"What do we do?" I half-whispered as the young farmhand disappeared around the side of the little storage building a couple dozen meters away. "How much do you think he heard?"

/Go after him!/ Melite urged. /We need to find out who he is and what he heard!/

My tall fuzzy ears folded back as I scooped up my long dress then chased off after the boy, but it turned out those few seconds of indecision were all he needed to give us the slip. There was no sign of him on the other side of the building, and he wasn't hiding inside either. I popped my head in through the open doorway to check, but all I found was some crude-looking farm implements and tools on one side, and what I took to be animal feed on the other.

"Where'd he go?" I muttered with a frown as I stomped one of my little feet.

My invisible friend's emotions were a mix of frustration and defeat when she responded.

/He must have used the shed to mask his escape. As soon as he was hidden from our sight he could have turned right into the woods, or gone left to hide amid those rows of grape vines./

I sighed, "Yeah."

"Not much we can do about it now I guess," I added as I turned away and started heading towards the temple. "I'm going back to that little room where we spent the night. We left the rest of our breakfast in there, and I'm feeling a bit hungry again. Plus it's sort of private, maybe it's safer for us to talk in there?"

Melite didn't respond, but I could almost imagine her nodding quietly in agreement. We both had some anxiety about how much that farm boy overheard, and more importantly what he might do with the information. There wasn't much we could do about it though, beyond hoping he kept whatever he heard to himself.

Once we got back to the sleeping alcove I sat crosslegged on the blanket, then tore off another little chunk of bread and a bit of cheese. I half expected it to be getting stale, but it was still pretty good. And the weak wine was alright too.

"We should probably ask about borrowing a knife or something," I commented while munching on another piece of that strange cheese. "Or even better, maybe they have some sewing supplies or something? We really need to trim this dress."

Melite stayed quiet for now, while I dipped a piece of bread into the little dish of honey. After eating that I had a bit more of the wine, but the voice in my head stayed quiet.

After another minute or so I finally commented, "If you don't want me to shorten the dress that's fine. I guess you'd rather keep it long, incase we get un-cursed?"

/Sorry Chloe, I was lost in thought. You're right about the dress, we should try and adjust it to fit better./

I asked, "What were you thinking about? If you don't mind sharing, I mean?"

That led to another longish pause, like she had to think about her answer first.

/The future./

Her mood seemed almost melancholy as she focused on that subject.

/We were talking about our long term plans earlier, before that boy startled us. Although I never really said what I wanted. And we were interrupted before you could share your feelings on the topic./

"Yeah," I nodded slowly. "Like you said earlier, we should talk to Attis again. You're right though, you didn't actually tell me what you wanted to do. Like, do you want to stay here? Do you want to join the temple?"

There was another delay of a few seconds before Melite responded. And when she did her words came slowly, like she wasn't entirely sure of her answer. Or maybe she was still trying to convince herself she was making the right choice.

/I think staying here would be my best option, if Attis allows it. As you know, I cannot return to Methymna. And to that end, perhaps Apollo's curse was actually a blessing in disguise? Melite can just disappear, while we begin a new life as a bunny nymph temple maiden named Chloe. Except.../

She trailed off there for another couple seconds before finishing that thought.

/Except that depends heavily on what you want, Chloe. Would you be happy spending your life here at this small mountainside temple? Or do you still wish to return to your home, your friends and family? You told me yesterday how you missed them./

My ears drooped as I sighed, "I don't really know? It's complicated..."

I ended up picking at a piece of bread for a few seconds as I thought about all that stuff, but my feelings were all over the place. I finally shrugged, "I definitely miss talking with my friends. And I miss my aunt and uncle."

"There's other stuff I miss," I continued quietly as I stared at that chunk of crusty bread in my hand. "It feels stupid even saying it, but I miss the internet. And modern plumbing. And fast food. I've only been here a day and it hasn't even really sunk in yet? But when I really stop and think about it, I don't know if I'm cut out for life here. Not that my life was so great back home either. But everything here's so different, there's so much stuff I don't know."

/Like how to put on a pair of sandals./

That made me grimace but I nodded, "Yeah. There's probably going to be a hundred more things like that, that make me look stupid because I don't know them. And I'm sure I can learn all that stuff if I have to, but it also kind of reminds me of the stuff I'm missing back home."

We were both quiet for the next few minutes after that, and I ended up munching on that piece of bread I'd been holding. I washed it down with another gulp of the wine, then sighed once more.

