Fins(44)

“Welcome to Neridia,” he said.

I let go of him and he pulled me to his side.

“This is one of our many cities, but it’s my favorite.”

“It’s white!” I exclaimed in awe. It reminded me of a giant castle, complete with turrets.

“Yes, they brought the stone from Greece centuries ago. It’s the only white one in the world. What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“I hoped you’d like it! I want to take you in. Are you up for it?”

“I’d love to.”

He looked so happy. “Thank you for having the courage to come with me.”

I didn’t feel courageous at all. Quite the opposite in fact, but with the ocean floor beneath us, I was feeling much more confident. We swam over large boulders and sharp rocks toward a road made of crushed white rocks that led into the city.

Passing under the giant archways, Thayde squeezed my hand in excitement. We entered an enormous courtyard of sorts and there before us were dozens of merpeople. No one took the slightest interest that we were there; it was as if we were walking in downtown Vero. Thayde led me to an area where we could sit together. He looked about as if searching for someone.

“Are you meeting anyone here?” I asked.

“I was hoping we’d run into Ezen. He was my best friend in school. He’s a bit different, but I’d really like you to meet him.” He continued to scan the crowd.

I pulled my long hair down around my neck and held it in front of me. This place was beyond my wildest dreams. Nothing that happened next would surprise me.

“Morgan, I’ll be right back.” Thayde lifted up off the bench, kissing my hand. “I won’t be a moment.”

With that, he disappeared into the crowd. I braided my hair and looked upward into the black sea and wondered how far down we were. With the lights shining down on the city like giant spotlights, this place had to be pretty hard to miss. Why hadn’t I heard about it on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel? Surely a place like this couldn’t be kept a secret for long – not with today’s technology.

“Morgan?” A familiar voice called to me and when I looked in its direction, saw Tiesa swimming toward me, her arms laden with baskets.

“Hi!” I said, stunned to see her. She dropped the baskets by the bench and gave me a big hug.

“What are you doing here?” She asked and looked down at my tail. “You didn’t tell me it was gold!”

“Yeah, I didn’t think about it,” I said, but she interrupted me.

“Oh, this is just wonderful! I’m so happy!” Her lovely red hair flew about as she bobbed up and down. “Who are you here with?”

“Thayde,” I said.

“Oh my, you’re totally in love with him aren’t you?” She grinned and squeezed my hand. “I’m so excited for you! Have you corded? Have you?” She was talking a hundred miles an hour and I had to smile at her eagerness.

“Mom says we have.”

“I knew it! I knew it!” She repeated and then stopped, staring off.

I followed her gaze which led to Thayde and a thin merman with a dark green tail. His brown dreadlocks swam behind him, reaching his waist. A few wooden earrings clung to his ears and he wore cuffs on each arm. The black tattoo on his arm matched Thayde’s.

Thayde circled my waist with his arm, pulling me to him.

“Ezen, this is my Morgan.”

Ezen reached forward, shaking my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. We’ve been waiting a long time.” Looking down at my tail, he smiled, “Nice fins.” Then he noticed Tiesa.

“And who’s your friend?” he asked, not taking his eyes from her.

“I’m sorry, Ezen. This is Tiesa.”

“Tiesa,” he repeated and kissed her hand.

“Ezen,” she said as if in a trance.

It was very clear they instantly liked each other.

“Would you like to join us, Tiesa?” Ezen asked.

“I’d love to,” she said and gave him her other hand.

“Are we this obvious?” I whispered to Thayde and he laughed.

“I’m sure we are.”

“What’s your plan, Thayde?” Ezen managed to tear his gaze away from Tiesa to address his friend. “Are you going to show her around the city?”

“I wanted to show her where we stay and give her the gift I got her.”

“Ah.” Ezen nodded knowingly and then returned his attention to Tiesa.

“Gift?” I asked, breaking the now uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah, he’s been working on it since he first dreamed of you.”

“That’ll do!” Thayde grinned and tightened his grip around me. “I’ll see you two later.” Instantly, he had taken off straight up and we were a good twenty feet above them.