Celeste

12.

I watched him leave, disappearing into the tunnel. Swallowing hard, I turned to ruby. She smiled.

The other mer guided me into the circle, Which was filled with a soft looking substance. I sank into it uncertainly, looking up at the throne where she sat.

The girls ruby referred to were beautiful creatures, almost exactly like the wispy wonderful illustrations in myths and fantasies of the sea. It was a book borrowed many times from the library as it was one of the few with images inside.

The one on my left had silky raven hair, and slitted eyes. About her brow was the same crown of jewels ruby wore, but these were a glinting green, almost invisible in her dark hair.
The one on my right had beautiful dark skin, with white diamonds looping round and round, so that she glittered like a chandelier. She smiled, brown eyes shining.
Also on my right was a pale girl with braided blonde hair, threaded with wonderful sapphires, dark against her light hair. She blinked wide blue eyes my way, almost the same shade as the twinkling jewels.

"Child. Here you can make a new name for yourself. But first, tell us your tale of woe." Ruby spoke, making me jump slightly.

I glanced around, cleared my throat, and spoke.
As i told her how I came to be here, her face did not move one inch, remaining as immovable as the mosaics at the entrance. I made sure not to mention my name, mulling over the thought of a new one...
By the time I finished, she only nodded stifly, jewels glittering as she did.

"You will find that a common tale, child. Many have turned under the pirates influence. I was one myself. But now is the time for change. It is why I demand my searchers not ask for names, so that you can make a new one. So, tell me. What is your name?"

I frowned, my mind made up.
"My mother gave me this name. I was raised with this name. I may well be pronounced dead in my town with this name. But you must understand, it is my name. No more, no less, I am Celeste." I said firmly.

One eyebrow rose. "Very well, Celeste. I shall now explain how this works. Once turned under the waves, you will have to wait for twelve moon turns. This is to ensure you have became in tune with the currents that it creates. You have been here but a day, and so will need to reside in the sponge caves, untill you gain control of your tail. It may take some time, but I have one thing to ask of you, your clothes."

"What do you mean?" I sputtered, clutching the fabric.

"In order to be accepted, you must shed what you once wore. It will make swimming easier, and defence faster. My people will bring it to the surface, to console your loved ones." She said, still staring with hard, glowing eyes.

My mind went to the red dress that had been found all those years ago.
"Do you know anyone named Lucy?" It was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

To my surprise, she laughed, sending ripples of it echoing throughout the room.
"Most mer have different reactions to that question, but not one like that. I do not know of who you speak, child, but you must have confidence to ask." She said, face creased in laughter and thought.

"So... is it like a rule? To take all my things off?" I ask, wrinkling my nose.
The mer surrounding me chuckled. I gave them a curious glance.

They were all staring at me with amusement, white pointy teeth showing.

"Although not mine by blood, my girls are those with powers. Diamond can hypnotise, emerald create glamours of illusion, and sapphire can create emotions within people, like hate and anger. When they sing, Celeste, ships sink." She said, smiling a much more cruel smile.

I shuddered, but she continued, "but I shall answer your question for you, yes. It is a rule. To become one with the sea and community, you must follow the rules. You will gain protection, friendship, and revenge against those who wronged you."

A steady silence took hold, all three girls and a queen staring at me.
I touched the material again, feeling so much different in this strange new place. It was much more torn now, and irritated my skin. My father would be upset at my disappearance, Eli would be angry at himself...

I pulled it over my head, and held it in my hands a moment. I gave a sigh. Then I gave it to one of the girls, who promptly swam off with it.

"A wise choice."

I only nodded, staring at my hands. They, I noticed, were webbed, with clear shining lines in between them. My nails were much sharper too, the usual chipped white crests replaced with steely claws. I shuddered.

"Now, Celeste, it is time to go to the learning caves, where you learn of your agility and potential." Ruby said, giving a kindly bow of her head.

The two girls gently lifted and guided me away from the beautifully shiny room, and into a much more darker part, lined with the luminescent algae.

It twisted upwards, and I felt better without my dress, giving my tail a few experimental wriggles.

By the time we ventured into the light, I felt exhausted. I yawned, surveying the new room with tired eyes.

It was like the inside of a church, with a triangle shape and glass mosaics glittering in the jellyfish light. The ground had more of the soft stuff from earlier, and the girls led me to a curtained off corner, where I curled up gratefully. A blanket was draped over as I began to settle.

"I'm diamond. Tomorrow you can learn about the history, and help make mosaics if you want too. Goodnight, Celeste." One of the girls said, pulling the curtains across so that darkness swallowed the corner.

I yawned, curled up with my strange new tail coiled about myself, and began to drift to sleep, keenly aware that I was a long way from home.