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Post by Eolith on Oct 8, 2005 9:09:32 GMT -5
You may have realised by now that I don't really title my stories... because I can rarely think of anything catchy. I named the document mermaid and I'm naming the post mermaid, so you'll have to live with it unless you can come up with something better ;D
Anyway, in case you hadn't caught on, this is a story about a mermaid. To elaborate, it's a story about a mermaid that was captured by humans. It's 21 pages long on my Word document, but we'll just start off with the first 3 pages and see if anyone even wants to read the rest.
For the span of two hundred years, my people had managed to elude the eye and net of Man. When I was ensnared within the rough coils of their net, I first felt extreme endangerment to my pride, then the fear. As the net was pulled upwards, I struggled all the more, only getting further tangled. I was thrown onto the deck of the ship roughly, where I flipped and thrashed awkwardly in the confines of the net. Suddenly something came down on me between my shoulder blades, pinning me to the weathered wood. I twisted around and saw that it was the blunt end of a spear that held me down, and the man holding it firm had a sword in his other hand. The sword came to stillness a hair’s breadth from my neck. Even though we spoke two different languages, the meaning could not have been any clearer. The entire crew’s focus was centered on me alone. I held still as another man began to untangle the net under the sword handler’s order. My pale turquoise scales glinted and shimmered in the sunlight. The starfish, pearls, and shells decorating my hair clicked against each other in the gentle wind. Eventually the cursed net was removed. I raised my tail slightly and let it slap against the deck impatiently. Kill me now or let me go, I thought agitatedly. This stalemate was chafing at my patience. The sword bearer uttered another injunction and the man who had freed me from the net stepped forth again, this time with a length of rope in hand. I pulled back in sudden dread as the man moved to grab one of my wrists. The sword moved closer, pricking my skin. I held still as my hands were bound in front of me, fearing the cruel sword every bit as much as the rope. I was suddenly picked up by two of the men and thrown into the water, where I dived down steeply, wondering why they had tied my hands and then let me go. Then I was jerked to halt, and I realized I was attached to the boat. They had me on a leash. Rage wakened in me and I shot upwards, flailing at the end of the rope. Half crazed by my captivity, I cried out in rage and fear. I called to my sisters, to my creator and king, Poseidon. How dare they? Why me?
*(~)*
The soldier glanced worriedly at the mermaid. After nearly a day of her endless floundering at the rope’s end, she now simply let herself be pulled along, barely moving to avoid the oars. The Captain refused to act worried about her wellbeing. He would bring his gift to the king dead or alive… preferably alive. The soldier would volunteer to be the night watch. Perhaps he would be able to find something out.
The stars glittered above in the perfect black of the sky. The moon was a faint sliver, hardly granting any light. The soldier basked in the perfect quiet. He let himself be lulled by the gentle sound of the waves against the bow. Unexpectedly, the waves stopped. The soldier opened his eyes to complete silence. Before him stood a water nymph, proudly holding before her a shell filled with water. The nymph smiled, and held the shell forth, putting it to his lips. Uneasily, the soldier took a sip. He writhed with sudden pain but refused to cry out. If he should die, it would be silently. The fiery pain spread, enveloping his body in agony. In the midst of his torture, a voice sounded. “Act well. Taerin, choose your path carefully.” The pain cut off in an instant, and Taerin was left gasping for breath on the deck. Everything had returned to normal, save one thing. The mermaid struggled against her bonds again, sending huge glittering splashes into the night air. He rushed to the side of the boat and looked down to where the fish-woman thrashed. “Do not struggle, you’ll hurt yourself.” Taerin did not expect her to understand really, he just wanted to feel that he had at least tried to do something. But upon hearing his words the mermaid froze, staring at him with eyes to match the green of seaweed.
*(~)*
I stared at the man in disbelief. He had spoken to me, in my language. I went limp for a moment, then dived, gathered my energy and jumped. Aiming my descent carefully, I landed on the deck of the ship with a loud thump. The man gawked at me in amazement. I smiled coyly. “So, you can speak my language.” I leaned onto my elbows, placing my chin on my bound hands. “I don’t suppose you would mind doing me a favor?” I raised an eyebrow inquiringly, putting all the charm I possessed into the moment. “A child of Poseidon really shouldn’t be held captive. It might anger the great god. My sisters and I are Poseidon’s singers. Our voices are sweeter than the nectar of any flower.” The man stepped back and I pouted, trying to act as innocent as I could. “I want you to live, but I won’t set you loose. If I preformed that act, I would be betraying my king.” “How would you be betraying your king?” “You are a gift to him, a token of our loyalty.” I flipped a stray piece of my long, black hair behind my shoulder. “Am I so worthless?” I asked, a touch of my anger showing in my tones. The man said nothing. I sat up and stretched my arms towards him “If you will not untie me, at least help me back into the water.” I said. He looked uncertain, but he picked me up and dropped me over the side of the ship. I surfaced again quickly. “What am I to eat? I cannot go hunting with so short a line and so big a handicap.” He hesitated, “What do you eat?” “Fish, crustaceans, seaweed and a fruit you have never seen nor heard of.” “Can you live long without food?” “Not any longer than yourself.” I lied Another man came from out of the ship’s belly and I disappeared underwater without a ripple. A few moments passed and then the rope binding me jerked. With a scream of frustration, I splashed the newcomer full in the face.
*(~)*
Taerin chuckled softly as his comrade wiped the water from his eyes and cursed colorfully. “Cursed beast, it’s foolish to mess with her type. Off with you, Taerin, you need to get some rest.” Taerin turned and went into the brig, mulling over what had happened in the past few hours. If the mermaid were expected to live, they had to find a way to nourish her. The weary soldier fell into his hammock gratefully, letting the sway of the ship rock him from side to side. Eventually Taerin slept, harboring one final thought, I must speak with the Captain.
*(~)*
When the sun had risen high, I was reeled in. Indignant that I should be treated like a fish on a line, I pulled back. The men won the struggle though, and I was forced to surface. The captain was the first I saw, just behind him stood the human that spoke my language. The captain said something and I was heaved out of the water and lowered onto the deck. Had I not been gifted with immortality, my treatment surely would have taxed me. The captain stepped forward, kneeling to touch my tail. I recoiled from him with a hiss before being knocked down. Two soldiers held me steady while the captain examined me. He was fascinated with my waist particularly, marveling at how my skin dissolved into scales. I spat a continuous onslaught of insults at the captain and his crew. The soldier who could understand me winced at a few of the more colorful insults, but he was the only one who could understand. Finally I was released and thrown into the water again, to find myself in the midst of thousands of fish. The humans loosed their nets and I watched as the fish were caught and pulled up. I had an idea, a terribly cruel idea. I shot into the whirls of fish, startling and upsetting them. Like a streak of azure against the deep blue of the sea, I herded all of the fish away from the nets. I was wrenched upwards again, but not before I had managed to scare the silvery schools away completely. For the rest of the day, I was tied close to the ship’s side, unable to wander far from the hard wood. When night fell, the soldier that could speak to me took over watch.
*(~)*
Taerin shook his head as he went over to where the mermaid had been anchored. “You did not act well, scaring off the fish like that.” The almond shaped eyes glinted with cold humor. “I admit I lied. I need no nourishment, I am immortal. I can scare off all the fish I want and never suffer for it. It was not a wise action for you to pull me onto the deck and examine me like some insect. I do not have patience for humans. My sisters will come for me, I can feel it in every scrap of my flesh. They will not be merciful to your comrades. But have no fear, I’ll be sure to see you safely to a pleasant island for your kindness… if you set me loose at the precise moment I say. Of course, we’ll have to make sure you don’t return to your kind. It would be a pity for our existence to be found.” Taerin was stunned, he stared at the mermaid incredulously. “You ask me to betray my land and comrades? I cannot. Though I do not agree with your treatment, I cannot.” The mermaid shrugged, “Then you shall die along with them, or maybe I’ll take you to a rock in the middle of nowhere and leave you to fry there.” Taerin squared his shoulders. “What if I prevent you from destroying the ship?” he asked rebelliously “How would you do that?” “I could keep you on the deck, you would not be able to scheme with your sisters then.” “My sisters know the goal already. Anyone who captures one of our kind is punished severely.” “How can mermaids, even in large numbers take a boat down? All they can do is swim about uselessly.” The mermaid bristled at this. “We have help, the great kraken will join us. We can take this ship down. If my sisters do not succeed, Poseidon will surely finish the job.” Taerin turned and left, he would find some way to stop this.
