Thalassa

Chapter 7

In the three years Thea spent with the naiads, she learnt a lot about the island. After a bad history with humans, the creatures of myths retreated to the island, Myathos. Myathos looked like a tiny uninhabited island, like Thea had thought when she arrived. But it was actually vast and home to over a million creatures. Even Eleni wasn't sure of all the inhabitants. You couldn't see Myathos from the sea, it was only accessible by an invisible portal, which no one had found before Thea. Thea also learnt that boredom was impossible when with the naiads. They were always giddy, as if drunk on happiness. Eleni said that's the reason for marriage between a human and a naiad was so rare (even when they lived in on the same land) was because a naiad would drive a man mad with constant singing and giggling. But Thea loved it, the way they had no need to do anything else. Just enjoy themselves. Really, the naiad had no needs at all. They could thrive of the river, it was the air, food and water. They never slept. Eleni told them that the sea nymphs needed food and sleep, so she directed Thea to the nearest fruit trees and she slept on the river banks at night. It was strange, considering sea nymphs tended to stay in the sea as you would expect, but the naiads knew that Eleni was special and would hang on her every word.

As much as Thea loved her life with the naiads, she couldn't stay forever. She was 16 now. Naiads were divinities and though not immortal, they aged so much slower than humans. One day her youth would be gone, and then she would have to go too. She hated the idea of the naiads knowing she'd been lying the whole time. But leaving would be so hard. When would she leave anyway? She had no mirror to see herself. This was what she was pondering when there was a sudden commotion amongst the bushes. Eleni hushed everyone and told them to go underwater. Thea couldn't stay under for long though, so she just hid behind the rock. She daren't peer over. Eleni had warned her about some of the creatures, or rather monsters, that could smell human blood.

"Where have you lead us? What dangers have you taken us to?"

"Hush, Socrates! I am trying to think.

Thea took a sharp breathe. She knew the voices were human, because the voice that had replied, all though now more gruff, belonged to Mikalis. Curiosity getting the better of her, Thea whispered his name and apprehensively looked over . There he was, taller and stockier, but he was standing in front of a bush with his arms out on both sides indicating to whoever was behind him to stay back. How did he get here, and what was he doing? Surely the search parties hadn't continued? Then she saw his eyes widen as he caught sight of her. He mouthed her name, before freezing on the spot. Although he seemed paralysed, it was clear that thought raced around his mind, as his eyes weren't focusing on anything particular. Thea ducked behind the rock again. She didn't want anybody else to find out that she was there.

"Men!" She heard him shout. "I believe that we would make better progress by spreading out across the island. Try and find some fruit bushes or fig trees, or maybe some animals to hunt. Our supplies our limited. We must try to get our bearings. I didn't see any other islands when we arrived so we might be here some time before we figure something out. Now, separate!" His voice bellowed. Mikalis wasn't even speaking loudly, but the island was silent, like it had been when Thea had arrived. Eleni had said that though it was almost impossible for a human to discover the island, the island was always defensive. This is why it appeared desolate, quiet and unfruitful. Even the islands beasts didn't want to risk exposure and found a way to disappear.

The bushes rustled again, this time in harmony with muttering and murmuring.

"Thea, come here!" Mikalis whispered. There was a sudden bubbling behind Thea and Eleni's head bobbed up. She smiled softly and reassuringly.

"Beautiful Thalassa, we both know it's time. Join Mikalis. It's ok." She placed a gentle hand on Thea's shoulder. Thea returned her smile and swam to the bank before clambering out.

"Thea, walk north to the beach where you came. No creature shall bother you, it's to close to the sea. Take care, both of you." Eleni instructed, and in silence, the pair took off.