Aphrodite's Daughter

Chapter 7

Edge of the Folóï Woods, Southern Provinces

I was elated to finally get out of that damnable deluge. More often than not, it was sunny and pleasantly warm most days, if a bit dry for my own personal preferences. I wasn’t trying to be a prissy princess about the weather. Honest! What do you expect from a former sea creature? Of course, I was still fond of water. But not enough to be soaked to the bone like a drowned rat.

My luscious, golden-orange locks made me look more attractive (by human standards) but it was one of the worst aspects of my borrowed form. I never had to worry about it getting dirty, tangled, or wet when I was a siren. That’s why fins were superior! Suffice to say, it was a pain in the ass to constantly fret over how to style my hair and maintain it, so it wouldn’t become a liability. Perhaps, I should consider cutting it short like Iliana does at some point.

Medusa sure seemed to be enjoying the arid weather though. Whenever we weren’t walking together as a group, she’d curl up on a rock and sun herself for hours like a… well, an overgrown snake bit—woman. She claimed to have spent several centuries living in her “cursed” form. By this point, she had both the mentality and appearance of a cunning, reptilian predator. Go figure.

Iliana was still deeply mistrustful of our new traveling companion. If I had to wager a guess, it was because Medusa represented what she hated most in life: a faithless monster who disparaged the very beings she was taught, from birth, to revere. That’s precisely why I could relate to the gorgon so much, on a personal level. The Olympians had done nothing to curry my favor as of late. I would continue to be suspicious of their motives and schemes from now on. They saw me as an unknown. A wild card. A potential threat to their dominance of the human race.

Ok, so I may have been a few of those things. Honestly, though, I had no desire for humans to start idolizing me like I was a high priestess of carnal desires and the personification of physical beauty. That was Aphrodite’s schtick. However, I was more than willing to ride her metaphorical (since she had about as much use for clothing as I did) coattails and invoke her name whenever it suited my needs. It made me wonder if she knew that and if so, why I hadn’t seen her yet.

Let’s be perfectly blunt about Aphrodite. She’s obviously a lover, not a fighter. It’s not like she was going to come hurtling out of the sky and smite me like Zeus or Poseidon would. Look, I don’t know! Maybe she was stronger than she looked. Erm—whatever it was that she looked like. Super sexy, if her visual depictions are anything to go by but—anyway, I digress.

Flash was just about the same as always. The more time we traveled together, the more I saw him become comfortable with his powers and accept as his role a demi-god. I took it upon myself to spar with him on occasion, as it wouldn’t have been fair to pit him against the likes of Iliana or Medusa. He seemed to enjoy our sessions and I did too, surprisingly. Nothing strengthens a bond between friends quite like sweat and blood! We’d also begun sleeping together on a regular basis. Cuddling mostly and the occasional kiss. Even though we’d been far more affectionate towards each other since Nomiki’s trial, I don’t think either of us were prepared to go beyond that stage of our quasi-relationship (I’m not sure what else to call it) yet.

Was I a coward for hesitating? Participating in a bit of casual sex shouldn’t have been a big deal for me, but it somehow was when my intended partner was one Flash Magnus. Why?! Was this another one of those having a human brain and the emotions that go with them deals? UGH! I don’t recall ever feeling this way about anyone when I was still a siren. Somehow, it made me angry, horny, frustrated, and embarrassed all at the same time! Stupid hairless monkey creatures. You can keep your monkey-brain driven feelings!

With a grin upon her fanged lips, Medusa slithered up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder. It took every shred of self-control I had not to shudder. She still creeped me out. “You seem troubled, Adagio. Care to tell me why?”

“How could you possibly know that?”

Medusa flicked her tongue and chuckled. “Humans have distinct scents about them depending on what they’re feeling. It is carried through their sweat. Like pheromones. Yours indicates high levels of anxiety, stress, and hmm… the tiniest hint of sexual frustration, I think.”

“Are you seriously going around sniffing me all the time? That’s just fucking creepy!” I groused.

“I know that you don’t quite trust me yet, Adagio. In fact, none of you do. Particularly, the Spartan. A prickly one, that. However, I want to make it clear that I don’t wish to become your enemy. Let me help you. Even if that only goes so far as having someone to talk to.”

I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed. “Fine. Maybe you’d understand what I’m going through.”

“Oh? Do tell. I’m all ears.”

I waved my hands in the air. “It’s these damnable human feelings I’m experiencing as of late. When I was in my original body, everything about my life seemed clear. I was an apex predator. The world was my oyster. Now, I’m not so sure anymore. Everything has become muddied, complicated, and… confusing.”

Medusa rubbed her chin and nodded. “Yes, I am familiar with what you’re going through. Quite simply, what it means is that you’ve allowed yourself to care about others. The ruthlessness you once professed to embrace has given way to compassion and empathy. Humans are complex creatures, Adagio. It is to be expected that you feel… conflicted.”

“Yeah, well… I don’t like it.”

Medusa laughed. “Humans seldom do either.”

I let out an annoyed groan. “You aren’t doing a very good job at giving me practical advice.”

“Patience, my dear siren. I’m getting there. You have your eyes set on the demigod, correct?”

A pink blush colored my cheeks. “What does it matter to you if I do?”

“There’s no need to be ashamed of your desire for companionship. He’s handsome, strong, and virile. Or at least, I assume the last part. What else can one expect from the offspring of an Olympian? From what little time I have spent around him, I can tell that he cares for you a great deal as well. Why do you hesitate to express your feelings for him? I’m not sure what it is, exactly, that you’re waiting for. Make him your lover before someone else snatches him up.”

I twirled a strand of my hair. “Because there’s no telling how much longer I’m going to be staying in this world. I didn’t want to… get too attached to anyone or anything.”

Medusa waggled her clawed finger. “I’m hearing excuses, not reasons. Try again.”

“It’s the truth!” I shouted in frustration.

“Only a convenient one. Tell me, Adagio. What do you have to go back to? From the place whence you came, I mean. Is it even worth consideration compared to what you’ve gained in this world? Because it seems to me, like you were merely existing, not living.”

I bit my lip, trying desperately to think of a good reason. “I don’t—that’s not a fair question…”

Medusa flashed me her trademark fanged smile. “Ah~ There it is. You’re struggling to come up with a good reason. Deep within your heart, you know what you must do. What you must say. And who you must say it to. I suggest you act upon your feelings sooner rather than later.”

My shoulders sagged. “But I… don’t know if I can be what he wants.”

“Do you think I did back when I was the High Priestess of Athena’s temple? I had to give up my maidenhood and finding love for a goddess who forsook me during my most desperate hour of need. No, it's not about living up to the expectations of others. I learned that lesson far too late in life. But you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes I did. Live for your own sake, Adagio. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”

I wanted to be angry at Medusa for goading me earlier, but of all beings, I knew that what she was saying came from personal experience and not just hyperbole. She was simply stating the facts. Loathe as I was to admit it, perhaps the time had come for me to open myself up completely to someone else. To place my trust in another. It went against the very (siren) nature of my being but I knew there was no other way I could move forward with my new human life.

With dogged determination in my step, I caught up with Flash. He was surprised to see me since I’d abruptly interrupted his conversation with Iliana. “I want to set up camp soon.”

Iliana rolled her eyes. “You really need to work on building up your stamina.”

“I didn’t ask your opinion, Princess Super Soldier! So, can we rest up or not? I’m tired, hungry, and my feet are killing me. I hope I didn’t get any blisters…”

Iliana scoffed. “Perhaps, if you wore sandals that wouldn’t happen.”

I glared at her. “Again?! You know what, I’m too tired to argue about the merits of footwear.”

Flash stepped in-between the two of us and offered a sheepish smile. “That’s enough, ladies. It’s been a while since we took a break from walking, so I think it’d be a good idea to rest for a spell. What do you think, Medusa?”

The gorgon gave him a non-committal shrug. “Suits me just fine. Could use a bite to eat.”

I clapped my hands together. “It’s settled then! Let’s set up camp in the woods!”

While Flash went about building the fire (there was plenty of dry wood just laying around), I was surprised to hear Medusa volunteer to go hunt down our next meal. Before I could ask what she intended to bring back, the gorgon was already slithering away into the brush. Since my mind was predominantly fixed on thoughts of food, the inevitable stomach grumbling began anew. By the Mother Siren. How long had it been since I enjoyed a decent meal that didn’t consist of field rations or whatever animal we happened to catch during our travels? Weeks, easily. Then again, it wasn’t exactly a mystery why. Villagers tended to react negatively to Medusa’s presence.

I imagine she wasn’t too thrilled about the situation either. Maybe she didn’t care. Who knows? To be perfectly honest, I had my own issues interacting with the common folk as well. More often than not, I was accused of being a licentious whore simply because I was a woman who preferred to live without a stitch of clothing. Even after we told them that I was an acolyte of Aphrodite, the leering and sneering continued. Hmph! Humans were such judgmental creatures.

And no, it was never flattering to receive unsolicited offers from lustful men looking for a quick fuck just because they assumed I was easy. Thank the oceans Flash and Iliana were around to dissuade them. Otherwise, I might have gotten violent with them or… worse. Suffice to say, I still had trouble keeping my volcanic temper in check during certain scenarios.

It was even more difficult for me because I knew that I was far more powerful than them. Like a lion hunting a mouse, it would have taken little effort on my part to decimate them completely. Petty, but oh so satisfying! I suppose humans had, at the very least, a penchant for violence and bloodlust like my kind did. Weak though they were compared to sirens, they reigned supreme in this world. Well, for the most part. Divine beings notwithstanding.

I was just starting to relax by the fire, enjoying the warmth it provided, when Medusa came out of nowhere, hauling a pair of deer carcasses over her shoulders. How had she caught them so quickly? Then I spotted the rather large, bloody puncture wounds on their necks. Well, that answered the question of if she was venomous like the snakes that writhed around on her head. I shuddered when she plopped the does unceremoniously next to Iliana. She glanced over at me with a curious expression, as if to ask why I was so freaked out over a couple of dead animals.

“What’s gotten your hackles raised, my dear siren?”

“YOU! I mean, how little time it took you to not only track, but kill two deer. Not only that, I didn’t even hear you approaching camp. GAH! That creeps me the fuck out!”

Medusa slithered over to me and used the tip of her tail to caress my thigh. I let out a squeaky, involuntary whimper. “First and foremost, I am a predator. Like you were. What good would I be if I could not hunt my prey swiftly and silently? I have a reputation to uphold, you know.”

I closed my eyes and snorted. “I don’t care about your stupid reputation. Even as a former predator, I don’t appreciate having the shit scared out of me. Well, whatever. What’s done is done. The only other question I have to ask is… did you inject them with venom?”

The gorgon shook her head. “I could have. But no. Had I done so; the meat would have been inedible for the rest of you. A single drop of my venom is potent enough to kill a full-grown elephant. Causes the nervous system to go into overdrive and then shut down. Excruciatingly painful too. Haha~ Or so I’ve seen based on observation.”

My face turned pale. It almost made me lose my appetite. “How VERY interesting.”

“Indeed,” Medusa agreed, “Still, it was quite easy to sneak up on them. All I had to do was sink my fangs into their throats and snap their necks. A clean and merciful kill that prevents damage to the meat and entrails contained within. Hmm~ I’m rather fond of the liver and heart. What about you, Adagio?”

“I—uh—I don’t have a preference when it comes to… deer parts. Used to eating things whole.”

Medusa chuckled. “Ah, yes. I forgot that you once lived in the ocean. Pardon my ignorance.”

I waved my hand. “Don’t worry about it. Thanks for getting dinner. Appreciate it.”

She moved closer to me and did that weird tongue flicking thing. I felt it tickle my neck. “What’s wrong? I can smell the lingering scent of fear upon your skin. Are you… frightened of me?”

I hesitantly reached over and patted her arm. “Yeah, I am. Sorry if that upsets you, Medusa but it’s like a knee-jerk reaction for me. I’m having a hard time getting over it or understanding it.”