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Mermaid
Oct 8, 2005 14:34:57 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 8, 2005 14:34:57 GMT -5
Alright, I liked it. Your descriptions are wonderful and beautifully written. Good job Eolith, I can't wait to read the rest.
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Mermaid
Oct 8, 2005 23:01:26 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 8, 2005 23:01:26 GMT -5
My sisters arrived the following morning. I was surprised at their swiftness, but I greeted them with coos of affection and gratitude. Just as one of my sisters had begun fumbling with the rope about my wrists, I was drawn upward again, onto the deck of the cursed ship. The Captain awaited me. The others surfaced, surrounding the ship like a pod of dolphins. The entire crew was terrorized, but the Captain voiced commands quickly and smoothly. Spears were fetched, swords unsheathed. I threw myself forward. Landing at the Captain’s feet, I used the only weapon I had yet reserved. I sang. Using all of my power to its utmost extent, I sang like never before. One by one, my sisters joined in. Together we sang, a choir meant only for divine ears. We called the kraken to us and soothed the mortals’ aroused suspicion with verses of unparalleled splendor. Only the human who could speak our language seemed to resist our elegant song. Slowly he came forward, towards me. The only human to move.
*(~)*
It was like slow motion. Barely knowing what he did, Taerin took hold of the captive mermaid’s hair and forced her up. As his sword came to her throat, the song intensified, trying to touch his soul, to bring him under its currents. “Quiet!” Taerin shouted sharply. The voices stopped. Everything stopped, the winds died, the sea quieted, the mermaids stilled. His companions did not move either, seemingly still under the spell they had woven. The captive mermaid twisted in his grasp, her tail slipping back and threatening to knock his legs out from under him. Taerin tightened his grip in her hair, weaving his fingers deeper into the silken strands. Without warning, a huge tentacle rose from the sea’s depths and took hold of the main mast. With a thunderous crack the mast snapped off like a twig. The ship shuddered, recovering from the attack as still more tentacles wrapped themselves around the ship’s sides, threatening to crush the vessel in its squeeze. Still the crew did not move. Two men fell into the sea. Only when they felt the water's cold embrace did they waken from their stupor. “Stop the attack,” Taerin yelled, bringing the blade closer to the neck of the first. The sea-women seemed to consider, then two disappeared underwater and the tentacles receded. “What will return the men to consciousness?” Taerin asked as he tied the captive mermaid to what remained of the mast. One of the mermaids climbed onto the deck, scowling at him. “Poseidon will stop you when he sees fit. Our sister will not be under your control for long.” She returned to the sea and vanished. The others disappeared after a moment as well. The sea remained calm, but gradually the crew returned to normal. Taerin informed the Captain of what he had seen, hoping it wasn’t too unbelievable.
*(~)*
For the rest of the day, my tears fell. My sisters had been outwitted. I was alone until my Father saw fit to intervene. The men kept me on deck, with the sun beating down on my delicate skin and scales ruthlessly. Occasionally a member of the crew would pull up a bucket of the water and throw the precious contents over me. When night fell, the man who had prevented my freedom pulled up another bucket of the sea and poured it over my length. A small piece of seaweed fell into my hands and I pressed it to my cheek. The seaweed was cool and soothing. When I looked up, the man was there, watching me silently. “I’ve been meaning to ask…What is your name?” he asked calmly. “Why should I tell you?” “I could refer to you as Mermaid, but that seems primitive.” “If I tell you mine, you tell me yours.” The man nodded. “I am Einesl.” I said quietly, twining the seaweed in my fingers. “Taerin.” The man replied. “Do you think this calm will ever end?” Taerin continued. He referred to the lack of waves and wind. “Poseidon will end it when he wishes for it to end. It seems he has persuaded the wind god to help him. Even if the wind did blow, you have no sail, you are crippled.” I replied halfheartedly, lying down to be closer to the wet of the wood. The water outside of the ship began to ripple. A pod of dolphins played in the moon-drenched waters. I sat up and watched them leap and twirl, wishing so badly to be with them. Waves began to rise, they were small, but enough to move the ship. Abruptly, a huge wave rose out of the sea. Dolphins rode its crest… along with my sisters. Excitement washed over me as the wave hit the ship. The warship swayed dangerously, and Taerin ran for the brig. I laughed as another of the massive waves hit and the water rushed over me, caressing me. Taerin was thrown to the railing of the ship roughly, crying out as he fell against on of his arms. Before the ship had a chance to right itself, another of the waves hit, causing the ship to capsize. For a moment I lost all sense of direction. One of my sisters cut my bonds and I reveled in my freedom. I spotted Taerin’s form as he thrashed uselessly. I hesitated, wondering if I should rescue him. I had been at his mercy many times and he had never released me… in fact, he had prevented my release. Now he was at my mercy, and I was unsure if I wanted to save him or not.
*(~)*
Taerin’s mind filled with panic as he tried desperately to reach the surface. Water flooded his nose and mouth, making him cough and gasp, only to receive more water. Something plummeted into him, pushing him into the air with quick, powerful strokes of its tail. Taerin choked as he was finally able to reject the water and take in air. Einesl held him up by the back of his shirt, her tail churning the water beneath to keep him from falling back into the water. Without a word, the mermaid helped him latch onto a piece of wood and submerged again. Taerin held onto the plank in a state of shock. His ship was going down, and it was as good as his own fault. Moments later, Einesl surfaced again. This time she had another man in her hold. Taerin recognized the man as Ilioq. How many will she save? His question was answered quickly. Einesl’s sisters gathered around them. “Why did you save those two?” One of the mermaids asked with disgust. “That one can speak our language, I think he’s interesting.” Einesl explained, pointing to Taerin. “This one’s to keep the other company, otherwise he’ll go mad.” She continued, lifting a sputtering Ilioq up slightly. “You mean to keep them like pets?” The other said skeptically. Taerin felt indignant. “I’ll take them to Whaniti. They’ll be happy enough there, once I fetch some of the supplies from the shipwreck.” Einesl replied, helping Ilioq take hold of another bit of wood. The dolphins and mermaids spilt ways, save Einesl. She led the dolphins west, helping them push the men along.
*(~)*
The going was slow. It was hard to move quickly while pushing the men, even with the added help of the dolphins. By the end of the day, we had sighted the small island. When we reached our destination Taerin climbed onto the white shore, silently helping the other along. I had chosen this particular island for a reason. There were few places hidden entirely from my view. The island had multiple streams and coves from which I could watch the activities of the two new inhabitants. If I got suspicious enough of something they focused on beyond my sight, I could wriggle up onto the beach a little ways and earn a view of whatever they were doing. In addition, the island was practically devoid of wood enough to build a ship. There was plenty of small driftwood with which to create a fire, but never enough to build anything. The wildlife would sustain them, if I fetched their net and extra supplies. I pulled myself across the sand, following Taerin and his companion as far as I wished. The dolphins rested in a nearby inlet while I made myself comfortable in a patch of seaweed that had been washed ashore.
