Cobra Woman

There once lived in the woods of Melchiptck an orc everyone knew as Cobra Woman. She was gentle and kind and kept to herself. People liked her, trusted her, but still feared her because of her awesome power. The desperately ill went to see her because they were out of options. Cobra Woman healed all who asked her help.

But awesome power breeds fear among the ignorant. Cobra Woman never harmed a soul, yet the villagers feared she cursed people, especially those who asked her help. Many believed the price of cure was the control of their minds. And it was true. People healed by her were different when they returned. Their personalities changed leading the villagers to believe Cobra Woman took control of their minds in exchange for health.

Nothing was further from the truth. Cobra Woman healed more than the body; she healed the mind. The healed tried to explain. The villagers refused to listen. Cobra Woman healed the body and then talked with the healed person until they understood life better. They all left healed and optimistic; something uncommon among the villagers.

Axel could take no more. He paid the orc a visit. When she asked him how he was ill he had no answer. Cobra Woman would not see him. Then he explained how the villagers laughed at him when he dressed as a woman; he wanted people to stop laughing. Cobra Woman promised to do one better. She took Axel’s hand. Slowly her hand melted into his body. It continued until Cobra Woman absorbs Axel completely. Their minds joined, Cobra Woman shares the meaning of life with Axel. Three days later she forces Axel out of her body. As they separate Axel can see he looks exactly like Cobra Woman.

Axel needed a new name. Cobra Woman suggests Tia. Axel likes it. Tia returns to the village to tell her story. Nobody believes at first and then they fear a curse. Soon they learn Tia is telling the truth. Tia starts a community center where she teaches daily all the things shared with her from Cobra Woman. The village was no longer a group of fearful sour pusses, but a happy, optimist group excited about the future. Cobra Woman smiled. She knew she did well.