The first rays of the sun softly caressed Eugenia’s face that was resting comfortably on something slick and warm. Although there were dark circles below her eyes she found herself unable to return to her slumber. It might have been connected to the incessant hammering against her forehead. It wasn’t physical in nature, so she had no way to escape the pounding, though.

“Urrk…” She raised her torso from the warm scaly ground and rolled over onto the cold stone. Every sound and sensation was completely irregular and made her feel like she had been spun in a circle for a few hours straight. This feeling was familiar.

With exhaustion she rubbed her face and lamented her own susceptibility to peer pressure. If she hadn’t taken Zosimos offer to drink she might not be feeling like death right now. Thinking of which.

“Where am I?”

It was extremely hard to tell in her state, but by the feeling of the stone floor she could at least guess that this wasn’t the tent she had been drinking in at the start. Just how did she manage to return to the temple without remembering?

“Finally awake?” The clear cut and all too familiar voice of a certain Gorgon echoed inside her hurting head.

“Lady Medusa?” She focused on the low flapping of snake tongues to the right and managed to make her out. This was the last thing she wanted right now. To be seen in such a pathetic state by the ever sarcastic snake woman.

“Mhm. I am surprised you managed to recognize me in your state.” And right away she gave her smug commentary.

“Please spare me.” Eugenia turned her face around dejectedly. Medusa looked at her with surprise, but then smirked.

“That suits you quite well.”

“What are you talking about?” The priestess asked with confusion and rubbed her stiff cheek. She had been lying in some odd spot as serenely as a dead fish for many hours it seemed.

“Nevermind that. Should you not be seeing off the foolish merchant before he finds his assured demise in the storm?” She slapped Eugenia’s back ever so slightly with her tail, but it still made her stumble down the temple steps, ending with a magnificent impact on the dirt.

“Ow.” She said in monotone.

“Hurry. He might try to slip away without a word.” The Gorgon warned her casually and then slithered off.

Uncertain how serious that advice was, Eugenia pushed herself up again and walked down the courtyard and slope all the way to the beach. Themistokles had been drinking as well, so she expected him to be sleeping off his intoxication. The first place to search for him would be around the camp area.

She didn’t need to search long, as the steady sounds of rope being tied pulled her towards the boat. The tanned merchant was working on top of the small deck with vigor and precision unbefitting of a drunkard.

“Good morning!” He shouted down from the sail he was tying up.

“Ouch, quiet please.” She held her head in response to his loud voice.

“Haha, we are even now.” He declared and jumped down into the sand next to her. “I never expected you to be a heavy drinker, good priestess.”

“I’m not.” She replied with a dry mouth and embarrassment.

“I’ve seen sailors go down from less, but if you say so.” He was in a good mood. When he mustered her, he suddenly was taken aback. “Eugenia, does your Lady make a habit of branding her possessions?”

“What? I don’t think so. Why do you ask?” Another strange question so early in the morning.

“It’s uh, not important.” He said while nervously rubbing his cheek in response.

Eugenia mirrored his action automatically and felt her cheek again. There was an imprint in her skin. It sure felt odd for a simple rock formation, but to call it a brand was a bit much.

“Where did you go off to afterwards?” He asked innocently and patted the boat’s hull for any signs of inconsistency.

“I don’t remember. Didn’t you see me leave the tent?”

“I was takin’ a nice moonlit walk.” He replied with an odd expression of satisfaction.

“You really love the dexterous and strong Artemis’ light on your skin.” She of course interpreted it this way.

“The only lady I could follow to death. Aside from Eopia ‘course.” He smiled and then put a hand on Eugenia’s shoulder. “I’m really thankful for all this. You and your Lady gave me a second chance at happiness. I’ll never forget it.”

“Gosh, Zosimos, you are embarrassing me.” She replied nervously. This already sounded like a goodbye.

“I wouldn’t wanna do that!” He laughed.

Even though they had not much left to say they felt like they should keep talking. They kept it up while inspecting the boat one last time. For two amateurs they definitely had every right to be proud of the results of their hard work. Perhaps a real sailor would have laughed at this badly constructed wooden sea coffin, but to them this was a symbol of human ingenuity.

When they finished they returned to camp one more time. There were dozens of boxes and barrels left. Themistokles had not moved them onto the boat yet for some reason. He only tore down the tent and rolled up the fabric to throw it into the small space under deck. That’s where he would probably sleep.

“I have little more than two months left.” He spoke with severity while watching the gushing ocean waves. “It’ll be rough, but this is what I worked for.”

“I hope that you will be able to convince the Archons.”