The gorgon let out a long, hissing sigh. “To be perfectly honest, your fear does upset me. However, I understand why you feel the way that you do. Primal instincts, forged over countless millennia have been ingrained into the fabric of your being in order to protect you against dangerous predators. I can’t expect a bunch of humans to overcome the very forces of nature in such a short period of time. Despite my best efforts to show you all that I mean no harm…”

I watched as Iliana and Flash butchered one of the deer carcasses together. “Like you, I didn’t have a choice when it came to my destiny. It was thrust upon me in a matter of moments. Regardless of how I feel about it, I’m human now and have to make the best of my situation. Even though it comes with a ton of complications and conflicting emotions from what I was once accustomed to.”

Medusa coiled the lower half of her tail around me and pressed her chest against my back. It made me panic for a moment because I thought she was trying to constrict the life out of me, but I calmed down once I felt her wrap her arms around my stomach. She proceeded to place a gentle kiss upon my cheek. “I can’t remember the last time I embraced someone. To feel their warmth in my arms. To bask in their scent. Such bittersweet memories. Please pardon my forwardness, Adagio. It seemed like an opportune moment to offer you some… physical comfort.”

One you got over the whole ‘terrifying snake demon’ bit, it felt pretty nice to cuddle with Medusa. I’d half expected her skin to be cold but that wasn’t the case. Although it did feel pleasant to the touch, the texture was vastly different from that of a human. “No worries. I just wasn’t expecting to get a hug from you is all. Do you—erm—use scented oils by chance?”

Medusa causally played with a strand of my hair in-between her fingers while she hummed a wordless tune. “I must admit, I miss having real hair sometimes. Yours is quite beautiful and voluminous. No wonder people mistake you for Aphrodite’s spawn. Hmm. Oh, yes! I’m sorry for getting distracted. My favorite oil comes from a mixture of olives, dates, and roses. Helps to keep my scaly hide from drying out. Does it smell pleasant? I certainly hope so.”

I tried my best to return her affectionate gesture in kind. Truly, I did. It wasn’t easy though. My entire body screamed at me to escape from her clutches, yet I managed to suppress the urge to thrash about. “Have you ever fallen in love? From what you said earlier, it sure sounded like it.”

The gorgon flicked her tongue a few times, saying nothing. I suppose it was her version of deep thinking. She only answered my question after a rather long pause. “Embarrassing as it is for me to admit, no I have not. One has no time to consider such things while in the priestess-hood. Besides, even if I had thought about it, I would have been executed for betraying my vows.”

“If that’s true, then why did Athena let you live?”

Medusa looked up at the stars. “I asked that very same question for decades. It was her version of cruel and unusual punishment, I suspect. Transforming me into an immortal monstrosity so that I would live with the shame for eternity, rather than receive the mercy of a swift death. That, my dear siren, is why I hate the Olympians with all of my heart.”

I pointed my feet towards the fire so that they could warm up a bit. “Do you think it’s possible?”

“What is?” Medusa asked with a confused expression.

“For crea—people like us to find love?” I answered hesitantly.

“Anything is possible, however improbable. I expect that you’ll have a much easier time of it than I. How long has it been since I’ve even had people to call my friends? Quite frankly, I never gave finding a lover of my own much thought. Ha! I’m not exactly what one would call a handsome catch. You know, I’m not sure if there are any male gorgons out there either…”

I rubbed her hand encouragingly. “With all the weird shit I’ve seen so far, it’s possible.”

Medusa flicked her tongue a few times and curled the tip of her tail. “Perhaps. I very much doubt it though. My punishment was quite unique, shall we say. IF I should decide to pursue a partner, they would need to be ageless like me. I couldn’t bear to see them grow old, wither, and die within a few decades. My heart isn’t nearly as cold as you might believe, Adagio.”

“No, I understand where you’re coming from. Being lonely sucks.” I admitted.

There wasn’t much else to be said after that. We simply cuddled together by the fire while Iliana went about cooking the deer. I got the distinct impression that Medusa saw me more as a surrogate daughter than a friend at this point, given the similarities between our situations. I’d never admit it aloud but it felt nice being wrapped up in her warm, scaly embrace. When the meat was finally done roasting, Iliana approached us with a perplexed, almost disgusted expression. She took a seat next to us, said a quick prayer to Ares, and began eating.

“Do I want to know why you two are snuggling like a pair of lovers?”

Medusa relished the roasted deer heart and licked her lips with a smile. “Oh? I wasn’t aware it was any of your business, Spartan.”

