Directly Kora heard the scream and felt the rustle of the feathery wings about his shoulders, he stepped apart. Looking into Kasawayo’s eyes, he said:
“I will do as you wish, nor would the thing have happened but for the interference of the winds and the twig of the ndrala-bush. But still it matters not; we will thwart the serpent-god’s spite. You are still very beautiful, though your arms have changed into the wings of a bird.”
As Kora whispered this into her ears, Kasawayo ceased weeping, gazed up into his eyes, and murmured:
“Am I really as lovely as I was before I had these wings?”
Saying this, Kasawayo spread out the wings, and in doing so revealed the topmost curves of her bosom to Kora’s eyes. So exquisite was the sight to the youth, that in a moment of forgetfulness he stepped forward to kiss her once again on her lips and so assure her of his love.
Kasawayo, seeing the brightness of his eyes, and guessing that which he was about to do, ran backwards a few steps. Putting her wings out, she cried:
“O Kora, kiss me not, for if you do I shall lose these limbs that you have touched and told me are so beautiful!”
Kora, in the distraction of not being able to fold her in his arms and kiss her lips, placed his hand to his eyes and stared across the moonlit forest in deep thought. Then, turning to Kasawayo, he said:
“Where is this terrible serpent-god? I am determined to have your love and kisses. I will go and kill the serpent.”
Saying this, Kora drew his stalwart form up to its full height, and, taking hold of his big war-club, swung it around his handsome head three times! Kasawayo, who possessed all the beautiful cunning that mortal woman reveals when she would protect the one she loves, gazed upon the youth with thoughtful eyes.