“Athenians. Far as I heard money’s the only language they’re fluent in. Shouldn’t be a problem for a foreigner to get in that way.” His confidence was an act and they both knew it. But acting brave was also part of chasing one’s dreams.

The silence spread between them again. It was unclear what they wanted to say or how to say it or who would even speak first.

Luckily that burden was taken from their shoulders.

“Still here? Do you have second thoughts on traversing Poseidon’s barrier on a sinking barrel?” Medusa had joined them, which made Themistokles anxiously pull out the blindfold. Just before he could wrap it around his face his hands were stopped by the girl next to him.

“She has her eyes closed.” Eugenia said with an analyzing expression. Even she did not quite understand why the Gorgon would do that. “Will you keep them closed until we see him off?”

“If I must.” She replied curtly. The fact that she had come here like this was proof enough of her goodwill.

Themistokles was uncertain, but he slowly let the blindfold sink down. It may have made a man suspicious that Eugenia could tell whether someone had their eyes closed, but not him. She had already proven her unique skills many a time. He could hardly prepare to leave while blindfolded anyway. “Ah, I see why you’re here.” It seemed to dawn on him quickly though.

Eugenia turned her head back and forth between the two as if waiting for an explanation, but they just silently smiled.

“Will you not carry this junk on your ‘boat’ already?” The Gorgon asked and tapped the barrel with her tail.

“Heh, nothing goes by you, does it?” He grabbed something from the top of a barrel and held it to his stomach. It was the small locked chest with the map of Persia inside. “This is all my luggage.”

“What?” Eugenia and Medusa spoke in unison.

“That’s not entirely true, I guess. Already stored some foodstuffs and water on board. Just enough to make it to Athens ‘course.” He dropped his polite speech in front of Medusa and whistled with the chest in his grip.

“Why are you saying this Zosimos?” Eugenia furrowed her brows and poked his head as if he was a foreign object. “Didn’t you need to sell all of this to make it big?!”

“That’s not true.” He said with a bemused expression as his face was poked. “Those were just some extra owls just in case. To be honest, this map’s all I need.” He revealed theatrically.

“Seriously?” Eugenia was stumped.

“How could one map hold so much value?” Even Medusa was curious.

“I told ya, there is none like it. This map’s going to decide the future of the world one day.” He slapped the chest confidently.

Medusa turned to Eugenia questioningly, but the priestess shrugged. This was beyond her understanding as well.

“Does this have something to do with the brand on your arm?” The Gorgon suddenly asked a dangerously pinpointed question.

Themistokles expression became more serious in response.

“Perhaps.” His reply was as vague as his plans all of a sudden.

“What brand?” Of course there was one girl left out of the loop.

“Just a souvenir from Persia.” He rubbed his arm where a symbol had been burned into his flesh. “Speakin’ of which, I’d like ta give ya a souvenir as well.”

“But you are the one who visited us.” She pointed out, but then grabbed the piece of parchment he handed her. “This is?”

“It’s a map of the island.” He said happily.

“You know I can’t read- Huh?” She touched the parchment and felt rough resistance on its surface.

“Was quite a big deal to trace it so much, but now it’s got some nice impressions.”

Eugenia nodded. She could feel the lines that had been pressed through the parchment and created a map on the opposite side that even she could feel. With her excellent memory she would be able to use this map very quickly.

“I’ve been gettin' lost around this place so much that I found some interestin’ stuff. Maybe something even you didn’t notice yet.” He shrugged.

“Themistokles.” Eugenia was moved. “We can’t accept all this!”

“To be way honest with ya, this is actually better for me as well. The reason I ended up stranded here was ‘cuz of my wares, so I think they’re better off with my saviors.” His humble expression was laid on a bit thick, but he wasn’t wrong.

“Hmph. This is not a place to discard your mistakes.” Only Medusa didn’t seem to feel much moved by this.

“I wish I could repay you.” The priestess ignored Medusa completely and clutched the map tightly. “But we don’t have any owls.”

“That’s alright. My bleedin’ merchant heart will get over it in no time.” There was at least some regret in his voice, but he covered it well. All of these wares were things he had worked hard to trade after all.

“What is it with you humans and owls? Do you love their meat that much? Do you cover yourself in their feathers?” The Gorgon interrupted the bittersweet mood with an ignorant question.

“Apologies, we ain’t talking about birds.” The merchant put down his chest and pulled out something from a small pouch. Glistening coins were welcoming the fresh morning air.

“Metal shards?” Obviously Medusa could not see the coins with closed eyes, but her hearing was outstanding as well.

“They’re the currency of Athens. Guess we common people got used to callin’ them owls.” He explained with a wry smile.

“Currency?”

