After asking for the girl’s name the Gorgon left her to her fishing. Humans may be slaves to their curiosity, but she had no need to rush anything. This place was unchanging and tranquil, resembling the afterlife more than the world of the living. Although her connection to Athena was troublesome, she had no interest in this Eugenia girl herself.
Time had long since become something intangible and unrecognizable to a long-lived monster like her, so she had lots to spare.
With that in mind she went into her underground chamber and laid down, falling into a dreamless slumber.
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Three days had passed while she was drifting in and out of sleep. Sometimes she managed to sleep for weeks on end, but something was tugging at the corner of her consciousness. It was bothersome, but even she felt compelled to at least check whether the human was still alive. Her incompetence was surprising, considering she balanced out her disability so very easily.
The Gorgon left her lair and slithered up the stairs. She was greeted by a rather intense burst of sunlight, so she squinted for a moment. The snakes on her head had fallen into a hibernation like state after being in the cool underground for so long, but the heat of day awakened them slowly.
Looking into the courtyard she was made all too aware that Eugenia was still alive. In fact she had gone through a shocking metamorphosis. For the first time since she arrived, the Gorgon saw her without the long white cloth covering her head.
The girl had long, wild chestnut hair that seemed to flow freely in the low wind. Her skin was reddened all over, telling of the sunburns that she received out here. Incidentally her skin had been exceptionally pale for a human from these lands, so perhaps she had been staying indoors most of her life.
Right now she was preparing a fire or at least that’s what the Gorgon assumed, considering the girl was piling on pieces of wood. She squinted her eyes a bit. Eugenia’s hands were covered in small cuts and dirt. Despite her frail constitution she was not afraid to exert herself and become dirty. So she was not the sheltered princess type after all.
“Oh, you’ve awoken.” She didn’t look up, but she acknowledged her at least. That was all she got, though. Silence spread between them like a sickness. After a while of watching her prepare the wood and building a circle of stones around it, the Gorgon finally yawned and moved back to the stairs. “You are going to sleep again?”
“Mhm.” She replied wordlessly and moved on.
“I had almost hoped you had died in your sleep. I’ve never met anybody who could lie down for that long and get back up.” Eugenia muttered and pulled out some strange object.
“Naïve.” The Gorgon turned back with a dark smile.
“I know. It was just wishful thinking.” She seemed different from three days ago. More somber perhaps? The girl held the object above the wood and angled it so that the sun would shine on it directly.
“What are you attempting to do there?” Despite her claim to be disinterested she couldn’t help but wonder what this odd thing’s purpose could be.
“It is a burning glass.” She replied and angled it a bit differently. “It saps the might of the sun itself to set ablaze anything in its way. Some even refer to it as Helios Eye.”
“Such audacity.” She watched the tiny glass contraption with a raised brow. How would a mere lens be able to create fire?
But to her genuine surprise, a small trail of smoke eventually sprang from the wood and then a tiny fire spread across it from the one point the focused light was pointed at. Soon the flames spread and the pile of wood was burning brightly.
“Curious.” She had to admit that she was impressed, if only a little.
“A much bigger version of it is used in the grand temple of Athena.” Eugenia added as she put the Helios Eye to the ground.
“Was this one of her enlightened ideas?”
“Some claim that she appeared to the great scholars in a dream to tell them how to construct it.” She nodded, but didn’t seem quite convinced herself.
“Giving humans powerful weapons far beyond their understanding? That woman’s mind is a mystery to me.” The Gorgon snorted deprecatingly.
“This isn’t a weapon.” Eugenia seemed surprised to even hear such a notion.
“Hmph. Anything can be used as a weapon.” She did not intend to argue semantics. It was clear to her that greater versions of that contraption could focus even more of Helios' power and become devastating.
“I suppose.” Unexpectedly, she didn’t argue. Instead she grabbed something from the sack next to her. She pulled out a silver fish that was completely unmoving already. So she managed to be successful in her fishing after all. Using a sharp stick she impaled the fish and put it over the fire.
