“You’re leaving?” he asked. Fin nodded then looked down. It was a heartfelt goodbye. Mojarro was back to normal. Darr had returned to Panga and was welcomed and celebrated. The war had crippled Eulachon and no one had answers as to what their future held. Guida would stay on as queen. A role she seemed prepared for. And Queen Rasbora and King Nephrus sent their warm regards for a victory that no one could explain. They had sent their men of which many had returned. The men spoke of miracles in the water and of being aided in battle by fish. It had become the war all of Madaka would never forget. And it was time for Fin to head home.
Zion and Nimah ran through the castle with Lillia right behind them. Fin was in the city speaking with the citizens hoping to restore their faith with the king and his men. It didn’t take much. The citizens had watched them bravely go into a battle they couldn’t win. And their hearts bled for the fallen.
Ziege was at home resting. He and Rotiro had been severely injured but had been nursed back to health and were close to a full recovery. Fin visited the men and their families. She had been gone all day. Lark played with the children as they continually entered his room and jumped in his bed. He was unable to get the much-needed rest, and Lillia tried to keep them out.
“It’s fine. I love having them around,” Lark said, as Lillia entered with a plate of mophos and karra beans. “No, no,” she said, as the children crawled on Lark. “Okay…These two have too much liveliness. I will take them outside. Let them run off some of this energy,” she said. Lark chuckled. Lillia took the children down the stairs to the first floor of the castle and walked up to her husband.
“Lark just woke. He probably wants to see you,” she said. Arfusei stopped his work to go see his friend. The Eulachon guards had made a mess of some of the furniture and he was working hard to mend the damage.
“How is he feeling?’ he asked. “He’s better. I think he is sad because Fin is leaving tomorrow morning. She is still away visiting. This is her last day then she will return to wherever she lives… Where does she live?” Lillia asked. Arfusei shrugged his shoulders.
“Some say she is good friends with Queen Rasbora and has been allowed to live there in peace. She wants Lark to remain king. I don’t understand them. They love each other. What keeps them apart?” he said. Lillia looked away. It was a good question. What could keep apart two people who obviously loved each other.
“Another man,” she replied. Arfusei stared at her. It didn’t seem possible. He couldn’t imagine who that man would be. A lover in Piratchu. It seemed unlikely.
Arfusei went up to see Lark as Lillia left to take the kids to the garden. This was the last day she would have with Fin’s babies. She had grown fond of them. They reminded her of Fin. Rambunctious and headstrong. They were fearless and inquisitive. They kept her on her toes and she loved every minute of it. She sat down at a bench Arfusei built. She looked at the children. There was something about them that she had been witness to. She discovered they had powers. Fin had not mentioned it. Lillia couldn’t imagine Fin wouldn’t know. These were her children. She was sure Fin knew but didn’t want to talk about it. Her children would find it difficult to live a normal life. They were already royalty. Life would already be a balance of wonderful bliss with sprinkles of drama, power struggles and tough decision making. It would be difficult living up to their ancestors. And she admired Fin for fighting for some kind of normalcy for them. Walking away from the throne had to be tough. And she imagined Fin was doing it for her children’s sake.
Lillia decided not to speak on it in case Fin wanted her gifted babies’ secrets to stay hidden. “Okay. Slow down,” she said, as they ran through the vast beautiful oasis of flowers. Soldiers stood at attention protecting the little prince and princess of Mojarro. Lillia looked out into the sky. Fin would return soon. All was well. Her children were happy. Mojarro was safe. And life was never better for Fin’s kingdom.
A
nother restless night had Lance up and pacing. He drank coffee even though it was close to midnight. It didn’t matter if he drank it or not. He wasn’t worried about disturbed sleep. He hadn’t slept for a full night since Fin and Nimah had gone. It was bad enough that Fin had left, but Nimah’s absence had sent him over the edge. He had reduced his work hours to twice a week in an effort to stay home in case his wife and child returned.
