"I swear, if you don't get that smug look off your face, I'll turn you into a toad," Scáthach groused playfully, her crimson eyes narrowing at the grinning form of her wife.
Medb's pink hair bobbed as she giggled, the golden gleam in her eyes dancing with mischief. "Oh, really?" she taunted, her voice a musical tease. "And who'd be the witch to do that?"
They stood in the bustling marketplace of Emain Macha, the air thick with the smells of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. The sun hovered above them like a lazy sentinel, casting warm shadows that stretched lazily across the cobblestone streets. Scáthach's hand hovered over her sword, the leather of her scabbard creaking under her grip.
"You know exactly who," she said, her voice a low rumble. "And you know exactly what I'm capable of."
Medb took a step back, her smile widening. "But, my love, you'd miss me too much," she purred, sidestepping a vendor pushing a cart of colorful fabrics. "Besides, I promise, it's nothing you won't enjoy."
The market was a riot of color and sound, with merchants shouting their wares and the clanging of metal on metal as smithies demonstrated their craft. Scáthach felt the tension coil in her stomach, a familiar feeling when Medb got that look. "Out with it, then," she said, bracing herself for the chaos that was sure to follow.
"Just a little surprise," Medb said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "A small jest between queens."
The crowd parted as if by some invisible force, revealing a table laden with exotic fruits and sweets. Medb's gaze flicked to it and back to Scáthach. "Race you to the best treat?" she challenged, already taking off at a sprint.
Scáthach rolled her eyes heavenward, knowing full well that this was not going to end well. "Medb," she called out, her voice a warning as much as a plea. But her words were swallowed by the din of the market.
The chase was on. Medb's laughter rang out like a clarion call, drawing curious glances and smiles from the townsfolk. Scáthach pursued, her crimson cape billowing behind her, a stark contrast against the more muted tones of the market. The race was more than just for fun; it was a dance of anticipation, a silent promise of the trouble that was brewing in Medb's golden eyes.
As they reached the fruit stand, Scáthach could see the twinkle in Medb's gaze as she selected a peculiar fruit. It was a deep shade of purple, with spikes jutting out at odd angles, looking more like a weapon than something edible. She held it up to Scáthach with a flourish, her grin as sharp as a knife's edge. "Care to try the 'Queen's Bane'?" she offered, her voice dripping with innocence.
Scáthach stopped in her tracks, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Medb," she warned, her eyes flashing.
But it was too late. Medb took a bite, the juice staining her lips a vivid purple. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment, then swallowed with a dramatic flourish. "Mmm," she hummed. "It's delicious. You should taste it."
The air was thick with anticipation, the market's bustle seeming to hush around them. Scáthach eyed the fruit warily. "And why would I do that?"
Medb's grin grew, a Cheshire cat's smile in human form. "Because, my dear," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "it's either going to be the best thing you've ever tasted, or..."
Scáthach's stomach lurched. She knew that tone. It was the sound of impending doom wrapped in a package of pure Medb. "Or?"
"Or," Medb said, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "it's going to turn you into a frog, and I'll have to kiss you to break the spell!" She giggled again, clearly enjoying the game she had concocted.
Scáthach sighed, her hand sliding from her sword. "You're impossible," she said, but there was a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Fine, I'll taste it." She took the fruit from Medb's outstretched hand, examining it closely. It smelled faintly of berries and something she couldn't quite place.
As she brought it to her lips, the crowd around the fruit stand grew silent, watching with bated breath. Scáthach took a bite, her teeth sinking into the firm flesh. The flavor was a delightful surprise, a mix of sweetness and tartness that made her eyes widen. She chewed and swallowed, then stared at Medb, waiting for the transformation.
The seconds ticked by, and nothing happened. Medb's smile faltered slightly, and she took another bite of the fruit, watching Scáthach closely. The crowd began to murmur among themselves, some chuckling at the antics of the two queens.
"Well?" Scáthach said, raising an eyebrow.
Medb's grin returned, even wider this time. "It seems the Queen's Bane is nothing but a tasty treat after all!" She tossed the fruit in the air and caught it deftly. "But, just in case," she added, leaning closer, "you might want to stay close."
With that, she took Scáthach's hand and led her through the market, the crowd parting for them once more. They drew more stares and laughter as they went, their earlier race forgotten in the wake of their playful banter. Scáthach couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for her impish wife.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and good-natured teasing, with Medb leading them from one vendor to the next. They sampled exotic spices that made their eyes water and bought a pair of leather sandals that were said to be enchanted for a good cause. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a riot of oranges and pinks, they found themselves in the town square, surrounded by a group of bards.
The music grew louder, the instruments weaving together in a catchy melody that made Scáthach's feet tap of their own accord. Medb tugged her closer, pulling her into an impromptu dance, their movements as synchronized as if they had practiced for years. The townsfolk clapped and cheered, their earlier apprehension forgotten.
Scáthach couldn't help but laugh, spinning in Medb's arms. It was moments like these that she loved most about her mischievous wife. The world could be falling apart around them, but with Medb, there was always a spark of life, a reminder that not everything had to be serious all the time.
The dance went on, the music swelling around them like a warm embrace. And as they danced, the tension of the day melted away, leaving only joy and the promise of more adventures to come. The Queen's Bane had turned out to be nothing but a harmless prank, but the joy it had brought to their lives was worth more than any treasure.