him out!¡±

    Quickly, Adder follows the command. He carries Zarek with haste to his home, finding a startled Helia at the entrance.

    ¡°Adder, Eben, you¡¯re back¡ª¡±

    ¡°Did you bring the healer?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I got your letter. He¡¯s inside.¡±

    Adder brushes past her, finding both Edmund and Basil sitting at the short table. Basil''s eyes go wide as he takes in the state of Zarek.

    ¡°Gods¡ªyou didn¡¯t say it was so bad!¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know,¡± Adder says, placing Zarek down by the fireplace.

    Basil rushes over, already carrying an assortment of vials and bottles in his arms. He pushes a mortar and pestle into Edmund¡¯s hands.

    ¡°What am I meant to do with this?¡± he complains.

    ¡°Grind the fireflower while I remove the wrappings. We¡¯ll have to burn this curse out of him.¡±

    ¡°Is he going to make it?¡± Adder asks.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m going to try my best.¡±

    Adder listens as Basil carefully tends to Zarek''s wounds. As the wrappings are removed, he carefully takes the glistening red fireflower dust and mixes it with a glimmering blue potion. The result is a vibrant neon purple slurry which he immediately drips into the dark wound on Zarek¡¯s chest.

    The reaction is immediate. Zarek opens his eyes with a gasp, crying out in pain. He thrashes, hands attempting to scratch away at the medicine.

    ¡°Stop! Edmund, hold him down!¡±

    Edmund does as he¡¯s told for once, pushing Zarek to the ground. Basil leans over, eyes widening as he examines the gruesome sight of Zarek¡¯s wound. The black seems to consume the purple potion, expanding like a thunderstorm rolls over a forest.

    ¡°Is it me, or did it just get worse?¡± Edmund asks.

    ¡°It did. This isn¡¯t an ordinary curse.¡±

    Zarek groans, eyes fluttering rapidly. ¡°Where am I?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re in N?dre Tor. You¡¯ve been grievously wounded. Do you remember the color of the sword that pierced you?¡±

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    ¡°I¡¯m going to die, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°No, you won¡¯t. I¡¯m going to help you. Now focus!¡±

    Zarek thrashes, eyes wild. ¡°You¡¯re lying! They always lie!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s delusional¡ª¡±

    ¡°I remember a dead man with a sword nearby when we found him. The sword was red-hued,¡± Eben chimes in.

    ¡°Then this is dark magic indeed, intended to corrupt the covenant between a man and God. Zarek, who is your God?¡±

    Zarek gasps, chest heaving. ¡°Ruse¡ªa Ruse¡ª¡±

    ¡°We aren¡¯t trying to deceive you, you¡¯re sick!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a priest for a new God, Epistemeus,¡± says Adder.

    ¡°Listen to me, Zarek. This curse corrupts any magical essence it comes into contact with. You need to pray to your lord and tell him he is hurting you the more he tries to help you heal. Do you understand? You have to fight this off without any magic¡±

    Zarek has a moment of clarity, breathing deep and closing his eyes. Suddenly, the creeping black vines on his skin pause their growth.

    ¡°Yes! Good, you did it!¡±

    Zarek relaxes, falling back into unconsciousness.

    ¡°Now what?¡± Eben asks.

    Basil reaches over to a rolled up case, pulling out a fine bone needle. ¡°I¡¯m going to patch him up best I can without magic. The first week will tell us if he¡¯s strong enough to make it.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything we can do to help?¡±

    ¡°You can help Edmund grind some herbs. For the rest of you, feel free to settle in. It¡¯s going to be a long night.¡±

    Adder nods. He looks around, feeling a little anxious as he notices Merlyn isn¡¯t here. However, he feels her little heartbeat in the stone floor, fast and bird-like. Following the sensation, he heads down the hallway. He finds her in the study, sleeping in a bookshelf.

