Atlantian War

Chapter 2: Athens

The elderly man smiled gently at the dirt covered princess. Ranessa scrambled away from him. She had never seen a live mortal human this close. He didn't look like what she'd imagined from the stories. Not tall and broad with a menacing look. He was a little wrinkly and scrawny. He had dark sun tanned skin and graying hair along with a matching beard. He had deep hazel eyes and a comforting smile.

"I wont hurt you, miss." he said softly. He took a small step closer to her. The fear in her eyes was burning. "What's your name?" he cooed to her. He held out a callused hand to her. Rani stared at it for a moment, then she took it.

"My name. My name is Rani." she said slowly. Did they know about the mermaid princess? She figured her nickname would be her best shot. He looked at her in awe, he'd never seen a woman this beautiful in the forest.

"Well, this forest seems very peaceful, Rani, but it has many horrible blood-stained memories." the old man said gravely. "My name is Elias. Do you need a place to stay?" he asked her. She nodded. He patted her hand. "It's okay, Rani, you will like Athens. I'll have my son show you around tomorrow, if you'd like?" he raised his scruffy eyebrow, as if he expected her to swoon.

Elias led her out of the forest just as the sun was rising. A large city lay below the hill they were atop of. Many large white buildings covered the land, she saw mortal people bustling around.

"Welcome to Athens, Miss Rani." he crowed. "I live on this hill just down the road to the right." he said turning to his right, pointing to a little dirt road. They started down the little road, Elias chatting away about his son. "And he loves riding horses! Have you ever been on a horse, Rani?" he cried, jabbering away. He didn't even attempt to listen to Rani's answer as they reached the small cottage. "Welcome to my humble home, Rani. Adonis!" he yelled. A young man jogged out from a small barn, holding a horse bridle. He stopped in his tracks as soon he laid eyes on Rani. Rani stared back at the beautiful man. He had short jet black hair and sparkling hazel eyes. His skin was sun browned, like his father's, and his body was toned from strenuous jobs on the farm. His hard square jaw turned into a slight smile.

"Father, who is this?" he asked in regard of the breath taking woman standing next to his father. Elias looked at Rani next to him. The slight breeze blew her auburn hair around her flawless face.

"Adonis, this is Rani. Rani, this is my son, Adonis." he smiled, noticing the awe in each others' eyes. He held out his hand to her. She stared at it. Instead, she did what merpeople usually do when meeting someone new. She leaned in and kissed both of his cheeks. His face flushed. She noticed and forgot he was a mortal.

"I'm so sorry." she cried in a hushed voice. "Where I'm from, that's what we do when we encounter new people."

He stared at her. She was angelic, radiant. Shining brighter than the sun rising from the hills. Her voice so pure and silky smooth.

Elias left, giving them some privacy.

"So, Rani, where did you get that name?" he asked half hearted, trying to start a conversation. She could tell he was nervous.

"It means 'my song' from my country." she said softly. His eyebrows rose.

"And that is?" he asked, picking out little details from her. She struggled to find an adequate answer.

"Across the sea, Adonis." her voice a but harsher, telling him the conversation was over. She didn't lie, but she didn't tell him the complete truth. He speculated her words.

"I see." was all he had to say. "Well, I'm sure my father told you I would show you the town?" he asked.

"He did." Rani said monotonously.