Pretty Fin

by Smokey Moment

  He felt himself falling for her. Feelings that were way too strong. Like a spell cast from a beautiful maiden. And after a night under the moonlight, he felt out of control. It was way too soon to be so enamored. But he knew what love felt like. And this was the start of a deep and powerful love. He became worried about his heart. This was a first date. Yet she had him so involved. So interested.

  “Stay,” he said. Fin smiled. “Make yourself at home. I can show you around. There’s so much you haven’t seen. So much to know. Let me show you,” he continued, pleading his case. Fin was quiet. Deep in thought. She was in no rush. Part of her was still angry at her parents. She was a woman now. Able to make her own decisions about her future. She thought about her troubles back home. And how comfortable she was with Lance. She was in a dilemma.

  “I don’t know. My family is probably worried,” she said. “Worried? How long have you been gone? They don’t know where you are?” he asked. Questions she was not ready to answer. It would bring back painful realizations. But it was her truth. “No, they know nothing about this place. I am the only one to have ever made it through the dunes. Through the opening called the lair. I was running. I ran from my responsibilities,” she said as she became choked up. She continued, as Lance scoot closer to her. She seemed like she needed a hug. He wanted to hold her. Fin told him the rest as he intently listened.

  “I was to marry Prince Andreus. I was taken to him. It just didn’t feel right. I ran. I swam home. I was so angry. No one listens. In my world, you do as your parents tell you. Until you marry. And they decide who that will be. I couldn’t. I knew they would return and make me go back. And that’s when I came here,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

  “You can stay here,” he said, looking intensely at her. Fin gave a forced smile. A tear rolled down her cheek. Lance reached over and wiped it. Fin closed her eyes the minute his hand touched her skin. It was the first touch she’d felt in a long time. He kept his hand on her face. She leaned into it. “Stay Fin. Please!” he said.

  “I must go. I’ll come back,” she said. Lance’s mood changed. He worried for her. Being forced to marry someone you did not love was a horrid fate. It could end up being a poor choice and a lifetime of pain and misery. He could see she was heartbroken at the pending marriage. It was obvious she was not in love with the man. She described marrying him the way a person described getting a tooth pulled. She was affected by the events back home. He placed his hand over hers. “I’m here. I will always be here. If you must go, then go. I’ll be here if you want to return,” he reluctantly said. It wasn’t at all how he felt.

  One hour went to the next. Fin yawned. She was exhausted. They stayed up until dawn, sitting in the same spot. They took turns sharing details. It was a lot to take in. They both had a million questions. And they both gave a million more answers. Fin got sleepy. Lance sat back and Fin laid her head on his shoulder. Soon she fell asleep. He sat still, as the dark skies turned light. He eased from her and grabbed an outdoor pillow. He placed it under her head.

  Fin adjusted slightly, falling back asleep. Lance stood over her. She was beautiful. Even as she rested. He grabbed a black and white throw and laid it across her body. Fatigue had him sleepy but excitement about Fin had him restless. Lance laid next to her. His huge, oversized patio couch was wide to accommodate them with ease. He turned and faced her. Rubbing her face softly. Touching her hair. Fin moaned then took a deep breath in. Lance smiled. He could watch her sleep all morning.

  He couldn’t go to sleep. He was excited she was there. Happy to be in her presence. She exuded an energy that made him feel connected to her. It was her way. It was what their kind did. Their way of getting close. They possessed the ability to radiate their feeling outward. The ability to reach each other through their minds. Through smells. And through the eyes. Fin had him attached to her. It was an unconscious action. A result of her attraction to him.

  Lance wasn’t sure what had just happened. He was falling for her. It was the best date he’d ever had. He hoped when she awoke, that she wouldn’t return to Madaka. His door was open. There was plenty of room. She was welcome to stay. Give him time to get to know her. A connection had been made. He felt strange about the idea of dating her. Something that should have repelled him, was pulling him close. She was from another world. He thought it should feel odd. But it didn’t. She looked human. She felt human. The way she gazed into his eyes. How animated she was as she told her life story. And the tear she shed and how easily he comforted her. He was convinced it was more for him than thoughts of an unwelcomed marriage.