“…are you going to eat it that way?” The Gorgon could not stop herself from asking.
“You can’t have any! I got burned by the sun for these.” The girl shielded her sack of fish with both arms.
“I do not want your meager fish.” The Gorgon’s lips twitched. “Will you not get rid of the guts first?”
“Why?”
“Because the fish tastes better that way?”
“Just how much did you like to fish?” Eugenia shook her head with a smile. Before she could get her neck wrung by the Gorgon, she continued. “I can’t waste even a single bite. There isn’t much food to go around here.” She sighed. “I just wished it didn’t have to be fish. I would love to have some goat cheese.”
The fire sizzled whenever it licked the fish and a horrible smell spread across the courtyard. The Gorgon had not eaten anything in many years, but this was ruining even her non-existent appetite. Had this foolish human been doing that everyday right above her head?
“There are some fruit trees in the west of the island.” She finally said while looking away.
“I noticed already. I picked some fruit on my way to the cliff when I went fishing.” Eugenia said with a delighted smile. To her, the taste of the bitter fruit was much preferable over the animal roasting on the fire. “I never ate so many plums in my life. They are quite expensive in Lamia!”
Where did that frugality from before go? Perhaps she only reserved that for food she disliked. Quite childish. She would run out of fruit in no time at that pace and then have nothing left until new ones would grow. Not that it mattered to the Gorgon.
“Er…” As she turned the fish on the stick the girl looked down with a troubled expression. Much different from a few days ago where she just demanded food, she suddenly seemed more held back and shy. “Is there a water spring on this island?”
So that was the issue. The Gorgon crossed her arms below her bosom and looked up to the sky. Certainly, humans could not survive without water. Their bodies were so inconvenient and weak. She hadn’t even thought about it before Eugenia brought it up.
“There are no springs on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean.” She replied unapologetically.
“I figured so…” The girl really did seem troubled now.
“What did you drink until now?” She couldn’t help but wonder about that.
“Previous expeditions left behind many crates and barrels. Some must have spilled in from the ocean judging by the seaweed.”
It seemed obvious in hindsight, but that would explain where Eugenia got all these materials, including some modern contraption to channel the sun that she had never seen before. It was true that she never wasted a single glance on whatever those humans brought along with them, with only two exceptions.
“There were a few barrels and metal canisters filled with fresh water. They won’t last very long, though.” The priestess sighed deeply. “If there was an underground spring I would be saved.”
“Heh. Why do you not use your blessed ears to listen for the sound of such a marvelous spring?” She mocked the girl without a hint of guilt.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Only if I have no other options.” She said hesitantly.
Oh? So she did have that much confidence in her abilities. That was a little surprising at least. The Gorgon was more interested in the blessing than any of the other things really.
“I said there is no spring, but I am a monster that hates humans. Can you really trust my word?” It was such a horrible duplicitous attack on the mind, but she did not care.
“Probably not.” Eugenia agreed. And still she hesitated.
“So you would rather not rely on the incredible kindness of your favorite goddess and die instead?”
Eugenia turned towards the Gorgon. Her expression was serious.
“I can raise my awareness and extend my hearing far. But in that state… my mind is overwhelmed. Suddenly even the steps of ants are as loud as a marching army to me.” She confessed.
“What kind of blessing is that supposed to be?” The Gorgon laughed out loud. It was just too hilarious! Even those who loved her dearly were treated that way by Athena.
“I prefer to stay at a low intensity where I can hear everything as well as necessary.” Eugenia looked quite angry at her reaction, but she kept going anyway. “Yet if I have to do it to prove you wrong, I will gladly take the headache!”
The priestess stood still in place and clutched her hands to fists. She closed her milky eyes and mouth. She even stopped to breathe. All superfluous senses were blended out. After a few moments of silence she began twitching. At first it seemed random, but then the Gorgon noticed that she twitched in the rhythm of the crackling flames next to her. Then she twisted her face at a sudden gust of wind. Eventually she even seemed to be assailed by the sound of the rustling snakes atop the Gorgon’s head.