*(~)*
Taerin woke to the cries of seagulls. Ilioq slept on beside him. With a yawn, Taerin sat up and looked around. They had slept on the top of a grassy hill near the shore. Standing, Taerin could spotted Einesl nestled a thatch of seaweed, with the waves washing over her. He made his way down to the mermaid. She woke and spotted him approaching before he reached her. Apparently deciding to stay where she was, Einesl smoothed more of the slimy green plants over her tail. Taerin stopped a ways off. When the mermaid beckoned him, he came forward and sat on the beach. “I was wrong not to untie you, Poseidon did indeed defend his daughter.” He said humbly. “At least Poseidon nor I saw fit to kill you, and your… friend.” “How will we live?” “I am traveling to the ship wreck today,” Einesl answered. “I will bring back three things. You must choose carefully, for I have no wish to return.” Taerin tried to choose among all of the tools he knew the ship had. He would have asked Ilioq, but that would reveal his unique gift to speak with Einesl. “Bring a net, a dagger, and flint.” He said at last. “I know too well what a net is, but what about the others?” Einesl asked curiously. Taerin explained each to the smallest detail, making sure she knew the exact looks of each. When he finished, Einesl smiled and slipped into the sea. Taerin shook his head as he returned to the grassy hilltop. She was a confusing one, Einesl. He could hardly expect less from something that was not human however. It was hard not to look for the same qualities in her as he did for any other human. Even with her tail, she seemed human enough to experience the same emotions as himself.
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Mermaid
Oct 9, 2005 12:20:39 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 9, 2005 12:20:39 GMT -5
Hm. Interesting. Read it last night, but was too tired to leave ya a comment.
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Mermaid
Oct 9, 2005 15:10:30 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 9, 2005 15:10:30 GMT -5
I surged through the sea at my fastest. Now that I was on my own, I could travel far more quickly than even the dolphins. I reached the wreck far before midday and dived into the cabin, quickly finding my items. I dislodged a crate and followed it to the surface, where I opened it and stuffed the net, dagger, and flint into it. I tied a rope about the crate and took hold of the opposite end. Taerin would get a little more than he asked for, but I was sure that he would not object.
*(~)*
Shortly after the sun had reached it zenith, Taerin heard the faint clink of bottles tapping against each other. Excusing himself from Ilioq, he headed down to the beach. Einesl was struggling to push a crate onto the land. Amazed, Taerin ran into the surf and helped the mermaid with her burden. “I thought you said you’d only bring three items.” He said in wonderment as he removed the top from the crate and looked in at the precious contents. “I didn’t want you giving me a huge list, and I wanted to know what was most essential to your survival. I brought along whatever’s in that crate, and the three things you wanted. But in return you have to tell me the use of each thing within the crate.” Taerin untied the rope around the crate and coiled it neatly. Even that could be of use. He began tugging out the items and looking each over, thinking of a thousand new uses for each as he enlightened Einesl as to what they were. In addition to the net, flint, and dagger, there were three bottles of brandy, an extra sail, and ten candles. Taerin pressed the brandy into Einesl’s hands. “That drink will make any creature go mad, given enough of it. A man will give anything for it if made to go without it for long. I need you to keep these safe somewhere out of our reach, otherwise we’ll just kill each other over it.” The mermaid looked puzzled, unable to picture the scene, but she took the bottles. When Einesl had departed, Taerin replaced all of the crate’s contents and called Ilioq. The young soldier came eagerly, and when Taerin told the other of his ‘find’ they celebrated, pulling the crate to the crest of the hill an laying out the canvas to dry before it had a chance to mildew. While they waited for the sun to dry the sail, they placed the net in the shallows of a stream and waited for any fish to swim into the trap. Ilioq was baffled when almost twenty saltwater fish suddenly darted into the net, but Taerin saw Einesl’s iridescent tail flash just around the bend.
*(~)*
My breath came fast from the excitement of chasing the fish upstream. Even though it was a primitive thing, I loved watching the silvery walls created by their numbers part before me. I swam with the dolphins for a while, leaping and twirling in and around the island’s coves. Night fell, and I returned to the same beach on which I had slept the night before. This time, I saw the light of fire atop the hill. Taerin and his friend crouched over the dancing flames, concentrated on something within. They pulled something out, and cut it up, before eating it. I wondered why they would bother with charring their food before eating it, but shrugged and continued on. I sought a pad of seaweed on which to sleep, as my first had been washed away by the waves sometime during the day. I found my goal, and buried myself in it promptly, enjoying the smooth feel against my skin.
*(~)*
In the morning, Taerin went down to the shore and located a flat rock, after searching for a bit, he found seaweed and laid it over the stone. He returned to their small camp where Ilioq was gutting the extra fish. Taerin placed the slabs of fish on the top of the crate and brought it down to the rock he had located. Once he had laid the fish on top of the seaweed-covered rock, Taerin looked up to see Einesl watching him from the water. “What are you doing?” The mermaid asked curiously, pulling herself closer. “I’m drying the fish. With the amount you provided us with, we have to store some of them.” Einesl wrinkled her nose. “You do such odd stuff with your food, like burning it, this. And that drink… it’s nothing but rotted fruit juice.” “Fermented,” Taerin corrected, “Same thing.” “And we cook the fish, not burn it.” “What’s the point, why not eat it raw?” “It is cold, and slimy raw.” “No, it’s cool, succulent, and fresh.” Taerin rolled his eyes, giving up. Einesl’s gaze darted behind him and she pushed off into the water, disappearing. Taerin turned and saw Ilioq coming down, the last of the fish in his hands.
*(~)*
One Year Later
I basked in the sun, watching Taerin gather driftwood for his fire. He looked up at me, frowning slightly. “Make yourself more useful. Catch a lobster or something. It makes me uncomfortable, you staring at me all the time.” I laughed and tossed a piece of seaweed at him before diving into the cove, searching for the crustacean Taerin had bid me look for. Soon I found one of the little creatures crawling along and snatched up it by its tail. Carefully avoiding the claws, I brought my prize to the shore. Taerin placed the lobster in a basket and brought it up to the hut he and his friend had created. I returned to the dolphins and played amongst them for a while. Two babies had been born into the pod recently, both of them loved to swim against my long, flowing hair.
*(~)*
Taerin sat down on the log, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Ilioq sat nearby, repairing the net. “I feel like we don’t have any reason to continue this life.” Taerin said, “there’s no glory in it, no adventure. Just… living, but why? Why should we prolong our lives when we’ll just waste away with age?” Ilioq looked up, “I’ve thought of that myself. But it would be painful to simply stop everything and allow ourselves to die of thirst, or starvation.” They finished with the evening chores and bedded down for the night.
Taerin was roused to an odd sound… actually the absence of a sound so regular to him that he had woken. The sea was still, no waves smoothed the sand. Taerin stood and walked down to the shore. Calm waters had always heralded something major. The first time, a gift, the second and third times, doom. Taerin’s suspicions were correct. A sea nymph rose from the water and glided towards him. He realized vaguely that it was the same one he had seen that night on the ship. “Taerin, you are losing your hope, letting it slip away. Only tonight you spoke of giving up entirely. There is one way you may yet return to your family and home. Find the Amulet of the Abyss. It is harbored somewhere in this island. A month from now, I will come for you. If you have the amulet, I will take you to your land’s shores, if you do not, you will live your life here. Only with the mermaid’s assistance may you find it.” The nymph vanished as quickly as she had come, and the sea came back to life. With an exasperated sigh, Taerin turned and went to his mat. There was no hope of convincing Einesl to help him. She was the one that had brought him to this island; she would hardly be willing to help him escape it.