"On the other hand if I did get back home somehow then I know I'd miss stuff from here," I added. "Like I'd definitely miss you. Even though we haven't known each other very long I feel like we're already pretty close? And there's other things I'd miss too..."

My voice trailed off again there, while my cheeks heated up. I couldn't quite bring myself to say it, but I was positive I'd miss being a girl. I was sure I'd miss being called Chloe too. In fact as much as I was worried about missing the modern world, the thought of returning to my tall lanky guy body filled me with a kind of dread. Which didn't make any sense, considering that's who I was really supposed to be.

/Chloe? I sense this has something to do with that subject you said you weren't ready to discuss. I want you to know though, if you change your mind I'm here for you./

A moment later she added as if joking, /Then again it's not like I can be anywhere else. I can't exactly wander off, so we're rather stuck with each other./

I knew it wasn't her intention, but her comment actually got my mind off those other thoughts and onto something else entirely.

My ears continued to droop as I asked, "We haven't really talked about that yet, but what's it like for you while I'm in your body? Are you ok? I don't want you to be suffering or anything. I really hope I haven't stolen your life from you."

Melite was quiet again for another half minute or so before responding. And when she did her emotions felt somewhat muted, as though she was trying to hide them. Some feelings still came through though, like there was some sadness as well as some acceptance.

/I honestly hadn't thought about it so much until you mentioned it. Having taken a moment to consider my circumstances, I think the best way to describe it is dream-like? Or perhaps it's akin to watching a play. I'm aware of events as they happen around me, but am unable to directly influence the plot as it unfolds. The best I can do is communicate, ask questions or make suggestions to try and guide you along./

Her emotions shifted more towards melancholy again as she continued on to the next part.

/So please don't feel that you've stolen my life from me Chloe. I don't believe that's the case. Even if it were though, it wouldn't be any great loss. My life wasn't worth much to me. Not since Daphne was taken away. And with either forced marriage or execution waiting for me at home, my fate wasn't going to be any better than hers./

Finally it felt like she was trying to lighten the mood with another joke as she added, /And looking on the bright side, having you here means I didn't actually get cursed by Apollo. That was you. And should we end up working as a farm hand or a temple maiden, as long as you're here it will be you doing those tasks, not I./

"Except if I somehow manage to get back home again then all that stuff will be back on you after all," I pointed out.

/Then perhaps I'll come with you, when you return to your distant future home?/

"You'd probably hate that," I grimaced. "My normal body's way more cursed, compared to being a smol cute bunnygirl."

The words came out almost on their own, but as soon as I realized what I'd just said my cheeks were instantly red. My ears folded back and I cringed slightly as I waited for Melite's reaction. I had a brief flicker of hope that she'd let it go, but that died a half second later.

/I'm sorry Chloe. What sort of curse must you live with in your normal body?/

I sighed as I shifted uncomfortably on the blanket. I ended up pulling my knees up against my chest as if I was trying to make myself even smaller, while a cold weight settled in my stomach. Part of me still didn't want to tell her the truth, but a bigger part of me didn't want to keep lying to her.

"It's not really a curse," I mumbled into my knees as though I was hiding my face. "The truth is I'm actually a boy. Back home I mean? That's why you'd probably hate my body, because it's a boy's body."

I added softly, "My name's not really Chloe either. I'm sorry I lied to you Melite. I'm sorry I tried to keep that from you."

We were both completely silent for the next minute or so after that. I slumped over to lay on my side on the blanket, but I was still curled up tight. It was probably some sort of instinctive thing, like I was trying to protect myself from the painful words I expected to arrive in my head at any moment. Except when she finally responded her reply wasn't anything like I was expecting.

/I don't believe you./

The words didn't come with any sense of ridicule, or any other negative emotions. In fact it felt like the opposite, the main thing I sensed from her was compassion.

/If you weren't really a girl named Chloe, then why would it make you so happy whenever I addressed you by that name? Why would you be so happy about being a girl when you woke up this morning?/

My cheeks continued to burn as I mumbled quietly, "How do you know those things made me happy?"

/I like bunnies, remember? I even had some pet buns when I was younger. I know what ear flicks mean Chloe. I know a happy bun when I see one./

"I don't know why that stuff made me happy," I tried to protest, but my heart really wasn't in it. "I'm telling you the truth though. I really am a guy back home..."