    Adder gently lifts her into his arms. She¡¯s sleep warm, hair fluffed up into a million different directions. Adder smooths her bangs to the side, smiling as she nuzzles into the embrace further. However, the sensation of lightfootsteps sour his happy reunion: Helia is coming down the hall. Adder shuts his eyes, turning away from the door as she enters.

    ¡°Adder. I see you found our little bird.¡±

    ¡°She was sleeping in a bookshelf. You couldn¡¯t be bothered to put her to bed properly?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been throwing fits. She doesn¡¯t sleep well alone.¡±

    Adder is silent, still fussing with Merlyn¡¯s hair. Helia comes closer, resting her hand on Adder¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why so quiet? Did something happen while you were out there?¡±

    He grits his teeth, trying to control his anger. He moves away from her touch, pretending to focus on organizing his altar to Giakora. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just need some time to adjust from being on the road, please.¡±

    ¡°Here, I can put her to bed for you¡­¡±

    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine, Helia. Leave me be.¡±

    ¡°Gracious, what¡¯s got you in a mood?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been on the road for days, surely you understand my exhaustion.¡±

    ¡°I understand you are giving me lip. I left my duties to tend to your responsibility, the child you brought into the world unplanned, and this is the thanks I get?¡±

    ¡°If it''s such a burden to be here, ?leave.¡±

    ¡°The nerve on you! You¡¯d have me wandering in the dark?¡±

    ¡°Eben will escort you back.¡±

    ¡°I will not be leaving. Especially when you¡¯re having some kind of fit. Adder, what¡¯s gotten into you?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I''m slow?¡± Adder growls quietly.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You know this man, don''t you? He says he¡¯s been here before.¡±

    Helia fiddles with her headscarf nervously. ¡°Yes. He was interested in joining our church. It was quite a long time ago that he came here.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t think to tell me you met my favorite author?¡±

    ¡°It has been nearly three decades since he came. He wasn¡¯t much but a footnote.¡±

    ¡°A footnote?¡±

    ¡°Well, I, I didn¡¯t see the point in mentioning it when¡ª¡±

    Adder turns around, snarl embedded in his face. ¡°He¡¯s found where the gorgons live. He¡¯s met them. Did you know?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°You knew! How long did I suffer in isolation, in this squalid town of humans who hate me!?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remind you it was a human who raised you, child.¡±

    ¡°Because you wanted to trap me here. Why? To keep me as your curiosity? A fallback against the monster hunting guild?¡±

    ¡°No! Adder, Sheppard would¡¯ve never let you leave alive. I didn¡¯t want to give you false hope when you were stuck here.¡±

    ¡°Sheppard is dead, he is reduced to the gravel under my scales. So why, why did you not say anything?¡±

    Helia¡¯s face is flushed. Adder can smell the distress on her. It¡¯s like a knife to his gut, but his rage is unmitigated. ¡°Speak, woman!¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t accept you! You know nothing of their culture, you, you could die just trying to cross the continent to get to them!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not your choice to make.¡±

    ¡°It is when I raised you! You¡¯re my child! You¡¯re my son!¡±

    Adder growls beastially, causing Helia to flinch back. ¡°Adder¡ª¡±

    ¡°Get out.¡±

    Her voice comes out raw, choked with emotion. ¡°Adder, please. It¡¯s my job to protect you. You have to understand.¡±

    ¡°Maybe in the past. However, you¡¯re not my keeper anymore. You cannot control me,  especially if you intend to lie to me.¡±

    ¡°You, you¡ª¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve done your duty here. Now leave, Helia.¡±

    The room goes quiet, thick with tension. Adder scents something salty in the air¡ªhis stomach twists as he realizes its tears. Helia turns wordlessly, gasping into her hands as she makes haste to leave. As her quick footsteps recede, bouncing off cave walls, Adder shrinks into himself.

    He opens his eyes to examine the study.

