Between Scylla and Charybdis

Chapter 5. Bad reeds

If ever there was a moment when Scylla could feel her every nerve tense and jerk like a fishing net being dragged across the ocean floor, it was today. She didn't like not being in control. A sense of dread filled her very being as she watched mother parade her past an ever growing audience.

'Excited for today?'

'Excited 'isn't really the right word. Appalled is much more suitable.'

'Now I know you're not one for violence, but this is a necessary test. You need a strong mate to lead by your side. We're weeding out the bad reeds, sweetheart.'

'Strength can be measured in more than one way. All I'm saying is that this trial isn't fair.'

'Oh? I've never heard you utter this complaint before. Are you worried about something, daughter?'

Scylla jerked to the side, turning her back towards her mother in a manner that could only be interpreted as disrespectful.

'Only that I'll be forced to mate a bubbles for brains beefcake, mother.'

'Oh, as if I'd let that happen. Don't be such a baby. Mother has got your back.'

'Right.'

A bunch of Mer gathered in the reed fields just outside the cavern, luscious green vines circled up from the sandbed, curling upward and onto jagged black rocks that marked the outside of a forty feet wide pit. At set intervals, little handcrafted trinkets were tied to the kelp. Some consisted mostly of shells, others were a jumble of fishbone and the really daring ones contained glowing rocks and gems, casting a flicker upon the nearby rock.

Offerings for good luck. Scylla hadn't brought any, maybe she should have. The sense of dread returned fivefold.

'It's not too late to go back and get the charms I made for you.' Her mother whispered as if sensing her daughter's distress.

Scylla tensed, stroking a hand through the bundle of fins on her head. Those charms wouldn't do her any good. They were made for her mothers favorite, and Scylla now knew all too well who that was.

Black scales came stalking through the reeds, floating perfectly silent towards the pair of females. Scylla sensed the male before she could see his imposing frame peek out from between the cover. Pure black with hints of a deep azure blue running down a sleek and muscular tail. Sharp teeth hidden behind a set of full lips and dangerous looking quills littering across his back. He was quite the sight to behold. Enough to set any females heart a flutter.

'Scython!' Her mother cooed in excitement. 'You've come to talk to Scylla before the fight?'

The male bowed before the matron, but his gaze remained focussed on Scylla, who couldn't help but feel a little stalked.

'If she'd do me the honor.'

Agathis practically shoved her poor daughter forward, giving her an encouraging pat on the back. This day was getting better and better.

'Of course she will! She'd be delighted. Behave you two.'

Scylla was left behind, accompanied only by the male and her growing annoyance at the whole situation.

'What do you want, Scython?' She snarled.

'Easy, Scylla. Tradition demands I come pay my respects. You won't need to tolerate me any longer than is necessary.'

As if on queue, all nearby mer swiftly cleared out of the kelp forest, giving the pair some privacy.

'Tradition? What tradition?'

Scython looked confused at her reply for a moment, but took it in stride, offering her a charming smile.

'You're supposed to offer a blessing to your favorite male. That's why I am here.'