Iliana pointed the tip of her sword towards the gorgon, waving it menacingly. “Out of respect for Adagio, I have tolerated your presence, monster. But I will not allow you to manipulate her with one of your diabolical schemes. Whatever it may be.”

Medusa hissed with laughter. “Come now, Princess! We’re merely enjoying each other’s warmth. A friendly embrace shared between comrades. Aww~ Do you feel left out, perhaps? I could cuddle you as well if loneliness has struck you tonight.”

Iliana’s face turned noticeably redder in the firelight. “I desire no such thing!”

Medusa shrugged. “Oh, well. Your loss~ I rather enjoy cuddling, Adagio. She smells divine and her skin is as soft as freshly woven silk. I can understand why Flash prefers to sleep with her. Haha. And why he desires her. Even now, I can practically taste it in the air.”

It was Flash’s turn to blush. “How could you possibly know that?”

“Hmm? I wasn’t using a figure of speech, dear boy. I mean what I said. A snake’s sense of smell is connected to their tongue. But to answer your question, the scent comes from your sweat. That is, if your behavior around her wasn’t enough of a dead give away in the first place.”

Flash quietly nibbled on his deer haunch. “Adagio, am I really that obvious?”

I glanced over at him while twiddling my fingers but not without feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Bah! I hate it when people force me to talk about sentimental crap. “Well—um—yeah, sometimes. Look, don’t misunderstand! It doesn’t really bother me, per say. Just keep doing it, alright! There. Happy, Medusa? I went and made a fool of myself.”

Medusa patted my head, successfully making me feel even more embarrassed. “Don’t you see, Adagio? This is an excellent first step. You’re being honest with him. It’s rather endearing, if I do say so myself. Have you two gone beyond cuddling yet or—”

I crossed my arms underneath my breasts and huffed. “That’s none of your damn business, Medusa. And not the kind of conversation I want to be having in front of everyone either!”

Iliana poked the fire with a stick, sending a few crackling embers into the air. “I agree with Adagio. Whatever they have going on between them is their business. Just do as all a favor and try to be discreet if you do decide to start copulating. I’d rather not be woken up by your moans.”

It felt like my entire body was flushed at this point. Medusa must have felt the rise in my body heat because she chuckled aloud at my expense. “I DO NOT MOAN THAT LOUDLY!!”

Medusa laughed even harder. “Perhaps not, but I don’t hear you denying that you make noises in the first place! Tell me, Adagio. Are they petite and squeaky or loud and guttural?”

“Shut up! All of you,” I screeched, “I swear, the shit I have to put up with…”

Ever the valiant defender of my honor, Flash stood up and placed his hands on his hips. “Alright, that’s enough ladies. You’ve had your fun. Leave Adagio be.”

Without missing a beat, Iliana shook her head and began preparing her bedroll. “I’m going to sleep. Try not to make too much noise.”

I reluctantly escaped Medusa’s embrace and grabbed some toiletries from Flash’s knapsack. I also happened to take a knife with me as well. “Since we’re all keen on sleeping, I’m going to find some water to wash up in before bed. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Flash simply nodded and Medusa grabbed my wrist before I could start walking away. “Why do you need a knife? Trying to assassinate someone in the forest?”

“Hardly. I just need it to cut my hair. It’s getting too long.”

Medusa blinked owlishly. “Oh… well, alright then. Just be careful not to injure yourself.”

“Thanks, Mom. I know where not to stick the pointy end.”

Medusa waved her clawed hand. “No need to be sour about it, Adagio. I’m merely looking out for your safety. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced blade masters.”

“Right. Well—erm—I’ll see you later, I guess.”

Part of me was glad to have gotten away from everyone and have some time alone to myself in the forest. The teasing, while in good nature, made me feel very self-conscious and therefore fanned the flames of my explosive temper. Yes, I know. It’s not a particularly healthy habit to lash out at your companions when they make fun of you under any circumstances. That’s why I had to walk away from them in the first place. Besides, I didn’t like sleeping in my own grime.