  D

  ays went by. Soon weeks. Fin had become comfortable and Lance had returned to going into his office. He initially stayed home to help ease her stress. But Fin was relaxed. She understood everything in the house. Lance was teaching her about the world. He showed her everything from how crude oil helped the world, to how electricity lit homes. He talked about weapons. He showed her videos of past wars. He talked about man’s lifelong battles over money, religion and even women. He showed her how to sword fight. And when she questioned him about cars, he educated her on the automobile industry using video to help explain the process.

  Fin was smart. She caught on quick. She had become spoiled to the convenience and technology that made the new world such a great place to call home. She had outgrown Madaka. But she still needed to go back. She loved her parents and they deserved the right to know she was alright. Lance prepared for the inevitable. He never knew when Fin would announce the day had come, for her to leave. And until then, he counted his blessings and looked forward to the time he got to spend with her.

  F

  in walked through Lance’s impressive home. She was learning new things every day. The desire to return home had lessened. She missed her parents. But she hoped they would want to see her happy. There was still so much to see and learn. Things that would be of benefit back home. Fin was unaware of the troubles her absence was causing. Andreus was still searching. But he was now growing tired. And unknown to her, he wanted her land.

  It was easy to forget her troubles. Lance was amazing. Helpful. He was taking her around the city. Around his neighborhood. She was curious about everything. And Lance tried to stay out of her way while she touched, smelled, and tested everything. Her delicate fingertips could feel the grooves of most fabrics. The fibers. And Lance indulged her every desire. He was making daily stops at a local store to buy items he felt she needed to experience. It was a journey of discovery for the both of them. And Lance loved every moment. He hoped she had given up wanting to return home. He feared for her safety. Her description of the aggressive prince that wanted her so badly gave him an uneasy feeling. Lance believed that if she left, she would not be returning.

  “Mmm,” she expressed, as she ate a spoonful of mayonnaise. Lance was due home soon. She walked over to the kitchen counter with a bag of fruit she pulled from the fridge. Lance had shown her how to use his juicer. Fin placed the berries and a banana inside and turned it on. She stared as the colorful array of fruit began to mix together. She stopped it and poured the contents into a glass.

  “This is good,” she said, as she walked to the patio door and slid it open. Fin walked to the dock. She walked to the end and stared at the water. She took another swallow of juice and closed her eyes. She was torn. It was a moment of clarity. She wanted to return and check on her parents. Then return to the man she had fallen in love with. I must go. I have to. I cannot do this to them. I will tell them about Lance. I will not marry the prince. If they try to make me, I will leave and never return. But I have to say goodbye. I have to, she thought. She fought back tears. She refused to be sad. This was her life and she was ready to live it. With Lance.

  “Hey, I’m on my way,” Lance said, as Fin took his call. She didn’t like phones to close to her ears. She could feel the heat and the radio waves emitted. Lance had to teach her to answer using the speaker option. Fin hung up and smiled. She walked
to the fridge and took out lettuce. She tore it apart and placed it in a bowl. She poured dressing on top and then placed, cranberries, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and parsley and wrapped it for him. Lance ate healthy on the days he went to the gym.

  Fin knew him well. They had a routine. He was coming home and he would walk up to her, kiss her and then open the fridge. Today she planned on surprising him. She had watched him make his salad every other day and she wanted to make it for him. Because she had bad news. She needed to go home. Only for a brief moment and she was sure he would worry. Fin gave herself a few more days. Then she would need to leave. She was tormented about it. She didn’t want to be apart from him. I won’t be gone long. Just a quick trip. It will be fine!

  A King’s Demands

  “I need to see the king,” the hooded man said. The guard stepped to the side and let him in. The voice was well known. It was the king’s secret advisor. No one was allowed to look upon his face. He moved as the king instructed. His job a mystery. No one, not even the queen, knew exactly what he did. King Zander was in a meeting with one of his lieutenants.