Lance kept Isla at home with him. The strange visit from the woman and men from agencies concerned with the ocean and its inhabitants was still a possible issue. Allan had hired a law firm who had done a good job of stopping any future visits to his home. But laws that protected him from the intrusion would not help keep Isla from their prying eyes when she was away at daycare. So, he decided to have her home schooled when the time came. She was turning five. It was time.
Isla was sound asleep. Lance stood over her admiring her bravery. She spoke of Fin and Nimah daily, making sure to keep them in her thoughts. She had started going to the window and looking out then smiling. She was behaving as though they would be returning soon. Lance wondered if she knew something. Her nightly tears and disturbed slumber had been replaced with endless babble about keeping her room clean. She was making an enormous effort at putting her toys away and had placed a unicorn Lance had brought for her on her pillow. Lance wondered why she made him buy two. He thought it was one for her. But Isla put them side by side on Nimah’s bed and never touched them.
And yet still, with all Lance had been through, something was different about this night. It felt strange as if that were possible. The ocean was calm. The weather was perfect. He had read to Isla and put her to bed. And yet a feeling that was too profound and intense to put into words, had him tense.
It started with Isla’s preoccupation with the ocean that day. She had run to the window several times looking out at the waves. Something she hadn’t done in months and Lance took note. She suddenly stopped looking when her father asked her about it. It seemed she didn’t want to get his hopes up. And now she was asleep and Lance was the one who was continually going to the window. It was a vicious cycle for him and his child. Always looking. Always hoping. It helped them feel close to Fin and Nimah. Because they were out there somewhere. Only water separated them.
It was dark. The moon shimmered off the ocean’s surface. Lance laid on the couch with his head back on a pillow as his body relaxed. There was no way he would get any sleep and he didn’t even try. He grabbed the remote hoping something could provide a decent distraction. He laid back and turned on the television then sat the remote on his chest. A comedy did little to produce any happiness or laughter and only seemed to irritate him further. Lance turned the channel hoping to find something more appropriate. The face of Humphrey Bogart, in a picture with technicolor and mellow dramatic music would be the selection of the night. The sad looking love story seemed more appropriate. The woman with weary, water filled eyes was just what he needed. He could tell by the tense music it was a tragedy. Maybe one worse than his. Fin had been gone for months and he was coming apart at the seams.
His phone buzzed. It was Allan again. His brother had resorted to calling every other night. Lance sighed then answered. His brother was worried about him. He wondered what Allan wanted so late. He was being his usually supportive self but the calls were becoming annoying.
“Are you up?” Allan asked. “Yeah. Unfortunately. What are you doing up? It’s two o’clock,” he said. “It’s five here. I have to get ready for an appointment. Got a case I’m trying to cut a deal on. The kid is only seventeen. First time offense. But it involves a gun so of course they’re trying to play hard ball. But no one got shot, so I’m hoping to get this reduced or probation. We’ll see how it goes. Are you good? Any more issues?” Allan asked, referring to the government and local agencies intrusion.
“No! Everything is normal. As normal as it can be,” Lance replied. Allan held the phone a moment. He didn’t want to ask the burning question of whether Fin had returned. Lance was being evasive. He was bein
g secretive. And Allan knew about his strange relationship with the woman of the sea.
Allan had not been convinced that anything was different about Fin. Other than their strange first meeting, she appeared to be quite normal. Talks of mermaids and her abilities to live in water were yet to be proven. And they were way past talking about it. She was gone. And Allan wanted to know why. She took off with their youngest and now things were stranger than ever. The mermaid fantasy was one thing, leaving your husband and taking one of your two children was another.
Lance looked off. He knew Allan was angered that Nimah was gone. He had verbally lashed out about her leaving and taking her. Lance couldn’t say Nimah jumped in the ocean on her own and probably entered Madaka. It would cause his brother to believe he had gone mad. So, he allowed Allan to think Fin was responsible. And there was nothing more to say.
“I’ll call you tomorrow. There’s a chance I may get to travel with Yaz and Miles. We might come there. Help take your mind off of things. Would you be up for the visit?” Allan asked. Lance smiled. It was great news. He was ready to see them. It was time. Isla would be thrilled at the news of finally getting a chance to meet them in person.