Being a creature of the sea, I was used to dark and spooky places. But walking through a forest in the dead of night was a different kind of creepy. A cacophony of sounds seemed to echo from all directions. Chirping insects, owls, little vermin scurrying around. I obviously couldn’t see them very well but a small part of me felt afraid of what else could be lurking out there. Look, I know that I had magic and was a demigoddess of sorts, but if this world taught me anything, it was that there were plenty of other magical beasties out there far more powerful than I.

Based on what Iliana told me, the Folóï Woods were considered sacred. That’s why there weren’t any people living here or any attempts to cut the trees down for lumber. Why? I have no idea. Probably because some god or whatever resided here or some bullshit like that. I honestly didn’t care. All that mattered to me was finding a suitable source of water to bathe in.

Almost as if by design, I spotted a cluster of luminescent mushrooms. They glowed a blueish-green hue that reminded me of the bottom-dwelling creatures that lived within the depths of the ocean. Sure enough, as I drew closer, I noticed that they were growing along the shore of a little lake. I set down my knapsack (the only article of human apparel I used) and dipped my toe into the water to test the temperature. I was expecting it to be a bit chilly but it was actually warm.

With a shrug, I decided to just dive right in. Not literally, mind you. I wadded into the water until it reached my waist. I didn’t want to make a lot of noise and attract the attention of some demonic bear or whatever creatures happened to be lurking about. After a cursory glance at my surroundings, I was satisfied that I would not be disturbed. Thus, I began to bathe myself.

It only took a few minutes. I wasn’t there to enjoy myself, per say, rather… it was an exercise in efficiency and practicality. There’s no telling what might sneak up on me if I lingered too long. At least the mushrooms provided some lighting while I looked at my reflection upon the surface of the water. Blade in hand, I began cutting my hair carefully, so as to avoid snags. When it was all said and done, a pile of curly, golden-orange hair sat by the shore and the style which I now wore mimicked Iliana’s. That is to say, I kept it in the Spartan style. My hair had initially grown all the way down to my lower back. Now, it barely went past my neck. I shook my head a few times to test out my new-found mobility. To my delight, it felt so much better than before.

“Good. Now, I don’t have to worry about my hair turning into a sweaty, tangled mess anymore! I can see why Iliana prefers to wear it this way. Way easier to maintain. Honestly, I should have cut my hair ages ago…” I said to no one in particular.

I allowed myself some time to bask in the warm water. It felt nice and helped soothe my sore muscles. Just as I was about to close my eyes and drift off to sleep, I spotted something moving towards the pond at a pace that screamed danger. My hackles raised, I practically leapt out of the water and summoned as much magic as I could muster into the palms of my hands. Ha! I must have looked quite the sight. A wet, unarmed, naked woman was oh so intimidating.

Or so I assumed. The blur I’d seen earlier presented itself to me in a meek and cowing manner. When the glow of the mushrooms illuminated my visitor, I was surprised to see that it was a naked girl. Well, not a human girl at any rate. She was significantly shorter than any person I’d ever seen before, save children. And yes, it was quite obvious to me that she was an adult. The tiny woman had viridian-hued skin, plump, bouncy breasts, almost comically over-sized nipples (I know it’s very rude to say that about someone’s body but they looked like fucking sausage slices) and a physique that could only be described as curvaceous.

However, that’s where the anatomical similarities ended. Her hair, if it could be called that, was composed entirely of vines and leaves. I couldn’t help but notice that there were even a few flowers in full bloom, dispersed atop her head. I had to do a double take when I looked down towards her waist. Where pubic hair was supposed to be, a little tuft of dark-green moss grew instead. Cute but a bit bizarre. It became increasingly clear that she was some kind of humanoid plant-creature. Just my luck. I ran into another one of this world’s oddities.

I recalled my magic to appear less threatening. It seemed to work because she stopped hiding behind the tree. “You can come out now. I promise I won’t harm you, little one.”

The plant thing hesitantly walked towards me with an uncertain expression. “Please forgive me for disturbing your bath, great sorceress. I meant no offence.”

Mother Siren. She even sounded adorable. I just couldn’t possibly stay annoyed at her. “Umm—don’t worry about it. I was just finishing up anyway. Not to sound rude, but what in the seven oceans are you doing out here?”

