by Laura Lond
A Merman’s Kiss
A Novella
Laura Lond
Published by Laura Lond at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Laura Lond
Cover design by Steena Holmes
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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***
Ellie straightened her simple blue dress—the best one she owned—and adjusted the new shawl on her shoulders. This was going to be the last dance. Her last chance to be asked, although she no longer hoped. Neither the handmade shawl she had spent months embroidering nor even the Lady’s circlet and necklace her sister Leatra was wearing could entice men to dance with them.
The music began; as usual, all the pretty ones were snatched in an instant. Klina, slender and tall, her shiny auburn hair cascading in waves, flittered away with Gorman, one the best pearl divers. While not the most handsome, Gorman always dressed well, and he was a good rider, famous for winning a few races in addition to his legendary skills at finding large pearls. He was generous, too, often bringing sweets for all the girls on a dancing night like today. Tilma the green-eyed, the miller’s daughter, went to dance with Gram. Gram was a charmer. He worked at the Mansion, tending livestock, doing repairs, picking fruit in the garden. He aspired to become a pearl hunter as well, using his time off to train in the lagoon. Girls from wealthier families were being warned to stay away from him; he was said to be a schemer who had nothing and wanted to marry for money, but no one cared. With his shoulder-length black curls, bright blue eyes, and a dashing smile, Gram was every girl’s dream. Mark, the blacksmith’s apprentice, asked Paulina, cute as ever with her rosy cheeks and thick strawberry blond braids tied with red ribbons. Mark was handsome as well, strong and broad shouldered. He and Paulina looked wonderful as they whirled together. He seemed very interested in her, but then, who wasn’t.
No one approached Ellie or Leatra. The only time they got off the chairs today was for the cora, a group dance with everyone holding hands, moving together in a circle. With a specific turn of the music, men were supposed to leave the circle, letting the girls continue, and then break their ring up by each pulling out a girl to do a quick stomping trot with her, after which everyone would join hands again. Ellie was pulled two times by Talmir, her cousin. A kind soul, he was always willing to come to the rescue.
Ellie turned her head, searching for Arman. He was ordinary looking, but nice, or at least it seemed so when he’d once spoken to her at his father’s bakery. Every time she would come to the tavern to dance after that, she hoped he would ask her. He never did. He was already dancing now, too. Oh well.
Ellie had actually enjoyed the cora, it felt so good to move with the music. Her sister didn’t. She said it was a pathetic excuse for a dance, and she’d rather remain in her chair if the musicians play it again. Unlike Ellie, Leatra had spunk.
Their mother had given them beautiful names, Leatra and Elliana. She hoped they would turn into beauties as well. They did not. They were not ugly, just… very, very plain. Skinny and sickly, with sharp, birdlike features and awkward movements as if they were still in their early teens. No one probably realized they were now of marrying age, having recently turned eighteen. Poor mother had accepted the fact that they wouldn’t be married off easily, if ever.
“Let’s get out of here,” Leatra said. She had a narrow-eyed, mean expression. Ellie’s sister didn’t like not getting what she wanted.
Ellie wouldn’t mind just enjoying the music. It was not often that she had a chance to do so.
“The music is good, I’d like to stay and listen.”
“No point,” Leatra cut off. “Mother’s right, even a merman’s kiss won’t help us. And we’ve got to get up early for work tomorrow. Are you coming?”
And so they slipped away.
Ellie was a little angry at her sister for snapping, but only a little. She knew Leatra had high hopes for the circlet and necklace, just like she had for the shawl herself. Leatra had been pestering Ellie forever to ask the Lady for a piece of jewelry to wear for a dance night. For some unknown reason, Lady Mirabelle seemed to take a liking to Ellie, and Leatra insisted she had to use it. Ellie was terrified of the thought of approaching the Lady with a request—any request, let alone such a bold one.
“It’s not my place to ask her of anything!” she’d protested. “Don’t you see? I’m just the second housemaid, I will lose my position!”
