Paradise

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

Soren returned probably twenty minutes later, carrying with him a large serving dish woven from a coarse plant fiber. On it lay four large fillets-- probably fish, though I couldn't say what type. They smelled faintly fruity, though there was a fishy undertone.

"My sister loves torche," Soren said, setting the serving dish on top of the fire. "I think you will too."

"Won't that burn," I said, gesturing to the serving dish. "You're sitting it right on top of the fire."

"It'll be fine," he said. "The plants these are made of come from the great dragon's lair and are practically flame-retardant."

"Oh," I said, sounding impressed. "That is neat."

He chuckled. "I love it when you say that."

"So," I said, brushing a strand of my hair behind my shoulder as I moved closer toward the fire. "You have a sister, huh?"

"Yes, I do," he said. "Her name is Luciana."

"That's a beautiful name," I commented.

He smiled. "Thank you. It was our mother's name."

"Was?"

"Yes, she passed away many years ago."

"Oh," I said, feeling uncomfortable. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he said. "She wasn't happy here anymore. She wished to return to the waters of our ancestors."

"Like an afterlife?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "The crystal sea, where the waters are pure and clean and fill you with endless joy, and everyone you've ever lost is there to greet you."

I smiled. "Sounds beautiful."

"I know she's happy there," he said. "That's what we wanted for her."

"I'm confused about one thing," I said, feeling like I was quickly crossing the line between polite conversation and being nosy. But I just couldn't stop myself. "Daphne said sirens can't die ... they can only be killed. Is it the same with mers?"

"Yes," he said, unperturbed. "It is the same with all species here."

"So ... you killed her?"

"Not me. Certain mers are trained in that area and are the only ones allowed to commit murder. If a mer who is not trained in that area commits murder than he or she is held accountable and brought before the great dragon."

"Oh," I said, suddenly thinking about Odine's death again. "What does he do?"

"He sees that they are rightfully punished."

"Um," I said, eyes downcast, looking into the fire, "I guess that sounds fair, only ... what about Odine? W-Will you--"

"Be given a trial?" Soren finished. "Perhaps. If Liora or Daphne wish to press charges, but I'm not worried. You shouldn't be, either."

"Why aren't you worried?" I asked, looking up at him.

"For one, I've already mentioned, a siren's mind lacks a certain ... sharpness." he paused to laugh. "And if it does somehow go to trial it'll easily be seen as a defensive-murder. There are creatures around at all times to serve as witnesses. They are skilled in stealth. One could be here right this second, and we'd never know it!"

"I-I guess," I said uneasily, "But--"

"Please don't worry, Penny, everything will be okay," he said, giving me a reassuring smile. "Now, where was I?"