    This is Helia¡¯s sanctuary, her space to explore the world through books and tomes. Adder had so many fond memories of it, of her reading to him. Reading to him about the world he never got to explore. Now her betrayal had tainted it: how was he supposed to look back on this place fondly, knowing that the novels that lined the walls had missing pages? How was he supposed to believe he knew who he was, when everything he¡¯s known has been thrown out the window?

    Adder goes to his collection, to the books Helia got for him. Clawed fingers glide across the spines of the well-loved tomes. Adder wonders if any of them have also been mutilated, used as weapons when they should have made him stronger.

    For a second, fueled by rage, Adder contemplates tossing the bookshelf to the ground in a fit of righteous anger. He pictures tearing the books apart, erasing all of them from his happy memories. If he was a lesser man, he might¡¯ve done just that. But Adder is a monster, not a man, so he leaves instead. He coils up in his bed with Merlyn, awaiting Eben¡¯s return.

 Feather Plucking

    Adder is no stranger to taking care of the sick. Helia was his caretaker, yes, but she was also often his patient. He dedicated many days of his youth to taking care of her. He''d make her tea, help her out of bed, brew her medicine: Adder did anything necessary to care for her, and did it with a smile.

    It never felt like work. How could it be when it was his mother? She was the one who protected him from the worst of Sheppard''s wrath, the one who held him close when all others shied away, the one who did her best to understand his strange and inhuman ways. When her body rebelled, Adder''s assistance was the least he could do to pay her back.

    Now though, now he''s wondering what it was all for. He can''t bring himself to regret taking care of Helia, nor does he wish someone else had taken her role, but his memories of her remain tainted nonetheless. How can he look back fondly on their time together now that everything has changed?

    Adder attempts to put it out of his mind, but it keeps ringing in his head like the sick toll of church bells. He doesn''t want to remember the way she cried as he banished her from his home. What right did she have to sound like that, what right did she have to cry when she kept her only son in the dark for his entire life?

    No, Adder does his best to keep his mind occupied with other things. Even if the familiar routine of caretaking is causing the haunting memories to resurface over and over.

    "Is it that hard?"

    Adder looks up from the mortar and pestle. Zarek is grinning dopily, drugged up from the multitude of herbal painkillers coursing through his system. "Well?"

    "What? What do you mean?"

    "You look like that leaf is torturing you."

    Adder peers down into the bowl, studying the half crushed herb. "It''s not hard. I was just thinking of something else."

    "Of your man? He''ll be home soon, snake."

    "No Zarek. I''m not worried about Eben, he''s just getting more supplies for you. We''re running low on poppy seeds."

    "Now why did he do that? It''s bad enough I''ve been in your hair for nearly a week, now you''re running errands for me? Anyway, I don''t do that opium¡ªit''ll screw your head on wrong, I''ll tell you that. I like a little spice clover, though."

    "Zarek, we''ve been giving you poppy tea nearly every hour. Your injury is extensive."

    "I don''t need it! This hot waterskin is working divinely."

    "That''s Merlyn, not a waterskin."

    Zarek looks down. Merlyn is on top of him, stealing his feverish body heat. "I''ve been turned into a nest! Scoundrel!" Despite his protests, Zarek pets her head, ruffling auburn hair.

    Adder smiles. "Do you want something to eat?"

    "I could go for something sweet, if you''re offering. What do you think, little chick? Do you want sweets?"

    "Yesh!" Merlyn screams.

    "Inside voice, Merlyn."

    Merlyn ignores the command, squealing as she rubs her face into the blanket. Blocking out the ear-piercing squawks of the toddler, Adder heads towards the kitchen to assess their pantry. Just his luck: he finds red apples, a few bowls of blackberries, and a hearty chunk of cheese. He slices the apples first, the cheese next, and finishes the little arrangement with a pile of berries nested in the middle. He Joins Zarek by the hearth, placing the food before him with a jug of water.

    "Eat slowly, Zarek. I know you are feeling better, but you''re still under the influence of the medicine."