Leatra wouldn’t back off. Thankfully, several days ago Lady Mirabelle had asked Ellie herself whether she ever went to the tavern to dance. Ellie said she did, she was actually going this coming Saturday. Having gathered her courage, she mentioned the shawl, telling the Lady that she had been working on it every night, and why. She secretly hoped the Lady would offer help, and for once, the hope had come true.
“I will let you borrow this,” the Lady said, taking the silver circlet out of her jewelry box. “Let’s see if it does the trick. Oh, wait.” The fine long-fingered hand holding the circlet paused. “Is your sister going as well?”
“She is, my lady.”
“Then she will take it from you. Here, give her this necklace.”
Ellie could only wonder how Lady Mirabelle knew hew sister so well. Leatra did claim the circlet the moment she saw it, and she ended up taking the necklace as well. She said she needed them more.
“You’ve got the shawl, it’s unique. And at least you have big eyes. I have nothing.”
Indeed, Ellie’s eyes were big. The kind that made people want to feed her.
Now Ellie was glad she hadn’t argued. She was spared Leatra’s lamentations about how she should have taken the circlet, not the necklace, or the other way around. And what if Ellie wore either piece and, against all odds, ended up asked to dance while Leatra didn’t? Oh boy, she’d never hear the end of that one.
On the next morning, the sisters walked to the Mansion, Ellie carrying the two jewelry items carefully wrapped in a linen cloth.
“You really should ask her for something else,” Leatra tried pressing once again before going to the kitchen where she worked as a scullery maid. “Perhaps earrings.”
This time Ellie stood firm. “No. You said it yourself, there’s no point. I don’t want to lose the Lady’s good opinion of me and this job.”
Leatra made a face but said nothing. They parted.
Ellie did her usual chores, checking the fireplaces (none were lit since she’d last checked, so she didn’t need to clean them out), dusting, sweeping, airing the rooms. After the Lady finished her breakfast, Ellie gave a timid knock on the door.
“Come in,” came the imperious voice.
Ellie entered and curtseyed, noticing how the Lady’s face softened, and her deep brown eyes with long curved lashes showed mild curiosity. Lady Mirabelle was a real beauty, the kind that needed no jewelry. Ellie had seen her right after bed, in a nightgown, with her hair down and no makeup—and she was lovely. With all the mentioned additions, Lady Mirabelle looked spectacular.
“Good morning, my lady. I have come to return the circlet and the necklace, and to thank you again for your most generous offer.”
The Lady acknowledged the gratitude with a slight inclination of her head.
“Put them on the desk. So did the circlet help? Did Arman ask you to dance?”
Ellie lowered h
er eyes. “No, my lady.”
She was afraid the Lady would be disappointed, but she wouldn’t lie.
“Perhaps someone else did?”
“No…” Ellie’s voice failed her, so she tried again. “No, my lady.”
She thought she had fully accepted her lot in life and learned not to let such failures affect her, but now, under the Lady’s penetrating gaze, she suddenly felt on the verge of tears—and she was terrified of it. Breaking down in front of the Lady would be unthinkable.
Lady Mirabelle must have sensed her distress.
“Come here, child. Close the door.”
Ellie pulled on the door knob and took a couple of steps.
“I know you will never feel at ease in my presence enough to speak freely or fully confide in me,” the Lady said, “but at least don’t be afraid. I will ask you some questions; answer me truthfully, as you always do. And if those tears spill, it’s not the end of the world, trust me. I’ll pretend I don’t see them, and no one will know.”
She paused, studying the second housemaid whom she was not even supposed to notice.
“Do you love Arman?”
The question startled Ellie and frightened her.
“I don’t dare attach my heart to anyone,” she whispered.
“Do you consider yourself ugly?”
“N-not ugly, perhaps, but very plain. Unattractive.”
“Do you think yourself worthless?”
“I… like to think that my hard work and desire to do what’s right make me worth something.”
“Which is true,” Lady Mirabelle nodded. “I am glad you see that. So while I certainly understand how not being asked to dance hurts a girl, I want you to promise me that you will never let those who put you down, whoever they are, rob you of your worth. Can you do that?”