It was clear that she was in pain. Amplifying one's awareness beyond a sensible limit could only bring doom. Despite that she kept on searching. Even as minutes went by she kept going. Eventually she took steps towards the eastern temple grounds. Every time her foot hit the ground she jerked her shoulders in recoil.
She would wander the island to listen to every nook and cranny, wouldn’t she? It was so pitiful, but also showed an astounding level of willpower.
Eugenia stumbled and fell to her hands and knees, which sent another wave of pain through her body. She was overdoing it.
There was no joy in seeing her torture herself for nothing. Even the Gorgon could not bear to keep watching. Not because she disliked seeing a pathetic human in pain, but because it was such a meaningless act of bravado.
“That’s enough. There is-“ She began, but was interrupted.
“There is an underground basin below the temple!” Eugenia exclaimed. She opened her unseeing eyes and took a deep breath.
The Gorgon was stunned. She had figured it out on her own. Indeed, there was a basin below the temple that gathered rain water during the occasional storms that ravaged this isle. It was of little use to her, but sometimes she felt like drenching her throat with the clear liquid as well. Still, that place was deep underground and the water was not flowing, but stale. How could she tell it was there from such small vibrations? Was she able to perceive the irregular drops hitting its surface? How far did she extend her senses?
“Haha, do you believe me now?” Eugenia joyfully pointed at the monstrous woman.
“Is that supposed to impress me?” She replied stoically. Compared to the things that she could do, let alone all the heroes she had slain, this was little more than a parlor trick used by the theatre troupe in human cities that the Muses loved to talk about.
“You could stand to be a bit more amazed by the graciousness of the great and wise Athena.” The priestess pouted.
“You can barely stand after utilizing that ‘gift’.” She shrugged and looked at Eugenia’s shaking legs. They were so thin already; it reminded her of a newborn fawn.
“You are jealous.” She claimed and then moved back to the fire.
Jealous, huh? Gifts given by the gods were nothing to be envious of. Ultimately they only served the gods themselves, not the one who was blessed. She had no mind to educate this foolish girl on the reality of this world, however.
“Ahhhh!” Suddenly she cried out in terror.
“Hm?” The Gorgon tried to spot the reason for her hysteria, but her nose found out first.
“M-my fish… my p-precious freshly c-caught fish!” The girl stuttered as she took up the stick with a burnt black fish on top of it. Guts aside, this thing was about as edible as charcoal now. Eugenia was legitimately brought to tears by this discovery. “It’s all because of your distraction, vile monster!” She was raising her finger accusingly, but the Gorgon had already disappeared to escape any blame.
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Another day, another curious sight. After having decided to not pay the human any more mind, the Gorgon still found herself observing her from afar every day. It was deeply troubling to her that she could not stop herself from showing such obvious weakness, but for someone who had lived alone for decades, even the tiniest change was like a storm that turned the world upside down.
In just a few days Eugenia had circled the entire island and walked from one end to the other. At first that seemed like a meaningless act, especially for someone who couldn’t even enjoy the view, but eventually she began drawing circles into the sand and made small pictures of odd symbols. She was rubbing her temples as if these actions required deep thought. Sometimes a gust of wind would blow sand over her drawings and make her shake her fist at the sky. Even Poseidon wasn’t petty enough to be responsible for that though.
After many hours she finally jumped up with her hands raised above her head. With all that spare energy she ran up the steps to the temple and approached the Gorgon who was lying on her snake half as if dozing off.
“I calculated it! The diameter and circumference of this island!”
For a few moments the Gorgon wondered why she should care. Then she wondered if this annoying human would leave if she just kept ignoring her. Eventually both became meaningless, because Eugenia just started talking by herself again.
“After counting my steps and comparing it to the standard measurement unit, I came to the conclusion thaaaaat.” She stretched it out for suspense apparently. “Sarpedon’s diameter is five times 8 stadia, or five milion. Which is uhm… one parasangēs?”
Was she even speaking Greek anymore? The snake woman of all things felt that this girl was acting more foreign than any beast.