  “Sire,” the man said, as he walked over towards the king. “Excuse us,” the king said to his lieutenant. He wanted a moment with the visitor. Zander waited until the door closed. He sat at his throne. “Did you find out anything?” he asked. Halacai looked like a man with information. Secret information. His eyes darted. He worried about a war. He worried about a lot of things that he had no control over. Mojarro was his original home. He was loyal to King Zander above all others. His special appointed position, began with Zander. He was indebted. He was sent to the other three cities to get close to their leaders. Play on their weaknesses. Pretend to be fed up with Mojarro. Give up information in order to get close enough to get information. It was a clever play. One Zander felt necessary as his forefathers predicted a war. His father King Zaire had warned him to stay ahead of the others.

  But Halacai got in over his head. And decided to stay neutral. A self-appointed Prime Minister to all four cities. A peacekeeper. And Zander allowed it because he knew Halacai was well intended. But if Andreus knew he was playing for both sides, he would have him imprisoned or worst.

  “The prince plans to move against Mojarro, if he does not get the princess. He and his men are in the waters looking for her right now. I had to swim low to avoid them. There are hundreds of them, Your Highness. I don’t know how much time we have. Will you still deliver her to him? It will keep the peace Your Majesty,” he said. Zander had no plans to. And he wasn’t ready to disclose what he knew and what he would do. “The princess is still missing. Is that all?” the king asked. “Yes sir. That’s all I know.” Halacai said. Zander handed him a green jewel. Payment for his efforts. “Speak of this to no one,” Zander cautioned. Halacai pulled his hood back over his head and walked out.

  The King poured wine and sat down. It was as he feared. King Nephrus had not lied or exaggerated that day in his chambers, when he spoke negatively about the prince. He told him that he was dangerous. He’d warned of a young prince full of arrogance and hopes to rule the world. He was nothing like his father. And he was aggressive. He wanted Mojarro. They were vulnerable.

  The King sat his cup down and leaped from his chair. “Sparrow!” he called to his guard standing outside his door. Sparrow was second in command over the army when Lark was not around. But his main responsibility was that of protector to the king. Lark was still in the waters looking for Fin. So was Arfusei and other high-ranking soldiers.

  “Yes. Your Highness,” Sparrow said, as he entered. “Summon at least fifty men. Meet me in my meeting quarters at the end of the hall,” Zander ordered. “Yes sir.”

  Sparrow rushed to gather soldiers. He ran up to a large group of them standing around a fire. “The king wishes to meet. Prepare everyone,” he ordered. The men ran in all directions. Some towards the sleeping quarters behind the castle. Some ran towards town. Others went around the property. All gathering soldiers for their emergency meeting with the king.

  The tension was thick. King Zander wasn’t prepared to confront a Prince. He was unaware that Andreus, was in fact, a king. And that circumstances had changed. That a war was now possible. Madaka was civilized. There hadn’t been war in over three hundred years. And there had only ever been one. The result was the formation of the four cities with their own unique settings, natural resources and valuables. What lacked in one city was acquired through trade with another. It was a system that worked. Peace between the citizens was maintained.

  “I have to go into the waters of Palimora,” he said, as he entered his queen’s chambers. Aterra sat quietly. Fashioning jewels to a top she had received from the dressmaker. A local woman who was one of many tailors in town. Dresses were made specific to each woman body. It was a necessity. There were no mills. No manufacturers. Clothing was special. The thin dresses made was for ease in water. Short, sheer and completely absorbent. The fabric, imported from Piratchu. And as Aterra put on the finishing touches, she stopped to look up at her husband. She was angry. A feeling she had not felt in a long time. She blamed him.

  “Why? Are you still trying to locate my dead daughter?” she asked, the sting of her words not missed by the already emotionally wracked king. He sighed. “Lark continues to look for her. I have another duty. The prince is on his way here. Probably looking for her. I have to stop him. Our citizens will be uneasy with the arrival of hundreds of soldiers trekking through the town. I must meet with him, in the water,” he said. Aterra turned her attention back to her sewing. She had no more words. She had no interest in anything other than the return of her daughter. Until then, what happened was of little interest. She nodded. Never looking back at him.

