Lugh the Many Skilled proved to be good at his word. Compared to the journey from (Y/N)’s cave to his temple, the return voyage went much more smoothly, quickly, and completely without incident. Andy spotted almost no other travelers on the main road along the way. When they reached Andy’s village, they were able to easily skirt it on their way South.

So it was that our small party arrived at the point where a well-trodden path branched off from the main road, towards what Andy deduced was the Supreme War Goddess’ shrine. Huddled amidst the shadows of the trees, Andy hesitated. At the temple of Lugh, he had gone ahead, alone, to take measure of his sanctuary. But here, the Great White Queen might not take kindly to a lone man intruding on her place of worship. Even so, there was no other way. They had technically arrived, and could rely on Lugh’s protection no longer. Andy had to go ahead and make certain the way was clear for (Y/N), for the sake of all.

Andy moved back to sit by (Y/N) where she waited with Damica and began to portion out the evening meal. “Just as before, once it grows dark, I will go ahead to make sure that we will be alone. I’ll return for the both of you once I’ve made a quick survey.”

(Y/N) nodded under her headdress, as Andy placed some raisins, cheese, and bread in her bronze hands. “I wish I could go ahead instead, if this Morrigan is as you say.“

Andy frowned. The Specter Queen was hard to describe, and even harder to understand. “I know she responds well when respect is shown. Though she has done many fearful things, I imagine she will sense that I approach with reverence.”

In truth, Andy was not at all sure, but he didn’t want (Y/N) to worry. There was simply no alternative. And so he prepared himself mentally to face the harbinger of imminent death, the Goddess of Phantoms, come what may.

Once night fell, Andy made his way, yet again, across the main road, to take the path to a temple site. But this time his destination was much different. Shortly along the path, the grass gave way to an entire field of mugwort, interspersed with yew and willow trees. The way to the sanctuary was a fair trek, and the path was marked with many sculptures. Stone breasts and vulvas at irregular intervals guided the way, making Andy feel like an unwanted intruder. The path ended at an arrangement of three massive boulders, all covered with many carvings, with a stone plinth before them. The hairs on Andy’s neck stood out, and he felt he was being watched, but saw no one. However, Andy espied no resident priestess or other worshippers, and so he made his way back to the campsite in the forest, grateful that the Morrigu had tolerated his presence thus far.

---

(Y/N)’s POV

Just as we had before, Andy led me from the cover of the forest towards the temple as we left Damica to watch at the origin of the path. I could sense Andy’s nervousness as his hand was clammy, and his breathing more irregular. The aura of an imposing power began to manifest, and I felt hope begin to wiggle like a young animal in my breast.

He stopped me after quite some time walking. “Here we stand before the boulders of the three Morrigna: Badb the furious battle crow, Macha, of the plains and battlefields, and Anand, also called Nemain or Fea, the terrifying frenzy.”

I heard Andy gulp nervously. “Great White Goddess, Supreme shape-shifter, member of the Tribe of the goddess Danu, please allow us to make a humble offering and seek your council.”

Andy released my hand and I took off my pack, holding it out for him to take from me. I listened, hearing him place the items on a surface of stone: the chalice, the jewelry, and the sculpture of the crow. There was also the sound of Andy adding something else of his own, perhaps extra food, as it barely made any noise.

I heard him return to standing by my side, then felt him tugging my hand down as he knelt, and I coiled my tail more tightly beneath me to mimic him. A while passed in silence before I began to hear sounds from the sky. Was that the beating of the wings of birds?

---

Andy’s POV

I was rooted to the spot in fear as all manner of birds began to materialize in the night sky. Mostly they were crow and ravens, but I also saw owls, and even vultures! Eerily, all were silent as they flew to land on the boulders and look down upon us.

The birds had settled quietly and continued with their keen observation, when I saw a figure, nay, an animal, coming from the field behind the boulders. As it came closer, I saw it was a white, red-eared heifer that gazed at us steadily as it neared. It walked up to the stone altar, then made me gasp when it leapt upon it, transforming into a simply clad washerwoman! I bowed my head in veneration.

She spoke out with a strong, unwavering voice that was uncanny from such a figure, “(Y/N). Why have you come and brought me these gifts?”

I dared to sneak another glimpse of the goddess, but when I looked at her, it seemed as though my eyes were crossing, as I saw three figures standing upon the stone plinth. (Y/N) spoke out next to me, “I am a Gorgon-“

Morrigan interrupted her, “-I know of you, I know your family’s story. Your mother, Stheno, and your aunt, Euryale, watch at the entrance to the land of the dead. We have spoken many times in my travels.”

(Y/N) cleared her throat. “Upon my birth I was cursed by the goddess, Athena, to be an ever-living Gorgon. I wish to be able to live among humans, to live a life free of my-“

“-I see. You know you could be a fearful warrior if you so chose, like your mother.” The air was thick with tension.

(Y/N) hesitated before responding. “I do not wish to be limited to exclusively being a creature of harm and strife. I want to be able to choose my path every moment of every day.”

There was silence, and again, I snuck a glance at the goddess, who was ignoring me. That time, I saw only the one woman, her head cocked in reflection. “I cannot undo what Athena has done. She may still have the power herself to remove the curse, or, at the least, know what must be done. But you have brought me a fine figurine, here; I like it.”

There was a pause, and the only sound was the rustling of feathers as the birds adjusted their stance. “I will grant you two things. Firstly, a helm imbued with my magicks. It will lull your serpentine hair into docility, and it will neutralize your petrifying gaze. Secondly, for your companion, I will grant him an innate ability to find his way to Mount Olympus, where the goddess Athena still resides. Only together will your quest ever succeed. Are you pleased by these gifts?”

I bowed all the more deeply, afraid to speak, as (Y/N) gushed next to me, “Your beneficence is beyond measure! I would never have expected such kindness and generosity! I thank you with everything!”

The goddess chuckled lowly. “Then safe travels, little one.” And with that and nary another sound, the goddess and all of her birds disappeared, leaving nothing behind but an oversized, metal helmet on the altar.

Notes

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