EDITING■The Ocean's Voice- A Mermaid Story

10 Story Time

The mermaid sat on the edge of the shore, allowing her tail to barley touch to water, in deep meditation. Closing the eyes, ignoring what can deceive and concentraing on the other senses that were often disregarded. She focused on the feeling of the moonlight, mingled with the cool night breeze, against her scaley skin. It was soothing and... comforting. As the waves maneuvered the sea foam, a light mist sprayed her face. She licked the mist off of her salt coated lips, savoring it's flavor and musty scent.

Kai was taught this as a child from the elders. It was a trianing technique that was used for military purposes and by disabled mermaids. Blocking out one ability can enhance the other senses. She was currently trying to focus on her hearing.

The sound of the tide as it lapped up against the rocky shore; creating cackling, popping noises. Water echoed below her. Even bigger waves crashed in the distance. The winds that created them blew from the east. Seagulls called to eachother far above her, in search of their next meal. Dolphins from the sanctuary below her chirped excitedly. She then listened to her own steady breaths, inhale and exhale.

Kai smiled. She could hear much farther now. It was helping improve her abilities.

But wait. What was that?

Kai detected another sound.

It was a beat at a constant tempo; having the depth of a drum. And it crescendoed toward her. She didn't like the sound of it at all. It's prevailing rhythm ment that the object or being's motion was confident.

But she knew what it was. And it was harmless.

It's grew louder. And louder. Until she was sure it was behind her.
But it stopped and then there was nothing.

She turned towards the sound and opened her eyes; she saw two poslished black stones... what were they called again?

Lifting her head, she met the eyes of Prince Edmond.

Shoes. That's what they were. Shoes.

Kai nodded in acknowledgment to him. Then she handed him the book. In turn, he walked and sat exactly one fathom away from her.

Their little deal had become routine. Almost everyday, the prince would come and read to the mermaid at sun set.

He read:

"The falling leaves
Winds sweep them up and by
Meaning the end of an Era
Off into the blue sky
Floating, drifting
Swirling down
Acorns dropping
Blanketing the ground
And as winter winds blow
Mother earth and her children
Are safe from freezing snow

Yes autumn is here
Cool winds tell me so
But when leaves fall
Winter is also near
And south the birds of heaven will go

For now, I watch the leaves descend
Telling the stories of the year that has passed
Saddened that it all had to end"

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence until Kai cleared her throat and spoke.

"Edmond?" She asked cautiously.

"Yes?" He tilted his head at her uneasy behavior. It was unusual to see her hesitate.

"What is fall like?"

Confused the prince asked. "You have never seen it? How?"

"I am the one in charge here! I ask the questions. Now answer me, or off with you!"

Edmond rolled his eyes. "Fall is another name for the season of Autumn. The leaves of plants change color and fall."

"Tell me more."