“You don’t know what money is?” Eugenia could hardly believe it. Sometimes she forgot who she was talking to. The Gorgon was getting annoyed already.

“Precious metals get molten and molded into these coins. Each city’s got their own version. We exchange it for wares.” As an experienced merchant these were the basic foundations he could explain in his sleep.

“And they are called owls because they are from that woman’s city?” She gathered that much already.

“If ‘that woman’ is Athena, then yes. There is an owl imprinted on the back, in honor of the patron goddess.” He confirmed it and held the coins up.

“Really now?” Medusa leaned forward and opened her eyes to take a look.

“Sanctified scissors!” In a flash Eugenia extended her fingers.

“Aaaargh my EYES!” He cried out and rolled over the beach in agony. The coins fell to the ground with a silent pomf.

“Lady Medusa, how could you? Do you want to petrify him?!”

“My bad. I forgot.” She replied with a distinct lack of remorse. Then she picked up one of the coins and inspected the owl symbol carved into its back.

“You are so callous sometimes.” Eugenia was far from forgiving and frowned.

“Ouch... goddess light… why always my eyes…?” Themistokles held his bloodshot eyes and just pushed his face into the sand.

“Oh? This stuff is money then?” Medusa seemed satisfied with her inspection and threw the coin back down. “I wondered why they would mold treasures into such an odd form.”

“They?”

“Those foolish expeditions always brought along all kinds of waste, but there were also some nice things. These coins for example, I have a lot of them in my lair.”

“Is that true? What could you need them for in there?” Eugenia tilted her head, already completely over her previous anger.

“They heat up nicely when you lie on top of them.” She explained seriously.

“Are you a dragon?” The priestess shook her head.

“They get stuck below my scales sometimes, so I grow tired of them occasionally. You humans should consider changing their shape.” For once she seemed intent on sharing her personal experiences.

“They aren’t made for sleeping after all.”

Their banter was overshadowing the poor man’s pain until he finally contained himself again. Medusa had returned to keeping her eyes shut, so he could safely look up again (even if his burning eyes would be better off being closed too).

“You mentioned it at the most opportune time.” Eugenia smiled deviously. “We now have a way to pay you!” Her excitement was great.

“Who said I would share them with anyone?” Medusa growled.

“There is so much good food in these crates; it’s worth all your riches!”

“Sometimes I wonder where your insolence comes from.”

“I dunno what to say.” Themistokles, now recovered, was a bit lost. “I’d have given it to you for free, but you still wanna pay me?”

“Definitely.” Eugenia nodded.

“Why can’t all the world be honest like ya?” He gave up and grinned his best salesman smile. “There’s a lot more than just food in there. I’m sure even our fine Lady will find somethin’ to enjoy among my inventory!”

“I don’t need any-“

“Sold.” The priestess interrupted her and shook the merchant’s hand on it.

“Listen here you numbskull.” Medusa was going to make this young woman a head shorter.

“Please. This is the best conclusion for everyone.” Suddenly Eugenia turned to her with sincerity. “You said yourself that you don’t need the money. It will be a relief for your scales?”

For a moment their opposing viewpoints seemed to clash again, but all too soon the Gorgon backed down. She knew this would go on forever if she didn’t go along with it. Although she didn’t like how certain the girl was of her victory, she couldn’t deny the fact that this trade made no true difference to her. It only made this one person in front of her happy.

“Unbelievable! This is the first print of the series and these are coins I’ve never even seen before.” Themistokles went through the pile of treasure with shimmering eyes, fully embracing his avarice. This mountain of coins would make even kings look twice!

“Can you buy your title with this?”

“Hm. I don’t think so. The exchange rate on these is probably abysmal. And the owls are real pure, so they are worth more, but it’s not even half of what I’d make with the map.”

Eugenia gasped. She never had so much money piled up in front of her in her life, yet this was still worth less than a map? That really put it into perspective.

“I’ll gladly take it, though. Still, my wares are worth about two thirds of this. An honest guy wouldn’t rip you off like that, so ya can keep these.” He divided the coins and pushed a great deal of them back towards Medusa. “Is that acceptable?”

“They are all the same to me.” She replied with crossed arms. There was no doubt that she would be taken advantage of in any real trade negotiation. Or perhaps not, considering she could end the charlatan in too many ways to count (of which petrifaction was the most merciful).

“I’ll bring ‘em on board then. Can ya give me a hand?” He urged Eugenia to come along. There was no reason to refuse, so she followed him onto the boat, leaving Medusa behind to play with the small hill of coins that remained.

Under deck they poured them into a linen sack and sighed at the sound of wealth. Before Eugenia could move back up he suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. She was about to ask what he was doing, but he covered her mouth softly with his hand.