    Zarek nods groggily as he sits up, hand weaving as he reaches for the food. He takes a slice of apple first, feeding it to Merlyn before grabbing some blackberries. Adder joins in, taking some cheese. It''s creamy yet tart, melting on his tongue.

    "Did you have a squabble with your mother?" says Zarek.

    Adder pauses chewing, surprised at the sudden question. "Yes."

    "I thought so. You''re in such a mood."

    "I didn''t mean to be offputting."

    "You''re not, you''re not. I just dread to think it''s all my fault."

    Adder''s tail slaps the ground in irritation. "It''s not your fault. It''s hers, she didn''t tell me about everything. She tore pages out of my books! Out of your books."

    "Well, I''m here now. What do you want to know?"

    "I, I don''t know. I wouldn''t know where to even start."

    "I could tell you which village you''re from."

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    "Which...village?"

    "Gorgon''s segregate by village in the Veiled Desert. There''s the Sandlurkers, the Oasis dwellers, and the Canyon Builders."

    "How would you be able to tell?"

    "Your coloration. If you were from the Sandlurkers, your scales would be paler, to blend into the dunes, and your skin darker to resist the sun. The Canyon Builders, on the other hand, are a reddish brown and smaller. Which just leaves the Oasis Dwellers. They live in the shifting areas of Oasis, traveling between them during the wet and dry seasons. They''re usually bigger, with darker scales."

    "The Veiled Desert is so far away. Do you think that if I went there...would they receive me well?"

    "I met their chief once. They''re a very secretive people, but I''m sure they would recognize one of their own."

    Adder sighs, looking out toward the entrance of the cave. "I want to go there after this. After I reunite Merlyn with her flock."

    "You''re really going to leave it all?"

    "No, I, I don''t know. I just...I know that nobody allowed me the opportunity to know who I was. I need to see for myself where I come from."

    "Well, the time is soon approaching, then. Autumn is imminent any day now. Unless you intend to leave without me? I wouldn''t be offended, you know."

    "No. We''ll wait until you''re healed. All my research has led me to believe harpies are very distrustful of outsiders. We could definitely use someone who has a good relationship with them."

    "I wouldn''t say our relationship is good, but they certainly were interested in me. I think word has spread of me amongst some of the inhuman communities."

    "Where else have you been?"

    "Oh, I think I''ve nearly explored the entire continent by now. I''ve collected some interesting trinkets, too."

    "Trinkets?"

    "Just some curiosities, things to offer at the altar."

    "What does your God like? I''ll add some things to my shrine."

    "He likes wine, antiques, and plants. Especially rare plants. I have a shrine out west I visit as my home base. The atrium is immaculate¡ªI collected samples from the deepest forests and most isolated canyons. The colors are entrancing."

    "It sounds beautiful, Zarek."

    "It is."

    "What about monsters? Are there any you have met that you haven''t mentioned in your books?"

    "Oh plenty. Between you and me, I''ve met many creatures that are better off not mentioned in print."

    "Why can''t you mention them?"

    "Get too specific, and the monster hunter guild will get excited. Some of these species are thought to be extinct."

    "You''ve met extinct monsters?"

    "A few. It''s been decades since anyone has seen dragon shifters. And yet, I met one, a young male holed up in some ruins further north."

    "That''s amazing! What did he look like?"

    "He was a sight! Amazing iridescent scales, orange horns, and massive wings. You could easily mistake their kind for a dragon, if it wasn''t for the mate marks. Dragons are solitary, as you know, while Dragon shifters mate for life."

    "Like gorgons then."

    "Yes! It''s common for many species: werewolves, unicorns, pegasai, mermaids¡ªah, my God, how I long to visit the mermaids again. I miss the sea."

    With the invocation of his deity, Zarek yelps, clutching his chest in pain.

    "Zarek, stop."

    "Ugh, it''s a reflex! Damn!"

