"I'll make sure the Midas Curse doesn't take you," Melissssa said. Just as words of gratitude began to form on Catherine's lips, the lamia opened her eyes. "I'll take you first!"
Catherine was lost in her emerald eyes. As they began to glow, she felt the petrifying magic course from her head to her toes, like a stream of cold water. As the glow faded, she expected to find herself immobile.
However, she could still wiggle her fingers. "Great. Your curse is indeed blocking mine; I can't turn you to stone," Melissssa scowled. She let go of Catherine. "I have no use for you. Feel free to go ahead deeper into the dungeon, but don't expect the other bosses to be as merciful as me." She began to slither away.
As she was catching her breath, Catherine thought about her situation. She clearly wouldn't make through another floor; the only reason she got through the first one was because the boss got bored. She needed help. "Wait! Please, help me! We can work something out." Catherine cried out.
"You're just a farm girl; what could you possibly offer me to make me go down there?"
"Myself," she responded. The lamia stopped. "The curse won't let you turn me to stone, right? That means, if we lift it, I can be your statue, and if you help me, I'll do so willing."
Melissssa's eyes were drawn to the knife in Catherine's hand; she wasn't exactly trusting of armed people. "You're looking to avoid becoming gold by becoming stone instead? You'd be more valuable if you just left," the lamia teased.
Catherine was getting angry. "Look, I came here to lift the curse and I will if it's the last thing I do; if I'm going to be a statue anyways, at least I got a say in it! Now, then, either come along or get out of the way!" she shouted.
Melissssa looked at the maid before her. There was a fire in her eyes she hasn't seen in a long time and never for this long. This could be interesting, she thought. "Very well, then; I accept your deal. You make a great addition to my collection, but until then, I'll make sure the Midas Curse doesn't take you, little maid."
"It's Catherine," she smirked. "You might as well learn what to put on my pedestal."
"My pleasure, Cat." Melissssa got her some armor and a sword. Once the two were ready, they began their descent.