Thalassa

Chapter 11

"So, what now?" Mikalis asked. But when he turned his face to Thea's, he could just make out shut eyelids, hiding behind silky brown waves of hair. Smiling to himself, Milkals turned back over, and dreamt of the beautiful runaway girl.

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When the sun was shone thought the trees and down on his face, Mikalis awoke to the sight of Thea dancing and spinning around. Her child-like laughter echoed around the woods.

"Oh, Mikalis, you're awake! I have wonderful news!" She stopped and caught her breathe, but continued to beam. It felt like she had awarded him with the glorious sight.

"Well, explain yourself then" he chuckled.

" I went to see if my Father was okay, that he was alive, so I hid behind the trees near where he was resting." Thea babbled.

"You went to the beach? Thea, he could've seen you, how could you be so thoughtless? And you just left me asleep? What if I had woken up and panicked?" Mikalis' expression had turned stern, but Thea's remained joyful.

"Neither of those things happened, did they?" And she smiled wickedly.

"Anyway, both men were on their feet. They agreed that they must have been closer to shore and they washed up. Which is good, because I was worrying the other man might say something but clearly he couldn't remember" Thea almost chirped. Her happiness softened Mikalis' anger from before.

"And, that's not the important part. My father said he was getting old, and maybe he should give up searching for his daughter, since the shipwreck almost killed him. He said he should live his life with his wife and son. Mikalis I have never felt more free!" Thea said, and she started to dance again. Mikalis felt bad for poor Proteo, given up hope when in fact, his daughter was right here, dancing and giggling. But at least things would start to get better, and they would be a family again.

"We should probably start to find somewhere to stay, if you Father is walking about." Mikalis said.

"Okay, let's try to find someone who will let us stay for a while" Thea replied.

She picked up the cloak she had been wearing the previous night, the one Mikalis had offered her, and followed him as he started walking. She waved the clock around as she walked. Mikalis began to laugh.

"What's is it?" Thea asked.

"You're just so unlike anyone else at home. You're your own person" he said.

"I shall take that as a compliment" Thea said, and she began to plait her hair, and she tied it off with the ribbon from the day of the banquet, that she had managed to keep tied securely around her wrist through everything. The plait allowed rays of pleasant sunlight touch her shoulders. She was extremely content.

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Thea and Mikalis had taken hours to find the right house, as most of them looked small, and they probably wouldn't have room for two extra lodgers. Finally though, they found a big plain house, that seemed about right. They stood before worn wooden door and Thea knocked it lightly. A pretty, fairly aged woman answered. Her hair was pinned up simply and she wore a light green tunic.

"Oh. I never seem to get visitors anymore? What's your business?" She asked politely.

"We are looking for somewhere to stay a while, until we can fix our boat and get back home" Thea lied. She felt a little guilty, as the woman seemed so gentle and kind, but they wouldn't be staying too long anyway. Just a few days.

"I see. Are you married?" She asked. Of course. It would be a little strange if they were not, so Thea lied again.

"Yes! This is my husband Mikalis. I'm Thea" she said with confidence.

" Nice to meet you. My name is Adara. I'm widowed and I have space, but it would be good if you could help me in the house." She said and reached out a hand. Mikalis shook it.

"I say that's fair"

"Welcome in then!" She beamed and gestured for the pair to enter. They followed Adara into a court yard adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. A gleaming mosaic surrounded a well. White pillars held up the red tile roof. It was a large building, but there were no servants.

"Adara, I really hope you don't mind me asking, but do you live here alone?" Thea questioned.

"Ah, I'm afraid I do. As I said I am widowed and I had no children. When my husband died, I dismissed the servants. I wanted to mourn alone. And after that, I enjoyed being independent. It took me some time to adjust, but life is more interesting when I'm self-sufficient." She told them.

"Anyway. Come along I shall show you to your rooms" she said and walked up the nearest wooden staircase. She showed Thea into a room with decorated walls. It was a lot nicer than her room at home. She walked out at the same time as Mikalis walked out of his room. They both saw the awe on each others faces.

"Are the rooms okay? Oh, you're probably hungry, I'll show you the farm."

Thea couldn't believe there was more. Adara must have felt lonely in such a big house. She led them out to an orchard of the ripest looking fruit she had ever seen.

"I have some fresh fish and bread. We could eat it with some fresh fruit. You can pick some while I prepare the fish." Adara said, before walking back to the house.