Free Got MILF? by Laura Lovecraft Page A

a…a spirit of the place, I think you would say. And of the season. Of winter. I live here, in the World Below. I was created by the faith of those who live in the World Above. By men and women who believed in us and gave us characteristics to match their faith. So because men and women believed that the Snow Maid lived in a cold, beautiful house in a dark, snowy wood, so do I here in the World Below. But I also have power.
    “Sometimes, when times are terrible in the World Above, a sacrifice is needed. They wait at the stone and lay down their lives to save their friends or kin. I take their lives. But they do not die. They live with me here.”
    She sighed. “It has been a long time since a sacrifice was made. I suppose that is a good thing, but I grow lonely. The last time was over seventy years ago, when the invaders who bore the hooked cross ground my land under their filthy feet,” she said harshly.
    Hooked cross? Bill's quick mind cast up a memory. Hakenkreuz. That's what they called it.
    “The Nazis?”
    Polina nodded. “I brought winter down upon them and they died by the thousands.” Bill shuddered as he caught a hint of bloodthirsty glare, as merciless as a hunting wolf, in her gaze. “But that was long ago.
    “Few in the World Above believe in those such as I anymore. They give their faith to the Christ-child. A fisherman may use my name on a cold day, or a mother tell my tale to a child, but that is poor food for the spirit to live on. So I have aged. Aged terribly. My very existence depends on belief, and that belief is fading. Who knows how much longer I can survive?”
    Don't tell him everything, foolish old woman. You can't force faith.
    “But while you are here you will repay your debt. There are things a man can do that a woman alone cannot,” she smiled. Wicked wanton, she thought with an inward giggle. She eyed Bill carefully, trying to judge how he would react. Would it be anger? Would he try to convince her otherwise, and beat his soul and body bloody trying to make an impossible escape?
    He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as the enormity of his situation hit him. Opening them, he spread his hands in resignation. “If I had not sat where I did, my body would be dead, frozen, and buried in a snow drift, and I do not think any of us would have survived. My life is yours. I hope you don't get tired of it.
    “But what would happen if people stopped believing in you completely? Would you die?”
    “No,” she said steadily, “I would merely cease to exist. I wasn't born. I came into being full-grown, with powers to rival some of the smaller gods. Now I have little. Barely enough to save the lives of seven mortals.
    “When faith in me dies entirely, I believe I will wink out like a candle. What would happen to you? I have no idea. But don't look so terrified,” she said with a sympathetic smile. “I think that day is far in our future.”
    Bill nodded, then yawned. “I'm sorry,” he said, “But I'm getting sleepy again.”
    Polina nodded and rose. “Your body is still tired, and your spirit and mind also need time to recover. Rest, young one. I will find plenty for you to do in the morning.” She led him back down the hall to his room. She waited while he undressed, ignoring his blushes as he exposed his body to her eyes.
    “How do I turn off the lights?” he asked. “They don't seem to work like the ones I am used to.”
    “With a thought,” she said, and demonstrated. A moment of will, and the room was plunged into darkness. Another, and the light came back. “You try it. Wish the lights off.”
    She saw him frown as his mind accepted the difficult concept. Suddenly blackness fell, and then a soft gray light crept back in.
    “I don't want it to be too dark,” he explained. She bent and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.
    “I understand, young one. We all have our small comforts.” She rose and left the room. Before the door closed softly behind her, a last whisper