It was much slower going through the trees with a blindfolded Gorgon, than when Andy had traveled the main road on his own. Nevertheless, in six days’ time, they found themselves approaching a temple, just off the main road, not far North of the village where Andy had consulted with the seer. Andy, who had traveled locally with his father, had seen the structure before, but had not known to whom the shrine was dedicated.

In order to avoid the complication of other worshipers, they decided to wait until nightfall, and that (Y/N) would only go to the holy altar once Andy had established they were alone. Damica would howl the alert, should another approach while they were occupied making their entreaty.

Thus, they made a small camp to rest, hidden within the forest, as the remainder of the day passed them by. Andy and (Y/N) spoke quietly to each other of their lives, comparing and contrasting them, laughing at each others’ jokes. They both spent time rubbing Damica’s furry belly, which she enjoyed.

Andy watched the sanctuary throughout the day, and none came or went. It did not appear to have a constant caretaker or druid in residence either. Thus, when the sun sank beneath the hills to slumber, Andy went forth, alone, to investigate.

---

Andy’s POV

The earth at my feet was dry from lack of rain, but it suited my purposes for the moment. I had no idea how well (Y/N) could work her way through mud, as she could wear no shoes. Indeed, she had no feet at all!

I walked, attempting a casual gait, through the stone archway, engraved with raven and lynx, along a well-tread path with led to a large, stone altar. Though it was covered with old donations, many rotted beyond recognition, I saw no other people. With a quicker pace, I returned to our camp, scanning the road along the way and finding it empty in both directions.

(Y/N) shifted a bit at my approach, clearly nervous. It was then that I realized I should have said something, so she knew it was just myself sooner. “It is only I. I saw no one.T ake my hand, I will lead you.”

With care, I picked out the best route onto the road, as (Y/N) swept the ground with the delicate tip of her tail. Her scales showed a burnish, honeyed gold in the dying light, and I thought they looked beautiful. Keeping such thoughts to myself, I directed her across the road, then onto the path to the temple of Lugh the Many Skilled.

I noticed (Y/N) was silent during our excursion, doubtless nervous at some mishap occurring, so I decided to be chatty, to set her at ease. “Damica is already waiting behind us, where the path splits off from the road. She will call out if anyone approaches.”

(Y/N) nodded but remained silent, and I felt her hand tremble almost imperceptibly. I squeezed it. “Would you like me to avert my eyes, so that you can remove your hood to look upon the stonework? It is marvelous, there are carved beasts-“

She shook her head, “-No, it is too dangerous. I don’t dare risk your injury or death unless there is no other way.”

I felt a small, warm ball form and expand in my chest. “Very well.”

I led her towards the massive altar, stopping when we were before it. I was not a religious man, but I decided to try and explain to (Y/N) what I knew of Lugh, as he was, after all, a god of my people. “Lugh is the god of skill, but also many other things. He is a druid, physician, smithy, poet, musician, historian, and sorcerer. He has his hand in matters of war, commerce, even water and the sun itself. He is well-suited to us because he is also a god of healing, revenge, and journeys.”

(Y/N) shook her head, “With such a massive array of powers, it seems as though you might only need one god.”

I nodded, before realizing, not for the first time, that (Y/N) could not see the movement. “Yes, his skills are legendary and without end. If anyone can help us, in any way, it is surely Lugh. Here, stay there for a moment while I lay out our tribute, then I’ll lead us in a supplication.”

I set down my pack and went to lay out the offerings I had brought: an entire wheel of the finest cheese my village had to offer, two large flasks of my father’s wine, and three loaves of bread. I felt (Y/N) tapping at my shoulder, “I have brought some as well.”

I guided her into a position closer to the ground, mirroring me as I knelt, “What I have brought is a very substantial contribution. Let us see if we have garnered his favor with these things first. Bow your head.”

I stood and poured one of the flasks of wine, in entirety, upon the largest stone slab. “Son of Cian, Tuatha de Danaan. Lugh, will you receive what we have brought as offerings, and gift us with your council?”

For a moment, my heart chilled in disappointment, as nothing happened, and I returned to kneeling by (Y/N)’s side. But then I heard the barking of dogs in the distance, beyond the temple. A pack of otherworldly, ghostly-white hounds began to approach, and as they grew closer, I saw their ears were scarlet. Once they were near, they quieted, and circled around the two of us and the altar.

I could feel (Y/N) shaking in fear, doubtless not aided by the fact that she could not see in her head basket. I grasped her hand, silently bidding her to be still. All was quiet for but a moment when a great, white stag leapt out from the air itself, onto the altar, ravens perched on its massive rack of antlers.

The mighty stag dipped its head to lap at the wine I had poured, and as soon as its head was righted, it transformed into a strong-looking man carrying a massive spear. He sat, cross-legged, upon the stone plinth and nodded at (Y/N) and I. “That is good wine. What do you seek?”

I gestured towards (Y/N), “My lord, my companion is a Gorgon. We-“

Lugh cut me off with a raised hand, “-A Gorgon!?! Son, shield your eyes, that I may look upon her.” He turned to (Y/N), whose head was still bowed. “I will not be affected by her gaze, as you humans are.”

I did as the great god bid, and closed my eyes, turning my face away from (Y/N). I heard him sharply exhale. “Woman, what brings you here?”

I internally willed (Y/N) to take strength from me and not to be frightened. Lugh was not a cruel god. “I have lived a life of isolation following the curse of Athena, goddess of a different land. I want to be free of my lethal attributes, I want to be human-“

Lugh interrupted her with a gruff laugh, so loud it made the ravens call as they circled. “-Child, I know your goddess Athena. At her height, she had more power than I enjoy. I cannot make you human-“

My scrotum positively crawled when I heard (Y/N) interrupt him! “-Then can you help in any way? As I am, I am death to all that meet my gaze, that-“

Lugh sounded displeased at her tone, “-It is your deadly stare that you loathe the most?”

(Y/N) hesitated a bit before replying, doubtless sensing the irritation in his tone, “Yes.”

Lugh scoffed. “Very well, as you have brought me such fine tribute, I will make you an offer in return. I can cure one of your eyes and render its sight harmless. However, you must gouge out the other and offer it to me. I wish to possess its petrifying power.”

The moment I heard (Y/N) seeming to consider it, I turned about and felt for her blindly, keeping my eyes closed tightly. “No! (Y/N), no! We will find another way! I’ll not have you harmed-“

Lugh interrupted me angrily, “-You think to accomplish such a quest without making any sacrifices, boy?”

Eyes still shut, I faced him, “No, but let it be my eye, I won’t let (Y/N) be hurt, I-“

He laughed. “-I have no interest in a human eye, though your sentiment is admirable. For the gifts you have brought me, then, I will make you another offer. I will grant you safe travels on your journey to your next destination.”

I heard (Y/N) inhale quickly as though to reply, but I cut her off, “Accepted graciously, and with many thanks!”

(Y/N) wasn’t pleased, “Andy!?!” But it was too late. I felt the wind swirling, and then heard the panting and barking of the hounds as they retreated back from whence they came. For the better or the worse, I had accepted Lugh’s second offer, and he had taken his leave. I could hear (Y/N) breathing erratically beside me.

Notes

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