The Girl in the Woods

Chapter 7

"If you ever need me," Jed explained, pressing the tiny indigo shell into my hand, "just find a source of water and press it to your lips. It's preferable that you do it near the ocean- " He grinned wryly, "- but lakes and rivers are acceptable if it's an emergency. Understood?"

I nodded, looking at the cute little shell thoughtfully. What he'd said hadn't made any logical sense, but then again, nothing in my life was logical right now. There was a tiny hole on the lip of the shell, so with Jed watching, I untied the amulet the merman had bought me and slipped the shell onto the string so that it sat nestled next to the pearly turtle.

"There." I smiled at Jed. "All nice and safe."

He laughed and batted at the red hair tickling my face. It swirled away instantly and lazily. I didn't think anything of it until his large hand brushed my face softly.

"Jed..." I said hesitantly, the gesture immediately making me uncomfortable.

"Don't fear, earth walker Lilah." Jed told me gently, his eyes a little sad as they looked into mine. "I know you belong to the half-vampire Apollo. I would never do anything to stain our friendship."

He sighed and looked over my shoulder; from the soft voices, I could hear Apollo and Okello approaching. "Plus, you are of earth, and I am of water, and we can never be together."

I stared at him, biting my lip sorrowfully. "The girl for you will probably be amazing, Jed."

He smiled at me half-heartedly.

"And she'll probably be like ten times more hot."

We both burst out laughing, and I surprised myself by throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. His smooth skin was icy, and I remembered from somewhere that fish were cold-blooded. It probably wasn't much different for merpeople.

"See you, Jed." I smiled at him as I drew away. "Thanks for everything you've done for us."

"Yes, friend." Apollo was directly behind me know, his face solemn as usual. "We are infinitely grateful to you."

Jed grinned at Apollo, his tail flicking lazily. "Don't worry about it. Come back and visit soon, alright?"

"Of course." Apollo grasped Jed's hand warmly.

Jed turned to Okello, who was observing things quietly and politely. "Are you sure I can't convince you to let me escort them? I know the water as well as you - "

"But I, unlike you, are authorized to move freely through it." Okello said calmly. He spoke with the heavy certainty only older siblings could speak with. "You've had your adventure, little brother. Mother might beat you - and me - with her tail if she finds out I let you leave again."

"Alright, alright." Jed's voice was light but his face was sour. He reminded me of a little boy, and I couldn't help but wonder what he'd been like as a child.

He smiled at me one more time before surging away from where the three of us drifted. Behind him, the great domed merhren of Gorlan Fay shimmered in the gloom. Jed stopped a couple yards away and turned, probably to watch us leave.

I turned back to find Okello smiling at us patiently. "Are you ready?"

Apollo took my hand and nodded.

Okello promptly leaned down and pressed his giant hand to the ocean floor. At once, the bright blue circle appeared, and his giant figure immediately dived in. Apollo and I were quick to follow. I caught a glimpse of Jed's forlorn figure watching us silently, and then the vortex cut off my view.

---

I took a great gasp of air as my head broke the surface. The air tasted amazing, and I never thought I'd be so happy to feel a breeze caress my face. Beside me, Apollo looked into the sky warily before dropping his hood; it was a cloudy day up above water, and several yards away, the shore of Ireland welcomed our arrival silently.