*(~)*
In the morning, I was awakened by the sound of someone coming towards me. Without waiting to see if it were Ilioq or Taerin, I shrank back into my bed of seaweed and dragged it into the water with me. To anyone else, it would appear that a pile of seaweed had simply been swept into the water by the waves. I carefully peeked out to see who had interrupted my sleep. Taerin waited for me on the shore, and I dislodged myself from the sea foliage to join him on the beach. “Why did you seek me out?” I asked as Taerin sat down on the sand to be at my level. He didn’t usually search for my sleeping patch unless he wanted to speak with me over something of importance. “I was visited by a sea nymph last night.” I frowned. “Foolish creatures, those. They are envious of the mermaid’s voices. If they could kill us, they would have done so long ago. As it is, they seek to harm us in any way possible. Don’t listen to them.” “She told me that if I found the Amulet of the Abyss she’d reward me.” Taerin continued, dismissing my words. “I can only find it with your help.” Amulet of the Abyss… Where had I heard that name before? Even if I couldn’t remember what it was, the name sent shivers of foreboding along my length. “And what exactly was the reward?” I asked, hiding my emotions. Taerin averted his eyes, as though he were embarrassed. “You must help me if I tell you.” I considered the proposition, then decided against it. “No, I can guess. She said she’d take you back home, right?” The look on Taerin’s face told me everything. “I will not help you, Taerin. I cannot risk the knowledge of my kind being spread.” “Then I will die.” “Why?” I asked sharply. “There is no reason for me to continue living. I’ll stop if you don’t help me.” I scowled. “You mustn’t trust the nymph, she’s using you for her own ends… ends that most likely entail the harming of myself and my sisters. Just don’t kill yourself Taerin. Give me time. I’ll figure out some way to ease the pain that would make you consider suicide.” Taerin agreed grudgingly, and I returned to the water as he rose and brushed the sand from his clothing. I followed him as he walked along the shore, and we spoke of less important subjects.
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Mermaid
Oct 11, 2005 21:34:42 GMT -5
Post by daena on Oct 11, 2005 21:34:42 GMT -5
I say, Lady Eolith, this is a most wonderous tale! I love the mermaid and her guest....I can't wait to read more! Very well written.
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Mermaid
Oct 11, 2005 22:14:50 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 11, 2005 22:14:50 GMT -5
Now to meet another character... one I've grown rather fond of. Taerin meandered through the grassy terrain of the island aimlessly, deep in thought. He would have to get a direct answer from Einesl soon, otherwise he’d run out of time while actually searching for the amulet. She had looked hurt when he spoke of the sea nymph, as though she felt betrayed. Taerin spotted the herd of wild horses grazing nearby and stopped, watching the activities of the creatures. When the herd had moved away, he continued on to his ‘home’. While it protected them from the elements well enough, the hut they had built atop the hill would never measure up to his childhood home. As he walked, Taerin's thoughts turned back to the two year olds that had been romping in the herd. It would be an invaluable help to have a horse. He had never been the expert trainer. Perhaps if he found the time he might try his luck catching and taming one of the wild horses. Ilioq was off somewhere when he reached the hut, and Taerin began working on the carving he had been creating in a piece of wood. It was then that he glanced up, and saw the movement in the grass. Curious, Taerin set his wood down and investigated, keeping the dagger handy. It took longer than he had thought to reach the region that had shifted. When he did, he found a sandy colored wild dog struggling to get up, its movements slow and pained. The wild dog let out a growl that shifted into an apprehensive whine and fell back again. At first, Taerin thought to kill the creature. It was obviously in pain, and its pack had raided their stores multiple times. The wild dog let out another whine, looking at him with eyes mournful enough to melt any heart. Making an abrupt decision, Taerin picked the wild dog up, careful to avoid its head for fear of being bitten. The animal fought at first, but fell still and allowed itself to be carried after a moment. Taerin made his way slowly to the beach. Einesl had once healed an accidental gash of his remarkably. Her people knew the ways of healing, and she could probably find what ailed the wild dog. When he arrived at the beach, Taerin laid the wild dog down near the surf and turned to retrieve a section of rope from the hut. When he returned, Einesl was there, always drawn by new happenings. Taerin kneeled and tied the wild dog’s mouth shut. *(~)* Taerin stood, and motioned for me to join him on the beach. I came and examined the creature he had brought with fascination. The fur of the animal was soft, mottled with spots of black, brown, and orange. As my hands wandered over the ribs of the beast, I found an irregular place. Looking closer, I could tell something had impacted it there and crushed some of the ribs inward. “Can you tell what’s wrong with it?” Taerin asked. “It was kicked by some beast here.” I said, “It’s bleeding within.” “Is there anything you can do?” I looked at Taerin curiously. “Why does it matter to you? If I’m correct, this is the creature you were cursing not three months back for destroying half of your provisions.” “I don’t know, it just seems wrong to let it die.” I returned to the sea. “Wait here.” I sped to the cove in which the dolphins loved to play and began plucking bits of sea life from the sandy bottom. When I was satisfied, I headed back to where Taerin and his new friend waited. As I was swimming, I chewed the herbs to a pulp in my mouth and caught a fish. I surfaced briefly to tear the belly of the fish open on a rock and stuff in the mixed plants. When I returned, Taerin was crouched over the animal, fondling its ears and saying something to it. “Here, give this to it.” I handed Taerin the fish. *(~)* Taerin took the fish Einesl passed him. She had ripped its belly open and stuffed it with a peculiar concoction. Taerin was apprehensive, it would be insanity to undo the wild dog’s rope about its mouth and attempt to hand feed it. What if the animal decided to take his hand with it? He removed the rope and held the fish before the wild dog’s nose. The wounded creature sniffed it, but did not open its mouth to take it. Cautiously, Taerin opened the wild dog’s mouth, and put the fish in. The sheer size of the beast’s teeth made his heart clench. At first, the wild dog rejected the fish, but when he insisted, it accepted the food. Einesl, having climbed alongside them to stroke the fur of the wild dog gave her next instructions. “Get water, the herbs I gave it are will make it thirsty. You’ll need to keep it warm during the night, which means the fire must be kept alive. In the morning it will be ravenous but exhausted, as one of the herbs was a sedative. You need not have fear of it for a week or so. It will be more interested in sleeping and eating than causing you any harm. I suggest that you keep it on a tether, else it might wander off before it is fully healed.” Einesl turned to leave but Taerin caught her wrist. “Have you decided yet? Will you help me with the quest?” He asked hopefully. Einesl looked troubled. “You have a life depending greatly on you now, even if I gave my answer you could not abandon the creature.” She pulled her arm away and disappeared before he could say anything. Sighing deeply, Taerin carried the wild dog to their camp. Pulling out a bowl he had made out of clay, Taerin poured water into it. The wild dog drank its fill before falling asleep atop the fur he had provided it. Taerin stoked the fire and sat down to continue his carving… it was a mermaid. Einesl’s predictions turned out to all be true. The wild dog was indeed hungry when it woke, but it barely had energy enough to stand. Taerin provided for it fresh meat when he could, and dried meat when he couldn’t catch anything. The wild dog slowly grew more and more affectionate, and she eventually let him caress her fur as she rested. Her gigantic ears gave her a comical expression, and he loved to fondle them, tracing their black outlines. Ilioq had not been enthused the evening he had come back to see Taerin nursing a wild dog. But Taerin had convinced him she could be useful with enough time. He soon gave the wild dog a name, Vinca. When he had finished carving the mermaid, Taerin attached it to Vinca’s leather collar to acknowledge Einesl’s help in her recovery. Einesl continued to supplement Vinca’s food with her herb concoctions, and soon the wild dog was fully recovered. Taerin soon found Vinca’s playful disposition, and they spent hours at a time wrestling over a stick. As the days passed, Taerin became more and more conscious that he’d probably never find the Amulet of the Abyss. However, the matter seemed less and less as time passed, he had a job now. He focused on training Vinca to hunt and bring back her kill. Vinca was extremely clever, and had caught on to the trick of sitting, lying down, coming, and fetching sticks easily. But it was taking a while to teach her to give up her catch. The wild dog never seemed to long for her pack. She would listen to their calls during the night, but Taerin had never heard her respond. At last he managed to teach Vinca to allow him to share in her catches. She was a wonderful companion. All and all, Taerin felt content… for the time. *(~)* I began to see less and less of Taerin and his friend. Vinca was kind enough, but I was beginning to feel ignored because of her. When I had first seen the carving of my race dangling from Vinca’s collar, I had been flattered… but now such feelings were no longer aroused when I thought of her. For the first time in a long while, I entered the underwater cave in which I had hidden the wine bottles. The cave roof had many holes, giving the area light enough fro me to see easily. I surfaced within one of the caverns and perched myself on a ledge nearby. I began to comb my hair out, redoing some of the braids from which my decorations hung and adding a new shell I had found recently. When I was finished, I set off, headed away from the island. I needed advice badly. The humans had no way of escape with the amount of time I would be absent.
