Ocean Song

The Deep

Merle was caged when she finally gained consciousness. Everything was dark. Her cage rattled when she tried to change position. The noise produced by her movement seemed to have alerted the captors because there were suddenly two pairs of glowing eyes swimming around her. Fear rushed up Merle's spine, and it caused her to shiver. "The poor girl looks scared... And tasty. Are you sssssssure we can't take a little taste?" The voice sounded ominous. Merle circled around in order to confront the voice and to not expose her back. "She told us to watch the little fishling. She'll be mad if something happened. It is best to wait until she returns." The other voice sounded equally evil but conveyed a well reasoned message. Good. I at least have a moment before I meet my doom. It wasn't until Merle exhaled that she realized she has been holding her breath since seeing the glowing eyes. Her mind is slowly sinking toward thoughts of despair. Everything she has witnessed up to now seemed unrealistic. This has got to be a dream, she thought. It was well wishing to think that this is all a dream. However, Merle knew that I wasn't a dream. Her world have been turned upside down. Confusion filled her mind. She couldn't understand how all of this tragedy and misfortune was happening. She was still trying to convince her mind that what she saw was not real. She was rationalizing that she did not see her people slowly floating up to the surface, lifeless, from the wounds made by the Fishermen. "She issssss here."

"Som and Sam, gather some light please. Let's not be rude to our guest. She's not used to the darkness, and I don't think she can see." This voice sounded sweet, but there were some undertone that conveyed power. The kind of power that demands complete obedience or else...

The two pair of glowing eyes scattered quickly as if to fetch something that was urgently demanded. Soon after, there were a gradual glow coming from orbs all around the space. Merle was slowly able to become aware of her surrounding because of the light. Better yet, she was able to make out a large figure coming towards her.

"Hello sweetie. I'm Ursala. Welcome to the Deep. Som and Sam didn't hurt you, did they?" Ursala's voice was inviting. Merle wanted to respond but Som or Sam beat her to it. "We haven't touched her. Not even a tiny sssssskinny nibble." "Som, don't be rude. I want to hear the girl talk. Let her speak please" Ursala replied with wild eyes directly aimed at Merle. The two eel-like figures belonging to Som and Sam appeared circling around Ursala. "Come now sweetie. Don't be shy. What's your name?" "M-m-m-Merle," Merle stuttered. "What a lovely name for such a poor frightened child," said Ursala as she drew closer to Merle. Merle can see it now. Ursala's face had an unnatural and frightening-like beauty.