/It makes you happy because it's who you really are. It's that simple. You're a girl, and your name is Chloe. And that being the case, it is no wonder you believe having a boy's body would be an awful curse./

I shook my head slowly but mostly kept my face hidden by my knees as I said, "It's not that simple Melite. Maybe if I was trans it'd make sense. But I'm not. I'm just a guy. And I'm sorry for lying to you about it."

There was a brief pause this time before she responded, /I don't know what you mean about 'being trans', but the fact remains and it is irrefutable. You are a girl, Chloe. I feel it. I'm sure of it. The only one who seems to have any doubt on the subject is you./

/Maybe that's why you're here? So we can help each other?/ she added. /You can help me adjust to a new life as an exiled bunny nymph temple girl. And I will help you accept the truth about yourself./

"That sounds kind of far-fetched," I pointed out. "I mean, who'd go to all that trouble? And what's in it for them?"

/The fates of course. Or perhaps one of the gods? They don't meddle in mortal affairs anywhere near as often as people think, but it has been known to happen. Especially if they've been invoked, as we both learned yesterday./

"Right," I grimaced. Then I let out another long sigh as I finally sat up, then got to my feet. "We should probably go and find Attis again. Hopefully we can borrow something to take care of this dress. And either way we need to find out what sort of work we'd be doing if we stayed here."

/Very well Chloe./

It was probably early to mid afternoon when we emerged from the sleeping area, and like before I could see a handful of people working around the small farm. Attis wasn't around though, so I had a look in the temple incase he was there.

Sure enough that's where he was, kneeling before Cybele's altar. He wasn't alone though, there was a young woman in there too who caught my eye. She was pretty, with long braided blonde hair. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, and she seemed to be tending Dionysus' altar. Specifically she was topping up the wine and adding fresh grapes to the bowl.

As she finished her task the woman finally noticed me standing in the doorway, and her solemn expression broke into a cute smile as she waved. I waved back, and she hurried over to talk to me.

"Greetings!" she exclaimed happily. "You must be the new girl? Attis told me our little temple attracted a nymph last night, but I didn't realize he meant that literally! Are you planning on staying with us? Or are you just passing through? Gosh you're a cutie! Did Artemis send you? You look like you might be one of hers. Oh! Sorry, I should have introduced myself! My name is Lais, I help Attis look after the temple here. What's your name?"

After her barrage of energetic talking left me a little overwhelmed I needed another second or two to realize she'd finally stopped. And needless to say, Melite was completely silent, I knew I wouldn't hear from her again as long as there were other people around. As for the young woman in front of me, I was pretty sure she wasn't dangerous but her over-enthusiastic greeting still left my ears drooping a little.

"Hello Lais," I responded quietly. "I'm Chloe. And um, not sure yet how long I'm staying here? I uh, need to talk with Attis again about that..."

My voice trailed off and my ears twitched to the sound of someone shouting in the distance behind me. I turned around while Lais looked past me, and both of us ended up watching a young boy as he came running from the direction of the farm.

"Aaaaaatissssss!" he called out as he approached. "Where's Attis? I need to talk to Attis!"

My ears twitched again as the high priest responded grumpily from inside the temple, "I'm coming, I'm coming."

He gently guided Lais and I out of his way so he could exit the temple, in time to catch the panicking child. The boy looked no older than about eight, and was dressed in a simple tunic-like garment. He had short dark hair and was barefoot, and he was very loud.

The priest gave him a stern look and asked, "Now tell me what's wrong Milon. What's got you so worked up?"

"Attis!" the kid exclaimed. "Lord Timoleon is coming to the temple! He has soldiers with him!"

That news resulted in a massive jolt of fear from Melite, strong enough that my ears folded all the way back while my whole body cringed.

Meanwhile Attis responded calmly, "You know the magistrate visits our temple a few times a year. And he always has some guards with him. So why all the running and shouting?"

"Elpis told me to warn you," the boy, Milon apparently, replied with a shrug. "She said it was important."

Attis raised an eyebrow at that information. Then he slowly turned to stare at me for a second or two.

I wanted to ask who Elpis was, but despite being almost surrounded by strangers Melite suddenly spoke up. And her panic was strong enough to send my heart racing.

/Chloe! We have to run, we have to hide! We can't let him find us here!/

A moment later the high priest said almost the same thing, "I think it would be best Chloe if you kept out of sight. You'll be safe in the sleeping quarters. Now go. Quickly!"

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