The Love between Medusa and a Blind Girl

MEDUSA CHAPTER 3

The cave was filled with sounds and smells as Lyra came to. She could smell food, a rich soupy scent that made her stomach growl. As she tried to sit, there was a sharp stabbing pain and a ringing in her ears. "Lie still, you're still weak from your injuries. You must've walked into something before you fell, a stalagmite probably" Lyra remembered the sharp pain she felt as she turned, before she fell. "yes, I remember the pain.""I've put a herb compress on it and your other wounds. You will be fine in a day or two." Medusa sounded brisk and in control. "I found some vegetables and bread in your hut. Theres no point in them going to waste."Lyra hears footsteps coming towards her and soft hands place a plate in hers. "Here, a plate to nibble on while the broth is cooking. There's bread, olives and cheese. All yours."Lyra smiled and felt her way around the plate, she started to eat the food. "The cheese, did you bring the crock? The others arent mature yet. I make the cheese for the village.""I know" Medusa said, "Ive watched you make it. You never knew but I have a few small potholes I can watch the world from."Lyra looked startled, flushed a little and continued eating for a while. "So where do you forage from? How do you survive?"Medusa answered "I hunt. I have traps and I use my bow and arrow. Sometimes I have to scavenge from the village but I leave offerings when I can. There are wild olive trees all over and I sometimes find roots, herbs and berries." She continued, "I cannot grow anything in the caves although I do have a special place for now. Here, The soup is ready." Medusa handed Lyra a wooden bowl and the pair ate in silence, drinking quietly, both lost in thought.After they had eaten, Medusa checked Lyra's wounds. "How are they? Lyra asked. She winced as Medusa covered up her injuries. "They have stopped bleeding but still look swollen. You will have scars I'm afraid.""Not my first scars, a herder is accustomed to bumps and scrapes." Lyra smiled, "So my goats, they are well?" Medusa laughed, "Yes, they butted past my legs to get out."Lyra exclaimed "Cheeky beasts, they will make their way down into town. My family will wonder where I am if I'm not with them." She wondered what they would do. Would they assume she was still annoyed with them or would they look for her? "I best try and get to my hut soon, if they come looking and find me gone they will worry. T don't want them searching and finding you.""I agree," Medusa replied quickly. "I have no wish to hurt anyone and I do not want to have to leave here." Lyra startled, "I would like you to stay also." She reached out and placed her hand clumsily on Medusa's arm. "I've really enjoyed your company. There aren't many interesting people in the village." Medusa pulled away, it had been a long time since she had felt another persons touch and she found herself strangely drawn to this stranger, this woman who was fiercely independent, like she had been. Her touch seemed to vibrate on Medusa's skin, making every nerve ending tingle. "I will help you get to your shepherds hut tonight, we must be careful not to be seen." She stood up and abruptly left the cavern, leaving Lyra confused and anxious. Had she said something wrong? Would anyone come looking before dark? Medusa's scent lingered in the dark cave, triggering the memory of soft lips. Lyra wondered why this beautiful monster from the tales she had heard, had this intoxicating effect on her mind. ***