“Quiet or your Lady might hear us.” He whispered and closed the hatch above them.

“Why are we hiding?”

“Hear me out. I gave the Gorgon my word that I wouldn’t convince her to let ya leave with me.” He squinted his eyes and turned serious. “But I never said I’d not take ya with me if ya came of your own volition.”

The words had to sink in for a moment, but then they truly hit her with full force.

“You mean…”

“Somehow we’ll manage, I promise. This is eatin’ me up inside - leavin’ you behind I mean. I sold my pride and all that, but you’re too nice for your own good. Ya don’t deserve this exile.”

“I can’t.” She shook her head reflexively.

“Why? Y’know she isn’t human and she will never understand you.” He insisted and grabbed her wrist tighter.

“She will never let me go...” Eugenia’s voice trailed off.

Themistokles eyes widened as he saw her troubled expression. He let go of her arm.

“I see. This isn’t about bein’ able to leave, is it?”

She didn’t reply.

“I meant it. She won’t get yer kindness. You can’t change someone with a heart of stone.” He implored her, despite knowing that it was fruitless.

“You don’t know that.” She retorted with conviction.

“Is this really what you want to devote your life to? This might be the only chance you’ll ever have to leave.” The desperation in his voice was a sign of a good soul. He truly cared about Eugenia’s happiness.

“I don’t see it that way.” Her words were chosen carefully. “Someday I will leave this place. I know it. I can feel it. Until then I will do whatever seems right to me.”

Themistokles knew right away that the negotiations were over. There were some people who would never buy his wares even if it was the best deal they would ever get. There were things a person could neither sell nor buy.

“I’m sorry.” He said with a sad expression.

“I think I know why Eopia believed in you.” Eugenia said with a warm smile and touched his cheek softly. This was her way to truly see a person’s face. She would remember his thankful expression for a long time.

“Did you get lost?” Medusa greeted the priestess with a dry smirk when she jumped down on the beach.

“Everything’s ready. All that’s left is jumping into the waves.” Themistokles raised his fist to motivate himself.

“Never give up!” Eugenia shouted. “And tell Eopia’s father that your marriage will be blessed by the great and wise Athena!”

“Can you make such claims?” The Gorgon raised a brow.

“I will just have to pray extra hard.” She shrugged.

“Eugenia, Lady of the isle, I thank you again! Despite the horrible pain and almost drowning in Poseidon’s cold arms, I don’t regret comin’ here all that much! I’ll remember this adventure for the rest of my life!” He shouted from atop the boat.

Eugenia waved from below with misty eyes and the sun shone brightly behind the towering figure of a friend that was leaving to pursue his dream.

Or at least that would have made for a good ending, but alas.

“Are you not going to move?” Medusa asked deeply amused.

“Oh. This is regrettable.” Zosimos looked at the ‘Zosimos II.’ that was half on land and half in the water. They had built it that way so it wouldn’t drift away, but now it was obviously stuck.

Eugenia wore the same stone like face as him.

“By Typhon’s dragon headed fists, your foolishness is incurable.” Medusa sighed and then walked (her snake tail had turned into legs) towards the boat and put her hands against the hull.

“We will need at least the strength of ten men to move-“ Themistokles let his head sink, but in a moment he was holding on tightly to the rudder.

Medusa pushed the boat through the sand with muscle strength alone! It was unreal. The entire boat moved forward and slid into the waves of the ocean. The humans were too baffled to even open their mouths.

“Good luck merchant boy. You will need it.” She chuckled darkly as the boat drifted towards the storm barrier and the sails opened to pick up wind.

“Goodbye! I hope we meet again!” Eugenia recovered first and shouted with all her might.

“Likewise!” His quiet reply was pushed back by the wind, but his cheerful laugh could be heard even from far away.

They both waved for a long time until the boat disappeared into a twist on the horizon.

“That was really nice of you.”

“I just wanted that annoying man off my island.”

“If you say so.” She chuckled. “You are looking out for people after all. Is it because you are an older sister?”

“I never took care of Stheno or Euryale. They can look after themselves.” She denied it swiftly.

“Hm? Then maybe you are more like a mother. Mother Medusa… Momedusa!”

“I will tear out your esophagus and make you swallow it if you ever say that again.” It wasn’t an empty threat if those maliciously cracking fingers were to be believed.

Eugenia simply smiled contently and skipped along the beach towards their freshly acquired wares.

Even if it took a while, eventually her companion followed behind with a sigh.

The two unlikely life partners bid goodbye to the merchant on good terms. The stir he had created in their tranquil world caused unpredictable waves, but all ripples would still eventually. The surface reformed, but the depth of the waters had been changed.