  King Zander closed her door slowly. He stood outside it. He wanted to re-enter. Tell her how sorry he was. Tell her he had no way of knowing the outcome would be so devastating. But the truth was it was still in everyone’s best interest that Finora marry Andreus. She could calm his uneasy spirit. He was sure of it. It was a power she possessed that he noticed early on. He knew his daughter was different. Special, strong and courageous. She had enchanting eyes that could render a spell. Her return was necessary. The town was in mourning. The citizens of Mojarro still held out hope. Lost as sea meant nothing to them. There was a chance she wasn’t lost but hiding. She was rebellious. And until then, Prince Andreus would need to be patient. Zander would not allow his land to be taken by force. He could acquire it through marriage only. And would rule over it only after he and his wife passed on. Attempting a takeover would result in war. He would not tolerate it.

  King Zander marched with his men through the city. The town folks stood along the side. They cheered the men on. Word had spread of a looming threat. In attendance, among the crowd, stood Halacai. He was nervous. He knew this was more than a looming threat. Prince Andreus was coming.

  They walked on the white sand towards the water. Missing were Lark and his group. They were still in the Trojian Sea. Zanders wanted him to stay behind. He would need to run the castle if something happened to him. “Do you want Lark informed?” Sparrow asked. “No. Let him be. I need him to stay back. Just in case. Fin is not here. He will be my successor in Fin’s absence,” he said, as the they reached the water.

  The waves were calm. The water was beautiful. What lie ahead, a mystery. They would forge ahead regardless of consequences. It was inbred in them. Natural fighters who learned to live at peace. The men were resilient. Focused. They were the protectors.

  King Zander entered the water. His men entered alongside of him. He said nothing. The water splashed around his strong, fabric bound legs. The fabric was loose enough to fall off when his tail tore through. Special made, lightly woven fabric. Made by the dressmaker. She was specially appointed. The best tailor in town. His men went to her in droves. She was the wealthiest citizen in town. Her creations made their lives easier.

  The king started swimming, once the water was up to his chest. His tail burst
ing through. He looked at his men then picked up his speed. The men followed suit. They sped through the water. Their mouths slightly opened. Bubbles exiting their mouths, as their first set of lungs emptied. Their gills opened. Secondary breathing systems kicked in, to take on the water and process its rich oxygen content.

  The king thought briefly about Lark. He hoped Lark stayed in the other sea. It was not connected to Palimora, so there was no chance of bumping into him. Something that wouldn’t play out well. Lark would be furious. He would throw out all reason. Possibly be uncontrollable. His commitment to Mojarro and his undisclosed feelings for the princess, would cause him to act irrationally. The king hoped it was all a misunderstanding.

  “Where is Lark?” Arfusei asked. “Probably in the Trojian. I don’t believe they are in the Palimora today,” he said. The king looked ahead. He hoped not.

  ******

  “How about some mophos and timb,” the castle’s cook asked the queen, as she stood outside her door. It was a favorite dish of the queen’s, made from jellyfish and seaweed. The jellyfish was fresh, brought in from Eulachon. The queen opened her door. “Yes please,” she said, as she exited. “Are you ok Your Highness,” her life-long cook and personal assistant asked. Aterra didn’t like to be formal with Basra. She was a loyal and committed servant. She had given up having any kind of normal life to serve the king and queen.

  “I will be. I have made a huge mistake. She asked me things. I wasn’t ready to talk. I was afraid. Ashamed of myself. She is like me. She feels like I do. And now she is confused. I let her down,” she said. Her face filled with pain. Basra paused before speaking. She too felt the pain of a missing loved one. She had known and helped raise Fin. The wound cut deep.

  “Fin is strong. She is not dead. I will never believe that. She is angry. Afraid. I could see she didn’t want to marry that prince,” Basra said. Aterra looked sharply at her. “What?” she said. “Yes, your Highness. I noticed. It was written all over her face the day you left. As she walked past me. She wouldn’t look at me. She looked ahead. Trying to be brave. She was only doing it to please you and the king. But no…She did not want that,” she replied.