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Mermaid
Oct 14, 2005 2:14:39 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 14, 2005 2:14:39 GMT -5
What? Wheres the rest!? A good hanger right there Eolith. Keep up the good work.
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Mermaid
Oct 14, 2005 9:23:58 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 14, 2005 9:23:58 GMT -5
If you think that was a hanger, wait till you get to the end of this. Now we're getting into the part that I had tons of fun writing.
Taerin woke early in the morning and resolved to search out Einesl’s chosen sleeping spot. It had been a while since he had last seen the mermaid, and he wanted to receive her answer soon. He set off with Vinca, letting her run around explore as he walked. Taerin saw many candidate seaweed piles, but none of them held Einesl. When he had made a complete circuit of the island, Taerin stopped in confusion, perhaps Einesl had woken before he had reached her and just missed him. Vinca bounded up, her tongue lolling happily. Taerin kneeled to give her attention. As he was ruffling Vinca’s fur, the wild dog’s attention suddenly turned towards the hut, and her ears pricked. A low growl escaped her and Vinca took off up the hill. Taerin followed as fast as he could, and when he finally reached the top of the hill he was welcomed by a wild staccato of barks. The entire herd of mustangs was galloping towards them, their eyes wide with terror as they fled an unseen predator. Vinca charged full tilt into their midst, snarling and nipping any horse foolish enough to get into her range of movement. She gradually created a part in the herd, preventing the human site from being entirely trampled. Taerin couldn’t tell if Vinca’s reasoning for her behavior was instinct, or rationale. As the last of the herd was scattering, Vinca singled out a young pied stallion and chased it, snapping at its heels. The rest of the herd disappeared onto the beach as Vinca grappled with the stallion. The stallion tried to wheel around and kick Vinca, but she had learned her lesson well, easily eluding the stallion’s frenzied attacks. Taerin was utterly puzzled, what was she doing? Vinca continued to run the stallion until Taerin could see sweat darkening its coat. The stallion stumbled and fell, its sides heaving. Instead of killing the terrorized horse as Taerin would have thought, Vinca stood over it, pinning its head and neck to the ground. The wild dog looked at him expectantly, as though waiting for him to do something. Taerin called Vinca to him but she remained where she was, looking almost surprised that he would call her away from the stallion. Taerin ventured down the hill to approach dog and horse. He could see that the stallion lived still. Kneeling, he stroked the stallion’s coat. This was his chance. Vinca had caught the stallion, now it was up to him to decide whether or not to attempt training the horse. Straddling the stallion’s neck so that it was forced to remain on it side, Taerin quickly untied the rope he kept at his hip and created a makeshift halter. Vinca moved away, her attention caught by an interesting scent. Taerin stayed with the stallion, talking to it and running his hands over its body as he tried to acclimate it to hearing and feeling men. All the while he kept it on the ground, refusing to let it up until its tremors had subsided. When the stallion had calmed, Taerin slowly let it rise, keeping a firm hold on the length of rope attached to the improvised halter. It took quite a while to convince the stallion to follow him, but Taerin was unwilling to force it. If he forced the stallion into something too quickly, it would loose its spirit. Most of the day was spent working with the stallion. By the afternoon, he had managed to lead it to their camp. “I think I’ll call you Regir,” Taerin said thoughtfully as he smoothed the stallion’s forelock. I was amazing how quickly the horse had come around, but he was grateful for the stallion’s willingness. Vinca nosed her muzzle under Taerin’s other hand as though to remind him that she was not to be forgotten.
*(~)*
I traveled with all the speed I could muster. I was getting closer to my home, and my blood was alive with anticipation. Without warning, I was suddenly swept aside by an unnatural current, throwing me away from the underwater domain of my sisters. I struggled against the water, feeling myself grow farther from my sisters. A voice laughed cruelly, “Hurry back to your human, Einesl, it is only a matter of time before he bestows me with the power to change the lives of your pitiful kind forever.” I gasped as the memories of the amulet’s properties flooded my mind. I turned with the current and shot off into the deep blue of the sea, forgetting all but one thing. I had to get back.
*(~)*
Taerin woke when Regir nudged him. He pushed the paint’s nose away and rolled over. But the mustang would not be ignored so easily. Taerin sat up and stretched, yawning. “What do you want, Regir?” He asked agitatedly, regretting the decision to tether the horse so close to his sleeping pad. Regir had been with him nearly a week now. He had lost his wariness of man and dog, and he led easily on the line. Taerin untied Regir and led him onto the beach, Vinca following closely. They walked around the island several times, the stallion trotting eagerly, full of zeal. Taerin would welcome the day when he might be able to ride the horse rather than walk alongside. The tide was lower than usual today, revealing fascinating shells and other sealife. Vinca was investigating everything with a fervor, stopping to sniff every bit of seaweed and snapping at the small fish that had been trapped in tide pools. Taerin smiled as he watched her bound ahead to a rocky area of the beach. She soon disappeared among the jagged black rocks, intent on her investigations. When Taerin reached the rocks, he heard a yelp. Apprehension stirred instantly, and he called her, hoping she would come. When the wild dog did not appear, he tied Regir to one of the rocks and went in search of her. He climbed carefully over the treacherous rocks, still calling Vinca. Finally he found her. She had fallen through an opening into a cavern. Without stopping to consider if he would be able to get out himself, Taerin jumped down to join her, examining the scrapes she had received in her fall. When he had assured himself that none of the cuts were deep enough to cause any real harm, he looked around. The area was almost entirely enclosed, but there was a small opening from which a pulsating blue light emanated. Taerin slipped through the gap, followed closely by Vinca. Taerin threw up his arm to shield his eyes from the unexpected light, stopping short as he squinted at the object from whence it came, trying to discern what it was. He hesitantly approached the glowing item and reached out to touch it tentatively. Instantly, the blue light melted, running down the stone of the pedestal to light the entire area with the eerie light. Taerin plucked the small talisman from the pedestal and examined it with awe. It was some type of jewel, encrusted with shimmering metals of every kind. Looking closer, Taerin was unable to figure out the nature of the jewel. The colors and patterns swirled in and out, absorbing him into its bewildering beauty. Vinca whined and nipped his free hand lightly, warning him not to lose himself in the amulet. Taerin rubbed her head affectionately, tracing the black line that ran down the center of her nose with his forefinger. “This is the Amulet of the Abyss,” he whispered to her. “It couldn’t be anything else. The sea nymph didn’t mean that Einesl had to help me directly… all she had to do was save your life… and then Fate would take it from there.” Taerin tucked the amulet safely away and explored the area, looking for a way out. It took him quite a while, but eventually he found a way out of the maze created by the rocks.
*(~)*
Even traveling with all the speed I could muster, I would not reach the island until late at night. The Sea Nymph would reach Taerin before I, and if she got the amulet… I pulled my mind away from the thought and hurried onward, there was only so much time.
As I had predicted, it was well into the night by the time I reached the island. Without pausing to regain my breath, I pushed myself onward to the other side of the island. When I reached the shore closest to Taerin’s home, I nearly screamed in distress. The nymph was there, and she reached out to take something from Taerin’s outstretched hand. I broke the surface of the water with a mighty leap, shouting to Taerin. He looked in my direction, but not before the sea nymph had taken the Amulet of the Abyss from his hand. The nymph smiled triumphantly. She turned and clutched the air with one hand. I felt pressure on my throat, as though she were holding me in her grasp. My breathing was cut off, and I squirmed in the grasp of the sea nymph’s acquired power.