    Luckily, it''s just then that Eben returns with supplies in hand. He sets a satchel on the table as he enters. "What''s going on now?"

    "My damned God is trying to kill me."

    "Stop praying then."

    "I''m trying!"

    Eben snorts, beginning to unpack. "Sorry I was gone so long. I tried to get everything we needed for that spell, but the mapmaker was trying to steal all my gold."

    "Did Helia help you acquire anything?" Adder asks, feigning mild interest.

    "She did. She provided the instructions we need."

    Eben lays out a scroll on the table before unpacking the rest of the items: the harpy feather, a small ornamental knife, a map, and a sage green candle.

    "Should we do it now or wait?"

    "No sense in waiting. Let''s do it now."

    Eben nods. He sets the candle alight with a snap of his finger. The scent of something earthy fills the air as the light casts across the cave walls, flickering and dancing much too vibrantly for a normal flame. Next, he holds the feather above the flame: It bursts into a bright blue ball, iridescent tongues of heat licking at Eben''s fingertips. Unaffected, he touches the tip of the feather to the map. The flames slowly inch across the paper, leaving scorched dark marks everywhere they touch. N?dre Tor, Crestholm, and the whole coast of Aaridivirsi is swallowed up. Next is the Veiled desert, the Scaled Mountains, the Great Forest, and the western Gulf. Finally, when the last of the flames flicker out into a smoldering line of ash, there remains only one spot untouched.

    Zarek shifts uncomfortably. "Well, that''s not good."

    "What? What is it?" Adder asks.

    "The harpies flew deeper into the forest, right next to the Scaled mountains."

    "Why is that bad?"

    Eben lays a hand on Adder''s shoulder. "They flew directly through the evergreen and through Fallowfall."

    "Wait, the nation of the elves? It moves too, right? It moves with the Evergreen."

    "It''s the heart of the Evergreen. It moves only about a few centimeters a year," adds Zarek.

    "We can''t go around it?"

    "They chose a spot right on the edge of elven territory, pinned up against the mountains. The only way to get to it without crossing through Fallowfall is to cross the mountains. That would take two years at least. Good luck surviving the brutal weather, frost trolls, and dragons!"

    Adder''s heart is sinking. "So, we can''t get to them. They''re completely cut off."

    "Adder. It''s okay. We''ll figure something out," Eben says, voice quiet.

    "Figure out what!? If we go in, they''ll kill us. They''ll kill you!"

    "That is, if they catch us," Zarek says.

    "What do you mean?"

    Zarek points at the map with a wobbly hand. "There''s always a thin spot, along the border of the Evergreen. That''s how human hunters invade and get out in time before they get noticed. We could camp out near Fallowfall and wait for a thin spot, then try to pass through as quickly as possible."

    "If they find us though..."

    "We could ask my God, ugh, for a blessing. To hide us from the elves."

    "Nobody can use magic inside the Evergreen except those blessed by Giakora. Eben could try, but I''m pretty sure they''d feel it."

    "Magic is sourced from pantheon, child. They refuse to disrespect Giakora''s sacred land by granting their followers magic once inside."

    "But isn''t your God a minor deity? He''s not part of the Pantheon."

    "Exactly."

    Adder fiddles with a strand of his hair anxiously. It was already risky to travel so far from home, but to travel through the evergreen? It wouldn''t just be endangering Merlyn, it would be endangering them all.

    For a moment, Adder considers giving up. It''s an insidiously sweet idea: keep Merlyn here with him a just little longer. Keep her safe. They could always try next year, and by then she would be a little older, too. More mature, more ready to go out into the world. Or maybe he''d just give up on the idea as a whole¡ªwhy should he hand her over to these strangers! To these monsters who abandoned her! Adder was her father! This was her home!

    Right?

    "That''s not your choice to make."

    "It is when I raised you! You''re my child! You''re my son!"

    Adder groans, covering his face with his hands. He was turning into his mother. "Let''s discuss this more later. Zarek needs to rest."