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— 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 Nǣdre 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…Nǣdre 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 Nǣdre 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.
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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—the 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—I’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—Why 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…”