“That sounds great. You need anything to make that happen or are you good?” Lance asked. “Nope. I’m good. I get paid these days. Money is coming in. I’ll call you once I know for sure but I’m thinking two weeks from now,” he said. “Yep. Perfect!” Lance said. The brothers hung up. Lance had a small slice of heaven coming his way. He missed his family.
F
in held her babies as she swam through the Pacific. Her son looked around. She could tell he sensed he was in a different environment. She used her tail to propel them at high speeds through the water. Nimah sucked her thumb and closed her eyes. She was comfortable. Zion was a bit more jumpy. Everything caught his attention and he seemed to react.
Fin kissed him several times to help him adjust to what he was experiencing. “Shhh,” she said, as he began to whine. He was ready to be out of the water. And Fin’s high speed and the constant rush of the water against his skin would take some getting use to. Fin had swam with Nimah in her arms off the waters near their home. She was used to her mother’s movements. But Zion was not. He had not been in the water. His change was a natural change. Fin put her face on his. He rubbed her ear as he laid his head on her. Fin smiled. Isla used to rub her ears when she was younger. It was heartwarming.
Fin arrived at the dock. She was overcome with emotion when she looked at the house. She was home. Her babies were home. Lance was there. And she could live happily ever after with her family. Everyone together. She had her son now. Their family was complete. Her home was back at peace. And her return felt different this time. There was a finality to it. She wasn’t going back. If Mojarro crumbled it would mean it was supposed to. She could no longer offer help. She had her family and they needed her. They were just as important as the entire world of Madaka. And she would not sacrifice herself for them and forsake her children to do so.
“Go ahead,” Fin said, as Nimah grabbed a hold of the ladder and climbed up to the dock. Fin waited until she was done, then scaled the ladder, holding Zion on her hip. He had calmed down and was still taking in the environment. Fin held him as she stood in front of her home. “This is your home now,” she said, looking at him with all the love a mother could have for a child. Fin glanced down at Nimah. She looked up at Fin. She was happy. Fin could see her baby girl was at peace. She hoped so. The time she stayed at the castle was for Nimah. It was time to see he was alright so she could return home without worries. It seemed to do the trick. Nimah was relaxed. Content. And she seemed ready to go back.
Fin stood on the dock. Emotions took over. She needed to see Isla and she needed to look Lance in the eyes. She needed to smell him. Kiss him. Make love to him. Her mind needed him. Her body yearned for him. Her life was on the other side of those doors. She was back where it started. Where she fell in love. And Zion would be welcomed as if he had always been there.
She had no regrets. Lark had recovered. Madaka was on the mend. They had made the ultimate sacrifice. They had fought and taken back what was theirs. Andreus was presumed dead even though the search to prove so, yielded nothing. But he had no army. So his days in power was over. Guida was promised an army would return, if Andreus attempted a takeover. Lark sent soldiers to guard her castle until she could build her own army. She still wanted Lark but it was obvious he wasn’t looking to rekindle their love. Too much had happened and Lark made her promises but fell short of actually rekindling anything. Guida was heartbroken. She had hoped for more.
Fin vowed to not think of her world once she opened the door and entered. They had taken so much of her. The rest was for her family. She reflected on the world behind her. The beautiful and tragic world that was now on the mends. It was easily ravished. The fighting would need to stop. Their numbers couldn’t take too much loss. But they were better in many ways. Love and intimacy were sparking flames where love had died. Husbands and wives had recommitted and more children were being born.
She thought of Lark. He was still holding a candle for her. He was in love with her and there was no ending in sight. Fin decided not to reveal the truth about Nimah. It would make him abandon Madaka. And he was needed. He was a god. Pure born, descended from the god of war and the goddess of fire. It explained a lot about his ability to survive such a hard fought battle. It seemed he had nine lives.
“This is your new home. Daddy is here. He gets to meet you. Will you know him like you knew who mommy was,” she said. Zion stared at her. His young and impressionable spirit seemed to understand her every word. Nimah walked holding Fin’s hand but broke from her and ran to the sliding door. She seemed giddy. It was obvious she missed Lance and Isla. Fin wondered how being apart from Lark would affect her. She had used her gifts and called the creatures of the sea to save him. Fin had learned something of her past as well. She learned that her ancestors were a demigod name Hershiel and the goddess of the sea, Contessa. And it made sense that Nimah would be able to command the sea. There was still a lot to know. Halacai helped her, as the two embarked on a journey that took them to parts of Piratchu and deep within her own city of Mojarro.
“Ok. Its late. They’re probably sleep,” Fin said, as she pulled the door. She hoped Lance didn’t lock it. She didn’t think he would, knowing she could arrive at any time. He promised it would always be open. Fin pulled harder. The door slid open. Zion danced around in gleeful and full of energy when he saw colorful toys in the corner. He ran straight to them, with Nimah right behind him. Fin chuckled, as she went to the stairs. She stood at the bottom watching to make sure they were ok. Nimah was good with Zion. She handed him Isla’s old unicorn. The one she relentlessly took from her until Isla gifted it to her. Their innocent play after being in a city full of unrest, right in the middle of a war, was promising. They seemed to be unaffected. Fin was grateful. She looked up and thanks her ancestors. She had her son. She was back home with her family. And Madaka was safe.
Fin heard footsteps. Lance stood at the top of the landing. His eyes on hers. He was still. Fin smiled at him. Her face lit up with joy. Lance hurried down the steps and grabbed her by the face and kissed her passionately. “Fin!” he said, as he stared into her eyes. He kissed her again. Their passion burned bright. He appeared to be in s state of disbelief as he switched between kissing her and looking her over. Fin chuckled. She loved him so. It was why she could never love another. Lark was not it for her. Lance was her everything.
“I missed you so much. I have so much to tell you,” she said. Lance was unable to let her go. He kissed her fervently then pulled back and inspected her. As if she had changed and he didn’t want to miss any part of it. Fin’s eyes darted between his. The passion she had for him had filled the room. Lance heard children playing. He glanced over. He looked back at Fin. His eyes perplexed. Nimah was playing with a little boy. It was an overwhelming sight.
“
Whose baby do you have?” he said nervously. Fin cupped his face in her hands. She paused to give him time to prepare. Lance waited. He furrowed his brow. Fin still hadn’t sreplied. It was a simple question. The answer should have been just as straight forward.
“Fin…,” he said, perplexed. “He’s yours,” she said, wiping the tear from the corner of her eye. “That’s the baby we lost. He survived. He’s your son,” she said, as she looked to him for love and understanding. She knew he would have questions. But this was their baby. There was nothing else to say about him.
Lance’s mouth dropped. He looked back then took a step from Fin. “What did you say?” he said. He was dreaming. Hallucinating. Now hearing things. Lance had to take several deep breaths to keep his focus. This was no time to imagine words that had not been said.
“He is yours,” she repeated, nodding her head as if to reassure him of what she was saying. Lance turned and walked into the lounging room off the kitchen. He walked slowly. He sat down and Nimah looked over, then ran to him. Lance hugged her. She held him tight and laid her head on his shoulder. Fin waited to see what Zion would do. He called her momma before anyone told him she was. She hoped he had a spiritual connection to Lance as well. Lance held out his hand. Zion looked at it then glanced over at his mother. Fin nodded to him. Her warm gaze assuring him. And smile to help relax the situation. Zion pointed at Lance. “Daddy,” he said. Fin burst into tears.
“Come here,” Lance said, holding his hand out, as tears filled his eyes. Lance called to him again. Zion was still holding back. He looked intensely at Lance. The warmth of Lance’s smile calmed him. He hesitated then looked at Fin. She gave another assuring warm and motherly smile and he ran to Lance.
Lance picked him up and closed his eyes as his son held him tight. Fin was unable to contain herself and tears flowed. They were tears for Lance. For his happiness. He had his baby. A son. His heir. It was storybook worthy.
Pretty Fin- Raging Seas Page 22