*(~)*
Taerin watched in shock as Einesl was lifted from the water, her writhing form sending sparkling walls of water into the air. The mermaid’s fingers pried desperately at an invisible hand at her throat. “You have done well Taerin,” the sea nymph said with a malevolent smile. “I will send you home shortly. First, I’d like to present you with another gift... in the same act, I’ll rid myself of this parasite I seem to have caught.” “Let her go,” Taerin said uneasily, “don’t hurt her.” “Don’t worry,” the nymph said sweetly. “Your sea flower will be fine.” The water beneath Einsel began swirl and rise, blocking her from view in a huge, twisting column of water. Jewels flashed in the silver moonlight as the vortex encasing Einesl spun faster. Suddenly the water fell back into itself and Einesl collapsed into the sea with a tremendous crash. Scales floated atop the waves. Taerin realized with a sick horror that he had mistaken them for the jewels. Einesl sat up in the knee-deep water, pulling back her black curtains of hair. She glanced at herself and gave a high wail of pain and fear, tearing at Taerin’s soul. Ilioq ran down to the shore, alarmed by the keening call. Vinca danced around his heels, and Regir followed as well. “What-?” Ilioq was cut off by a cruel giggle from the sea nymph. “You are quite striking on two legs Einesl, Taerin and his companion approve I’m sure.” “No,” the mermaid moaned. “What have you done?” Taerin asked, his breath stolen by his alarm. “Don’t you approve?” The nymph asked scornfully, “admit it Taerin, you’ve always admired Einesl’s beauty. Now she is human, she can be yours.” “You think I would keep her as a slave?” Taerin said with disgust. “She did no less to you.” “Change her back.” The sea nymph scowled. “You do not appreciate my gift? Well it is too bad, I will not undo it. Perhaps you will realize the error in your words after you have had her with you for a while longer… at your home” The nymph emphasized the last word temptingly.
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Mermaid
Oct 14, 2005 14:10:46 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 14, 2005 14:10:46 GMT -5
ROFL. Ya might want to fix that.
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Mermaid
Oct 14, 2005 16:25:46 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 14, 2005 16:25:46 GMT -5
Oh Grr.
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Mermaid
Oct 15, 2005 12:23:35 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 15, 2005 12:23:35 GMT -5
My grief nearly blinded me, I was a creature of the sea and now I was bound to the land more effectively than chains. I dimly heard Taerin talking, but I was too overwhelmed to listen to his words. I watched my precious scales float by in the current, and caught one in my fingers. It was cool and smooth. I held it to my lips and curled my knees to my chest, trying to become smaller. The hair that was submerged floated about me, tickling my skin. I sat perfectly still for a long time, ignoring the voices behind me, focusing on the sound of the waves, the cry of the seagull, the scent of the salt, and the feel of the single scale I held against my mouth. When someone touched my shoulder I jumped. Taerin was standing next to me, up to his calves in water. I stretched my legs back under the water, and he blushed, looking away. We were on an entirely different beach, yet I hadn’t even noticed the passage. Not far off, I could see ships of all kinds docked, pulling at their ropes gently as the waves shifted them. Taerin cleared his throat. “Well, we- I’m home. You had better come with me, I’ll help you to find clothes.” He was uneasy, unaccustomed to being in charge. Taerin held out his hand and I took hold. His fingers wrapped around my wrist and he pulled me to my feet, supporting me when I lost my balance. The seawater coursed down my legs, and my hair felt unnaturally heavy when not supported by the water. Taerin pulled off his shirt and helped wrap it around me. I shivered in the chill evening breeze. “Come,” he said. “We can figure this out. You’ll be back to normal in no time.” I heard the doubt in his encouragement. Abruptly I realized he was speaking in his own tongue. I had not considered it, but now even my own language was taken from me. Taerin led me forward, but the first step I took, I stumbled, half falling into the waves. Taerin picked me up uncertainly, carrying me in his arms. Vinca and the huge beast that had come running down with Ilioq waited for us on the shore. Vinca did not seem as jubilant as I remembered. Her mouth was closed, and she seemed solemn. Taerin shifted me so that he could take hold of the rope that had been secured to the big animal’s head, making it follow us. Vinca came to the other side and trotted along. The streets weren’t crowded, but the was the occasional wanderer. As Taerin carried me, the warmth of his chest seeped into my side. It felt deliciously pleasant. I found myself wishing that my entire body could be as cozy, but I did not voice my thoughts. Taerin reached a small house and set me down to knock on the door. I leaned heavily on Taerin, unable to collect my feet under me enough to stand. Someone cracked the door open just enough to peer through, then flung it open. “Taerin!” A woman said with incredulity and joy, “I thought you were dead when your ship disappeared! It’s been so long my child, you’ve grown so much. Who is this?” A younger woman appeared in the doorway also delighted. She hugged Taerin. “Oh, TaeTae!” She said affectionately. “You cannot imagine how many questions crowd my head.” “Let me in, there is much to explain, but first I must settle my horse in the barn.” Taerin said, his voice nearly inaudible. The women moved aside and Taerin lifted me again, sliding through the door sideways to avoid bumping my legs on the doorway. Vinca raced in before anyone could stop her and positioned herself by the fire. Taerin set me down in a ragged chair and pushed it closer to the fire before setting my feet up on a stool. “Can you get her some decent clothes, Mother?” Taerin asked the older woman. “I’ll explain everything as soon as Regir is settled.” He walked back out, closing the door behind him. Vinca moved to my side and closed her eyes contentedly as I stroked her head. Taerin’s mother bustled out and returned with a woolen blanket. “I have no notion of who you are, young one, but if Taerin trusts you I will too.” I bristled slightly at being called ‘young one’ but the woman couldn’t be blamed for what she did not understand. “Thank you,” I said quietly, pulling the covering closer. Taerin returned and took a seat across from me. The two women sat as well. “First, introductions,” Taerin said. “Mother, this is Einesl. Einesl, this is my mother, Iva, and my sister, Lia.” Both women nodded to me in turn. “Taerin,” Lia said. “Where have you been? It’s been over a year since your ship was due to arrive.” Taerin smiled. “That is a rather complicated tale. I think Einesl could explain everything quite well. Would you like to tell them, Einesl?” All eyes turned to me. I shuddered and shook my head. “No,” I said, choking on the word as tears began trickling down my cheeks. “I do not want to stir such a wound… I want to go back to where I belong.” Taerin looked upset. He had not meant for me to cry, but I did, not even attempting to hide my anguish. Iva and Lia glanced at Taerin, puzzled. Vinca licked my hand, as if trying to reassure me. “I think the poor lass is worn out, Taerin.” Iva said at last. “I’ll give her a bite to eat and you can get her settled for the night.” She opened a pot, ladling some of the contents into a bowl. Iva handed the bowl to me and watched as I sniffed the contents. It smelled strange. There was some type of land meat in it, and vegetables cut up into it as well. I picked up the wooden stick Iva had put in the bowl and looked at it. Taerin stood and walked over. He guided my hand to the food, scooped some of it onto the rounded end of the stick, then put it to my mouth. I took a small taste of the concoction and pulled back. “Come on Einesl, eat. My mother is known for her stew.” Taerin whispered. I managed to swallow a few more bites, but then pushed the bowl away. Taerin sighed and wrapped the blanket around me a bit tighter before picking me up and hanging me in a net-like object attached to the walls. He covered me in a second blanket and placed a soft stuffed piece of cloth under my head. I wriggled in deeper and closed my eyes. I was comfortable, but it just wasn’t the same as my previous way of sleeping, in a pile of seaweed. I heard Taerin talking to his mother and sister indistinctly, but slipped off to sleep after a while.
