The Gentle Maiden

Finally, she realized that she had stopped getting bigger, and that she was, in fact, an adult again. Carefully, she made her way to the edge of the fountain and climbed out again, noticing as she did that the undershirt she wore had also changed, becoming a long flowing dress similar to the one the maiden statue was clad in.

Angelina noted that she was different - she wasn't quite as tall as she had been before. Still, she was happy just to no longer be a child. But there were other differences, too, as she found a moment later when she went back to where her sword and shield had fallen.

This shield - what's going on? I - I can barely pick it up! Sure enough, despite struggling mightily with it, Angelina could barely lift it off the ground. Giving up, she turned her attention to the sword... but this was no better. It was slightly lighter, but even though she could bring it almost to her hips, she found herself unable to don anything with it. Even worse, it just felt wrong in her hands. What's wrong with me? I need this sword, but - it, it just won't do right! This ought to be second nature! What - what's happened to me?! I thought I would be back to normal!

The answer came to her in the form of the wet fabric of her dress, clinging to her. No, not normal. A maiden! Having drunk only a small sip from the cherub head, Angelina had been changed only in body. But she had taken many deep gulps from the maiden's jar - and had changed more than just her body. Her warrior maiden form was gone, leaving her smaller, softer, rounder - and weaker. Furthermore, she had begun to act and even think differently. Few maidens would be able to budge that shield, and handling even a small sword would leave them feeling awkward and uneasy.

This is almost worse than being a child, Angelina thought, unexpectedly finding herself on the verge of tears. At least then I had some excuse for this, but now I'm just acting like one of those silly little mincing servant girls that Daddy - I mean, that Father had around the manor!

Now what can I do?!?

1. Angelina risked drinkng from the lion's head.
2. Angelina risked drinkng from the dolphin's head.
3. Angelina risked drinkng from the cherub's head again.
4. Determined to carry on, timidly Angelina went on down the corridor.
5. For some reason, Angelina found herself compelled to step back into the fountain - it just seemed so natural.
6. Just then, another brave young knight entered the chamber.
7. Just then, another brave warrior maiden entered the chamber.
8. Unable to control herself, Angelina sat down and had a good cry.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree