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—he gives a toothy grin to find even his fangs are being obscured by the glamor. The only monstrous trait that remains is his eyes—they’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—this 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—

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.”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

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—forcing 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—he 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—Gods 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—It is not enough to defeat you in combat—”

“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—!”

“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—

“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—look, 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—except 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—it’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!?”