*(~)*
Taerin looked at Einesl worriedly, she was still asleep and it was late into the morning. Just as he was considering waking her, she stretched her arms up, stiffened her entire body, and then relaxed. Taerin walked over as she sat up. “I told them everything,” he said, “they both agreed to help you along. Lia said you could wear her spare clothes.” Taerin handed her a bundle of clothes, “Iva will be in soon, she’ll help you get dressed. I… have to see to Regir.” He turned and whistled to Vinca, walking out into the sunshine as Iva passed him on her way in. Regir nickered when he saw Taerin, kicking at the stall door. Taerin entered and groomed the energetic stallion. When he was finished caring for Regir, Taerin returned to the house. He found Einesl walking about jerkily, her hand in Lia’s. The mermaid’s hair had been carefully combed and plaited into one long braid. The braid hung down her back, reaching past her waist. The shells that had been removed from her hair were piled neatly next to the hammock. Iva sat in the chair next to the fire, knitting. Sooner than he would have expected, Einesl was walking on her own. Once she had acquired the technique, she perfected it. “How did you learn to walk so quickly?” Taerin asked in wonder. “After a year of watching you two at it, I caught on pretty quickly.” Einesl said, raising her gaze to meet his. Sorrow still lingered in her eyes… it seemed as though it would never leave her.
*(~)* A month later
I waited quietly for Taerin to finish working on the roof of the house. He’d promised that after he fixed the roof, he would take me to the market. I was fascinated by the market. Lia and Iva would often return from the market with spices, foods, and sometimes pretty cloth. I picked a hair from the pair of pants I’d taken from Taerin. After two days of wearing skirts I had rebelled, not caring that it was uncustomary for women to wear pants. The skirts got in my way, and I wanted to explore. Every day Taerin would walk with me down to the seashore. I would stay for as long as he let me, longing to return to my home. I took hold of the end of my braid and brushed the ends across my hand. Taerin finished with his work and climbed down. “Let me get Regir,” he said. Taerin brought Regir out with his bridle on and mounted the horse bareback. Regir still refused to allow a saddle to be placed on his back, but he had grudgingly accepted the bridle. With Taerin’s help, I mounted in front of him and let him reach around me to maneuver Regir. The painted stallion moved forward into the streets of the city. The sights and smells, the amount and diversity of people entranced me. Sellers shouted the value and quality of their wares, trying to gain anyone’s interest. I slipped down from Regir’s back despite Taerin’s protests. I wanted to see all the different objects, to examine them closer and to touch them. Taerin followed me closely atop Regir, pestering me to get back on the entire time. Suddenly the loud babble of the crowds softened, and I could hear someone calling, “Make way! Make way for the king!” The people crammed themselves to either side of the road, and Taerin picked me up by the back of my shirt, pulling me onto Regir’s back before trotting to the side of the road. An escort of horses cantered through the emptied road, led by a young man with a piece of gold encircling his head. To the left of the man, another man rode, bearing a flag and continuing to shout to the crowds. When the escort had passed, the people filled the road again, almost seeming to take a huge breath of relief at the same time. “What was that?” I asked as Taerin headed Regir back towards the house. “The king,” he said, “he rules all of the people. He likes to go out hunting and return about this time every few days.” “Why should the people let him through that way instead of making him weave his way through as everyone else has to do?” “He is the king,” Taerin said, as if it explained everything. I sighed. “Can we go to the shore before we go back?” “Sure,” Taerin said, glad to be off of the previous subject. He turned Regir toward the sea.
That night I lay awake thinking of the king. Until he proved he was good enough to be my superior, I would not respect him.
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Mermaid
Oct 17, 2005 16:39:48 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 17, 2005 16:39:48 GMT -5
I read the last part here in school today. Great job Eolith! I think I know how the story will turn out, but I still wanna read the rest. good writing.
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Mermaid
Oct 17, 2005 18:19:37 GMT -5
Post by Eolith on Oct 17, 2005 18:19:37 GMT -5
That stinks... it was that easy to figure out? Wait... I don't even know how it'll turn out in the end. You'll have to tell me if your guesses are coming true after reading this:For the next couple of days, I stayed at the house, helping Lia and Iva with anything I could. One evening I resolved to go to the market on my own. Lia and Iva were busy with the preparation of dinner and they didn’t notice me slip out. Vinca, however insisted on following me. I didn’t know where Taerin had gone, but it was of no importance. He had left Regir behind, so I took the stallion out of his stall, mounted, and set off for the market. The market was just as busy as usual. I wandered along the streets looking at the wares. I was just crossing to the opposite side of the street to look at the caged birds when the same hush came over the crowd. I halted Regir and looked up. Sure enough, I could see the flag of the king from my place atop Regir’s back. As the people hurried to move out of the way, I held Regir rooted to the spot. When the escort reached me, the king pulled up his horse. The flag bearer trotted ahead, raising the end of the flag pole to strike me. “Move, you insolent-” He was cut off by the king, “Hold,” the young man said coolly. The flag bearer lowered his arm, sneering at me. “What is the meaning of this, peasant?” The king said in a low, dangerous tone. “Where is your husband?” “I have no husband.” I said, holding my chin high. “Then where is your father?” “I have no father.” “You are wandering the streets alone?” The king asked, scorn lingering in the edges of his voice. “Why do you stop me?” “I was here when your servants called for the people to move, and here I will stay until your escort either passes me, or you prove yourself my better.” “Odd that so lowly a peasant should choose to bar the way of her king. Why should I prove to you my authority, when you are nothing but a poor woman?” “Ah but there you are wrong. I am of the sea, Poseidon is my king, you are not. I am wiser than you, and I will not bow to your wishes.” The king raised an eyebrow slightly, then nudged his horse forward. Without speaking, he took hold of Regir’s reins. The stallion tossed his head but the king had a firm hold. He pulled the reins from my hands and brought them over Regir’s head. I made a snatch for the leather pieces but they were taken out of my reach. “The more audacious you act, the more I must do to prove my point.” The king said so only I could hear. “Do not push me too far. Stay silent now, and I will have one of my men conduct you to your home.” “I can get off right now.” “And give me this fine horse?” The king asked. I clutched Regir’s mane, turning my knuckles white. The king pulled Regir into a trot, and then a canter, keeping his head close. Vinca ran alongside until a soldier kicked her, I heard her yelp and spun around to see if she was all right. I saw her slink into the crowd, tail and head lowered. “Coward!” I yelled at the man who had kicked Vinca, “She did nothing to you!” “Quiet, peasant.” The king said condescendingly. I looked at him. He did have a powerful air. Thinking quickly, I leaned over Regir’s neck and unfastened the main buckle. In seconds the stallion had taken advantage of the opportunity and broken free of the king, leaving him with the bridle hanging in his hand. I whistled the same tune Taerin did whenever he wanted Vinca to come and the wild dog sprang out of the crowd, barking. Regir galloped through the streets full stride, I had no control over him, but I did not mind it. I could hear the hooves of the king’s horses behind me, and I squeezed Regir’s sides, pushing him still faster. Suddenly Regir stopped, half rearing. I nearly went flying over the paint’s head, but my grip in his long mane held firm. To my surprise, Taerin stood directly in front of Regir. Vinca was leaning on him, looking at me. Taerin glanced behind me and frowned. “What have you gotten yourself into now?” The king and his men caught up, surrounding Taerin and I entirely. I smiled crookedly and hopped down from Regir’s back. “It’s just the ‘king’, he has yet to show me that I should show him any respect.” Regir followed me over to Taerin. I caught hold of my braid and pretended to be fascinated with it as I listened to Taerin and the king. “Are you her husband?” The king asked calmly. I cast a sideways glance at Taerin, he was bright red. “Well… no, but she is in my charge your Excellency. I beg of you to excuse whatever she has said, she meant no harm.” Taerin bowed deeply. I looked at the