She shuffled her bare feet in the grass. “I am being pursued by a group of men with iron weapons and fire. As are my sisters.”

“What… so you thought that you’d just approach a random stranger for help?”

She blushed a vibrant shade of green and bowed. “Your magic is… unusual but I did not sense that you are an evil person. Your intent, I mean. Please, I beg you! I cannot rescue my sisters alone. I am not strong or powerful enough to take on the humans directly. But you are!”

I groaned. “I don’t recall agreeing to anything, little one. If you expect me to—”

“It would not be for free! I am willing to offer you what they wish to take from us.”

I ran my fingers through my shortened hair and sighed. “Look, before we get down to business, I’d like to know who and what you are first. Does that sound fair?”

“Of, course! How rude of me. My name is Willow. I am one of the caretakers of this sacred forest. To humankind we are known as Dryads. What is your name, o great sorceress?”

“Just call me Adagio. No fancy titles needed because I’m not great at anything. Listen, Willow… I don’t know that I’m the right person for the job. For one thing, I have no idea who’s chasing you or what kind of weapons they have. They might overpower me.”

Willow whimpered and began to sniff. “But I do not know who else to turn to…”

I rubbed my temples and groaned. Why did she have to be so fucking adorable? I can’t say no to that face! “Ok, fine! Just stop the caterwauling. I’ll take you back to my camp where all of my companions are and we can try to work something out.”

Without a shred of hesitation, the plump little Dryad hugged my legs and began nuzzling her cheek against my stomach. “OH, THANK YOU! I AM EVER SO GRATEFUL!”

I patted her head. “You can stop hugging me now. We’ve got some walking to do.”

When I finally reached the camp, Iliana and Medusa were fast asleep. The only one awake was Flash, who presumably, was waiting for me to come back. He saw that I was holding Willow’s hand and shot me the most dumbfounded expression I’d ever seen him make. Normally, I would have found it humorous, but I couldn’t help but agree with him. This was a weird situation.

Flash approached slowly. “Adagio, is there a reason you brought back a Dryad?”

I rubbed the back of my neck and chuckled awkwardly. “Funny you should ask…”

“At least she doesn’t seem to be afraid of us. What’s the problem? You have to understand that Dryads aren’t known for interacting with people. They prefer to keep to themselves.”

Willow nodded in agreement. “We do. My apologies, good sir human. I am the one who insisted that Adagio take me to your camp. My sisters are in grave danger and we need your help. They were captured by a roving band of marauders, intent on collecting our nectar.”

Flash furrowed his brow in confusion. “Nectar? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

Willow blushed and played with one of her vines. “While the nectar provides us with vital nutrients, it is known to have… certain side effects. The nectar—um—causes an overwhelming sense of euphoria and arousal when ingested by humans. That is why the marauders wish to capture us, I assume. From what I understand, our nectar is a highly valued aphrodisiac.”

I growled in annoyance. “Fan fucking-tastic. Just what I wanted to do in the dead of night. Chase after a bunch of horny, greedy mercenaries and save a couple of plant midgets. Don’t you have anything else you could pay us with, Willow? Like gold or something?”

The Dryad bit her lip. “I am afraid not. We do not require human custom. Please! The nectar is all that I can offer for your assistance. Perhaps, you could sell it in a human town later?”

Having been roused by all the commotion, Medusa slithered behind Willow and placed her claws on the poor little Dryad’s shoulders. She let out a terrified squeak. “Or I could just eat you.”

Willow sank to her knees and began sobbing. “Anything but that, mighty gorgon!”

“Relax, kiddo. I was only joking,” Medusa assured while patting Willow’s head, “You’d probably taste like shit anyway. In any case, we should help her, Adagio. Having a couple of Dryads in our debt could prove useful. Not to mention, their nectar is quite valuable to the right clients. Surely, you see the value in that, no?”

I let out a heavy sigh. “Fine. We’ll help them. But not without a plan! I want details.”

Willow tackle-hugged me once again and burst into a fit of giggles. “Thank you! The Dryads will sing of your kindness for ages to come! Adagio, protector of the forest!”

I blushed profusely at the commotion she was making and coughed. “Yeah, well… don’t get ahead of yourself just yet. One step at a time, Willow.”