“What are you prattling on about?” She finally asked with a sigh.
“The size of the island is quite impressive. I thought it was much smaller. Did I calculate it right?” Her inquisitive expression was problematic. Apparently she thought that the Gorgon would know about measurements and the dimensions of the island. Such trifles were more fitting for human scholars who had no better use for their time.
“I do not know.” She replied truthfully. “Where did you pick up this nonsense?”
“It’s not nonsense! Mathematics are the crystallization of human ingenuity.” She said proudly.
“And what does that mean, pray tell?”
“I… don’t really know.” Eugenia admitted with flushed cheeks. She had just repeated a line she previously picked up it seemed. “But with our minds we can create so many useful things that can change the world. The great and wise Athena taught us to never stop thinking.”
"You seem to be quite certain of that. You can even regurgitate such pompous phrases. Just where did you learn such things?"
"I studied in Athens for two summers." Her chest swelled with pride.
“Very well. Now what will you do with those diameters and circumfer-somethings?” She leaned her head on one hand and smiled dryly.
“I could draw a map.”
“Just looking down from the top of the temple is enough to see every end of the island.” A map would be pointless. In the first place, who was it for?
“You are a cruel, joyless thing.” She said with both hands on her waist.
“You realized that only now?”
Still it was confounding. This human was not afraid of her. That might partly have been due to her blindness, sparing her the horrific nest of writhing snake hair, but despite knowing that the Gorgon had slain many humans, Eugenia still approached her dauntlessly. Was it because of her suicidal nature? There was no hint of that anymore, though.
Then it dawned on her. These acts of involvement, trying to garner attention, striking up conversations.
The girl was lonely.
When trapped on an island, humans would even start talking to plants and animals. The Gorgon was the only other sentient being in this place. For the girl that could not reach out to her kind, there was no other person to turn to.
A deep disgust welled up inside her body. Even this impertinent weakling was trying to use her. Using her indifference and mercy against her like this - human selfishness knew no limits. Turning to their oppressor and enemy for comfort, that quality was what truly made them unforgivable.
“I wonder.” Eugenia turned towards the endless ocean. “When will another expedition come by?”
“They return every few years. They never learn.” The Gorgon replied with a frown.
“Years?!” The girl looked shocked. “I have to spend years like this?”
Human life trickled away faster than the sand in an hourglass. Even just a few years would be a sizable dent in their short lifespan. The Gorgon would only need to blink and the girl in front of her would be swallowed by the ground and her soul would wander to the underworld.
Fragility was weakness. It was a blemish of mortals. Even she would one day fall to that weakness. It was a cruel reminder to see this young human already looking upon her own ephemerality.
It enraged the Gorgon. There were things even she could not accept.
“No, it will not be years.” She said in a low voice.
Eugenia turned back with a questioning look.
“Even if the next expedition comes, I will end all of those greedy humans. I will sink their ships and laugh at their weakness. No matter how many come, I will always end their journey in agonizing terror!”
The girl silently lowered her head in response.
“So do not hope against hope that you will escape this island. Do not believe for a moment that humans will save you from my suffocating grasp. The only one who can save you from this fate is your precious goddess. That is my curse for you.”
It was not fair. It was one of the cruelest things she had said in her life. There was no mercy or goodness inside such a dark promise. Those words could not be taken back.
Eugenia put a hand through her chestnut hair that was waving in the ocean wind. Her expression was calm and somewhat sad.
“You want me to stay with you?”
The Gorgon’s eyes widened in stupor.
“Do not be foolish.” She replied in swift rejection.
“Ah, I just realized. I told you mine, but I never asked for your name.” The gentle smile on her lips was like an insult to the monster in front of her. “I am Eugenia of Lamia. Who are you, o’ great Gorgon of Sarpedon?”
How many decades had it been since someone wanted to know her name? Let alone a lowly human.
“Medusa.” Her reply came after some time.
Names had power over a person, especially in those times. Revealing it was the same as baring your true self to another. Medusa and Eugenia both would learn this fact soon.