king, meeting eye contact challengingly. “He’s not in charge of me, I’m in charge of myself, and I can say if I want to be forgiven for what I said or not. I don’t seek forgiveness for speaking the truth.” Taerin glared at me but I ignored him. “You are an odd one, peasant, wearing a man’s clothes and showing such defiance. And you, man,” The king fixed his brown gaze on Taerin, “You allow her to do it, you do not mind that she rides your horse alone, or wears the wrong clothes.” “Sire,” Taerin said with another bow, “Einesl is a foreigner to this place. She came with me on my return from a voyage. She does not know our ways and I do not seek to punish her for what she does not understand.” My temper flared, “I understand perfectly. You expect everyone to be respectful and obedient of you. Women are supposed to be lower ranking than any man, following the every whim of her man. I will not bow to such rubbish. Humans were born equal and equal they shall stay until another proves his strength above the other.” “An eloquent speech for a lowly commoner.” The king said composedly. “Even a foreign one, with no accent.” Taerin winced as if hit by a physical blow. “Savalt,” The king, “have the man taken to the dungeons. Clean up the woman and have her brought to my chambers, I want to find out more about her odd ways. Take the horse to the stables, a fine one he is, but half wild, judging by his eyes. If the dog insists on following let it. It is no concern of mine if it should want to join its master in prison.” “Your highness,” Taerin began urgently, but the king was already turning his horse away, followed by two of his men. I grabbed Taerin’s arm and moved closer to him as the man I assumed was named Savalt ordered his men about. “You heard the king’s orders. Greg, bind the man, I’ll get the maiden, the rest of you catch that horse.” Greg dismounted and retrieved a rope from one of his saddlebags. I looked Greg over and whispered into Taerin’s ear. “You could overpower him easy, he’s thin and young.” “No I couldn’t.” Taerin said softly. “He has weapons, and in any case I don’t want anymore trouble than you’ve already caused.” I scowled, and was taken off my guard as Savalt suddenly picked me up and set me in front of him. “Let me go you pig!” I said vehemently as I struggled to get down. The man ignored me and watched as his men struggled to detain Regir, who would not be touched by any of them. *(~)* Taerin permitted the man named Greg to pull his arms behind his back. What had Einesl done? He could only imagine what she had said to the king. Perhaps he would be able to convince the king she was sick of mind… of course nothing he said would help anything if Einesl continued to contradict his excuses. Regir let out an angry scream as he reared up and aimed a kick at one of the horses. Taerin frowned and took hold of the ropes Greg was still fumbling with. He pulled his hands away and called Regir to him. The paint shoved past the soldiers and came to his master, quivering. Taerin stroked his beautiful head and murmured calming words as he slipped a makeshift halter over the horse’s ears. “Be good, Regir.” Taerin said as he handed the extra rope to one of the guards. Greg was thrust aside as another man came behind Taerin and tied him. This time he was tied more forcibly, his arms wrenched behind his back and tied snugly. The men mounted and fell into formation, forming a box around Taerin. Einesl resisted Savalt, muttering curses at him. Taerin hadn’t realized that she had picked up so many cuss words on the streets. The captain did not allow her words to fall upon his ears. He kept a firm hold on her as he pressed his horse forward. Taerin was forced to half run to keep up with the brisk pace of the horses. Vinca trotted alongside him, dodging all the other men. Twice Taerin fell and had to be picked up, as his hands were tied. When they reached the palace, all of them were dragged in different directions, Einesl into the palace, Regir to the stables, and Taerin to the dungeons. Only Vinca had free will, and she chose to follow Taerin. *(~)* I struggled vainly in Savalt’s iron grip as I was towed up the steps unceremoniously. The captain handed me to a group of servants, who ushered me off into a hot bath and then dressed me in an uncomfortable gown. They spent several hours on my hair, twisting and braiding it into an intricate style. I fought them the whole way, cursing and yelling at them hotly. In the end nothing I could do helped; I was dumped in the king’s chambers, my pride wounded. Lacking anything to do, I explored his rooms curiously, picking up trinkets and examining them. The king found me in his bed chamber, investigating a small chest filled with jewelry. “Why are you in here?” He asked, coming in. I looked up briefly, “what you wanted me to sit in there and wait for you? I had nothing to do. If you’re going to lock me in your rooms, don’t expect to find everything where it was the next day.” The king smiled. “You are a sharp one.” He took my hand and started to lead me from the room, but I pulled away from him. “Come along, dinner awaits us, I want some explanations as to your odd ways.” I followed him haughtily, trying not to trip over the skirts. We entered his private sitting room, where a sumptuous meal had been laid out for two. “Eat what you like,” the king said, indicating the many platters. I examined each entrée before taking a piece of fish, an apple, and a roll of bread. It had been hard to get used to having my fish cooked, but this had been cooked in such a way that the succulent juices hadn’t been taken from it. What was more, the bread was far softer and whiter than any I’d experienced thus far, and the fruit far sweeter. The king watched as I ate, taking only a few bites himself. When I had nibbled the apple down to the core, he gestured to my untouched wine glass. “Why have you not taken any wine? It is some of the finest we have.” “I don’t like wine.” “You cannot say that until you have tasted this.” He replied, proffering the cup. I stubbornly pushed it away. The king scowled. “I’m not accustomed to being refused. It is not wise for you to be the first.” “Wise?” I laughed. “You know nothing of wise.” “I could have you executed.” “You could,” I said calmly. “But will you? I don’t think I would care if tomorrow were my death day in any case. I am without purpose here... it is nothing like the freedom I once possessed, even if I wear clothes that do not suit my gender.” The king stared at me as though trying to fathom my mind set. I only smiled sweetly. “You don’t understand me now and you never will. The only one even halfway close to understanding me is Taerin, and I can still puzzle him at times. On that topic, I firmly request that he be released from wherever it is you took him and his horse. You had no right to arrest him.” “You have no right to speak to me as you are.” He reached across the table and caught my wrist in an iron grip. I pulled back, but he had caught me easily. “You have requested all this time for me to prove my strength and I have spared you. Now I think it time that you learned a lesson.” “Let me go… now.” I placed in those words all of the malice and authority I could, staring at him hard, trying to make him falter. The king returned my glare with one of equal pride. He stood, yanking me from my seat and into his arms, wrapping one arm firmly around the small of my back and taking hold of my hair, forcing me to look up at him. I struggled, trying to win free of the position he had placed me in. “I could beat you and no one would stop me.” He said, wrenching my locks. I grimaced as the combs that had been placed in my hair shifted, stabbing into my scalp. “I could kiss you,” he bent his head and pressed his lips against mine, “and no one would stop me. I could declare you a witch and have you burned in the market,” he threw me towards the hearth, “and no one would stop me. You are helpless, no matter how many fancy words you use.” I recoiled from the heat of the fire he had shoved me so close to, losing my balance and falling at the king’s feet. I scrambled up, trying desperately to think of some repartee, but none came to my mind, which had been overwhelmed by his actions. Finally I said, “Taerin would stop you.” The king laughed. “He is too afraid to defy me, as you should be. In any case he is locked in the dungeons, he could not stop me.” “What do you want of me?” I demanded furiously. “Why have you brought me here?” “Wild you may be, but you are one of the most stunning women I have seen. You do not belong on the streets, you belong-” “In the sea,” I said before he could finish. The king frowned. “What?” “I told you I have a way of confusing others. Even Taerin doesn’t understand me… but he knows more than you do.”
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Mermaid
Oct 17, 2005 23:23:58 GMT -5
Post by coffee on Oct 17, 2005 23:23:58 GMT -5
*pulls a knife from his belt and murders that bastard of a king* Damn good writing Eolith, keep it coming. I hope the king get his rear kicked by Taerin. So far, most of my guesses have somewhat been revealed as truth. I wonder if my prediction of the ending will?
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