Siren

Chapter 6 - Songs & Storms

"Sam, you mentioned sea singers. What exactly are they?" Marina asks as they make their way to The Salty Mermaid to meet the rest of the sailor crew.

Sam hesitates for a moment, a flicker of caution in his eyes. "Sea singers, Marina, are said to be people—blessed, or cursed, depending on who you ask—with the ability to communicate with the sea through song. They can calm storms, guide sea creatures, and even control the tides. Some see them as protectors of the sea, while others fear their power, considering it unnatural."

"Are there... are there still sea singers around?" Marina's voice falters slightly, the weight of the question pressing down on her.

"Some say a few remain—hidden, living among us disguised as ordinary folk. But it's rare to hear of them these days. Most of what we know comes from old tales, passed down through generations," Sam explains, though his words hold an air of uncertainty.

Marina's mind races as they walk toward the tavern, haunted by thoughts of what Sam has said. The idea that someone could manipulate the sea in such a way intrigues—and frightens—her.

As they reach The Salty Mermaid, the creaking sign swaying with the breeze, Sam pushes open the heavy wooden door. The dim interior is thick with smoke and the low hum of many conversations. As they navigate through the crowd, Marina feels eyes following them, whispering conversations pausing as they pass.

"Marina, are you okay!?" Uncle John suddenly appears, pushing through the crowd, his face a mix of concern and confusion. "Captain Elias saw you this morning at the harbor. Then he saw you head off toward the forbidden waters."

Her heart skips a beat at the mention of her excursion. She hadn't expected him to know so soon.

"I'm alright, Uncle John," Marina says, trying to mask her unease. "Just had some questions that needed answering."

Uncle John's gaze shifts from Marina to Sam, his eyes narrowing as he studies the stranger. "And who might this be?" he asks, suspicion creeping into his voice.

Marina quickly steps in. "This is Sam. He helped me navigate the waters earlier today," she explains, hoping to deflect any concern. "We met at the harbor."

Uncle John's expression softens slightly as he extends a hand to Sam. "Ah, a fellow sailor. Pleasure to meet you," he grunts, though his eyes are still wary. He turns to Marina, his voice lowering. "But you know better than to venture into those waters, especially alone."

Marina's stomach twists at the reprimand, but she meets his gaze. "I know, Uncle. But there's something out there, something I need to understand." Her voice is resolute, yet a flicker of doubt haunts her words.

He sighs deeply, worry creasing his brow. "The sea can be unforgiving. Promise me you'll be careful, Marina."

"I promise," Marina responds, her voice unwavering, but a sliver of fear still tugs at her.

Uncle John nods, though he doesn't seem fully convinced. He steps back into the crowd, leaving Marina and Sam to find their way through the bustling room.

They approach Captain Roberts, whose sharp gaze twinkles with amusement. A grin forms on his face as he gestures for them to join him at the table.

"Ah, Sam, and the mysterious girl who left before I could catch your name! Good of you to join us," Captain Roberts says, his voice a rumble of warmth. "We were just sharing tales of the sea. Now, we're curious what adventures you two have found yourselves in."

"My name's Marina." She shares a glance with Sam, feeling the weight of the crew's eyes on her. A spark of excitement dances in her chest as she takes a seat. "We might have stumbled upon a mystery or two."

"Please, do share," Captain Roberts says, settling back with his arms folded. "I'm all ears."

Marina inhales deeply, feeling the shift in the room. Every eye is on her, and the air is thick with anticipation. She glances at Sam, who gives her a reassuring nod. With a steady breath, she begins, her voice carrying the weight of their shared experience.

"Earlier today, Sam and I ventured into the forbidden waters," Marina begins. "We—locals—tend to stay away from them, because we don't really know what lies there. Everything was fine until I started feeling... uneasy. Like something was wrong. I told Sam we should turn back, and as soon as he did, we were hit with a storm. A storm like I've never seen."

The crew listens intently as she continues. "It wasn't just a regular storm. It was as if the sea was... angry at us, trying to keep us there."

Sam nods gravely. "It was relentless. Every wave felt like it had a mind of its own, dragging us deeper into the storm's grip."

Marina's voice grows tight as she recalls the moment. "Then I realized... I hadn't sung."

Captain Roberts raises an eyebrow. "Hadn't sung?"

"Back home," Marina explains, "we sing a song before we set sail. It's a tradition. A song to keep us safe, to wish for calm seas. I always thought it was just a superstition."

"Is that why you didn't sing this morning?" Captain Roberts asks, his expression curious. "Because you didn't think it mattered?"

Marina hesitates. "I—I'm not sure. I just... forgot, I guess. I was too focused on the task at hand."

The room falls quiet as everyone processes her words. Sam gives her a comforting glance, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "It's alright, Marina," he says quietly. "We made it through because of you. Your quick thinking and bravery kept us alive."

Captain Roberts leans forward, his voice low but tinged with respect. "Indeed. Sometimes, it's not just the songs or the words that guide us—it's the strength inside us."

The crew murmurs in agreement, the weight of the moment settling over them.

"Well, my friends," Captain Roberts says, his tone growing more serious, "it seems we have a tale worth contemplating."

"But let us not forget," he continues, "that the sea holds many secrets. And it is our duty as sailors to face them with courage."

The crew nods, a renewed sense of purpose among them.

"Tomorrow," Captain Roberts declares, his voice filled with resolve, "we set sail again. And this time, Marina, I want you to join us."

Marina freezes, surprised. "R-Really?"

"Yes, really," Captain Roberts says firmly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "You've got the heart of a sailor. And there's more to that storm—and those waters—than meets the eye. We need someone like you. Someone who understands the sea."

Marina's pulse quickens. She feels both a rush of excitement and a knot of fear tightening in her chest. "I'd be honored, Captain."

Sam grins at her, his eyes gleaming with approval. "You'll do well, Marina. There's much to learn, and plenty of adventure ahead."

As the night stretches on, the crew warms to her, telling stories of their own. By the end of the evening, Marina feels more determined than ever to uncover the secrets of the forbidden waters—and whatever connection she might have to the sea.