Into the Ocean

Chapter Three

After our first adventure, Rowan continued to take me to different places. We went swimming with dolphins, I even went scuba diving with him, but of course he didn't need any equipment for that. This summer was the best ever that's for sure.

We were currently at our cove looking up at the few stars in the sky, and the moon was beautifully full. I was glad he had nothing planned for today, as much as I loved our adventures it was also nice to just lay here with him.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" He sat up to look at me.

"Nothing really. I'm just enjoying relaxing here with you." I gave him a small smile.

He smiled back still staring at me.

"I was just wondering...what if I could take you to see Cordelia, Milah. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Now I sat up. "Rowan, as much as I would love that...I don't think that would be such a good idea and you know it. It's forbidden have you forgotten?"

"No, of course not. I just wish I could take you Milah. It's such a beautiful place, and it's my home, I want to share that with you." He reached for my hand.

"You're so sweet. I wish everyone were as kind as you are." I sat closer to him, and he put his arm around me, so I laid my head against his chest.

"Milah?"

"Yeah." I looked up to see a smile on his face. "What are you smiling at?" I couldn't help but smile back.

"I just can't get over how beautiful you are, and I'm glad you were the one I got the chance to know."

I felt my cheeks grow warm probably turning pink as well. He's never called me that before. He leaned in closer, and then kissed me. I closed my eyes and kissed him back. And under the moonlight in our little cove we shared our first kiss.

~~~~~

A couple of days later Rowan was the first to show up.

"Hey, why are you here so early?" I walked into the sea, closer to him, then he grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a quick kiss.

"It's my Birthday! And I have a present you can't refuse."

"It's your birthday?! Why didn't you tell me anything? Besides you do know that's not the way things work. You're the one that supposed to receive the gifts silly."

"Well then your gift would be to accept mine."

"What is it?"

"It's an invitation to Cordelia!"

My mouth dropped. "Rowan we've discussed this already." I started to pull myself away from his arms.

"We can't do that."

"Nope that won't be an excuse this time. The king of the Water Breathers always allows one gift of anything in the world, on the anniversary of one's birth. He is a powerful being who has access to whatever power he wishes. He is a most beloved king, who will not deny me my gift I am sure of it."

"And if he does?" I said slowly, wondering if this was going to really happen.

"He won't. Trust me." He pulled me in closer wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Don't worry my dear Milah. All will be well." He chuckled happy to have me join him.

I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I do trust you, but I don't know...isn't this dangerous. I'm just a little worried to go where I am not welcomed. You've told me yourself, Water Breathers hate Humans."

His expression on his face went soft. "Oh don't worry we are kind creatures. No one would ever dare dream of harming you. They don't hate your kind... they just fear them."

I always knew Water Breathers weren't exactly fans of Humans, but it never occurred to me why Rowan didn't carry negative feelings towards my kind.

"Why don't you? I just realized from the day we met, you never feared me."

"Oh I feared Humans believe me, but then as I grew older I just started to wonder to myself why. Why do I fear them? What have they done to me? Then eventually my fear subsided and I grew to be curious about your kind. I started going to the surface everyday to see what I could learn about your kind, and that's when I started to noticed you. Which I'm glad I did. Plus your proof Humans aren't dangerous."

"Some of us can be... I hope your aware of that."

"Well, all that matters to me is that you're not. Come on." He started to lead me into the ocean.

"Wait! How will I breathe? I can't hold my breath that long."

"Oh yeah!" He laughed. "I almost forgot. Here." He swam to a large rock that was in the water. Then he handed me a diving mask.

"What the heck? Where'd you get this?"

He smiled. "I found it."

"And where would you find something like this? At the bottom of the sea?" I said sarcastically.

"Fine, I took it from some small boat out at sea. I promise I'll give it back. Maybe." He snickered.

I rolled my eyes with a sigh. "Okay, whatever let's do this."

His eyes lit up. "Alright, let's go." He had a smile on his face so big it made me laugh as it usually did. Just his smile alone can brighten up my day.

I put the mask on and he held out his hand, so I took it. We swam side by side, with him mostly pulling me through the water. I couldn't help but have this queasy feeling at the bottom of my stomach. I didn't know if it was either from nerves, fear, or excitement, but gosh, Rowan sure knew how to make my heart feel alive again.