“Of course, my lady. I just…” Ellie caught herself. Whatever else she might want to say was of no consequence.
The Lady seemed to think otherwise.
“Yes? Go on,” she prodded.
Ellie sighed and let it all out.
“I just wish my sister and mother would understand this as well and ease up on me. So Leatra and I weren’t born pretty; mother says even a merman’s kiss won’t help us. Does that mean we must spend our lives crying about it? Be miserable and make everyone around us miserable as well? There are still so many good things to do, to enjoy…”
She caught herself yet again, suddenly horrified of her boldness. What was she thinking, blabbering like that in front of the Lady?
Oh no. Lady Mirabelle was looking at her differently now, there was something new in those beautiful eyes. She must be displeased, and for a good reason.
“My lady, I’m so—”
“What does your mother know about a merman’s kiss?” the Lady asked, interrupting her hurried apology.
Ellie blinked, trying to gather her thoughts.
“Well, the same legend everyone knows, I guess,” she replied. “That being kissed by a merman would make a girl pretty, and bring her luck, too.”
“And what if I told you that it wasn’t a legend?”
Ellie couldn’t tell whether Lady Mirabelle was serious.
“I don’t know, my lady.”
“You don’t believe it?”
She thought about it. “But… mermen and mermaids drag people underwater and drown them. How could someone get so close to one, get a kiss, and survive?”
The Lady’s calm gaze continued studying her.
“There is a way.”
Ellie said nothing, staring back, puzzled and intrigued.
“Would you like to know how it can be done?”
She nodded.
“You must go to the seashore at night,” the Lady began. “When you find a merman, one or several, it does not matter, you should call out and, as soon as they see you, move your hands like this.” She brought her palms together. “Then like this.” She turned her hands and brought the backs of them together. “Then like this again.” She joined her palms once more. “Then you must say, Elatracorranovierda.”
Ellie was listening, open-mouthed.
“Ela…” she tried. She’d never be able to repeat that.
“You may split it into shorter parts to remember,” the Lady said. “Elatra. Corrano. Vierda. But it must be spoken as one word.”
“What does it mean?”
“It lets the seafolk know that you come in peace, and you have secret knowledge about them. They will not harm you.”
“And then…” Ellie was so mesmerized by the story that she forgot she wasn’t supposed to ask Lady Mirabelle questions, only answer hers. “…then one can ask for a kiss?”
This was most embarrassing, she could barely say it. Asking for a kiss. Man or merman, she’d die of shame before she’d be able to force out the words. If she were to do it, that is.
“No,” the Lady replied. “You don’t ask for it, you tell them you want to purchase it. You must bring something to pay with. Not money; human money is of little interest to the seafolk. Even gold does not particularly attract them, they have plenty of it from sunken ships.”
“What should it be, then? What do they like?”
“Something they don’t have easy access to. Hazelnuts. Honey, candy, baked sweets. Books with pictures, although you’ll need to warn them that a book wouldn’t last under water; they’ll have to come up with a way to keep it on land. Perhaps on an island.”
Ellie stood there, taking it all in. Was it true? And why did lady Mirabelle tell her this secret?
“Would you do it, Ellie?” the Lady asked.
“I think I’d be very frightened to try.”
“It is frightening, yes. But it works. Trust me, I know.”
Ellie felt her jaw go down again as she realized what it had to mean.
“Your mother is wrong,” the Lady continued. “A merman’s kiss would help you. Just make sure, if you decide to try, that you do everything exactly the way I have taught you.”
Unsure what to say, Ellie thanked her and waited to be dismissed.
“I am not saying you should do it,” Lady Mirabelle said, “but I wanted you to have this option. I think you deserve it. Do you remember the word?”
“Elatra…”
“Elatra. Corrano. Viedra. The change won’t be instant, and don’t expect any specific result. It works a little differently each time, I was told. You may not become the prettiest girl in town, but your looks will improve. You may not obtain great wealth, especially not right away, but your good heart and hard work will be noticed, you’ll start finding yourself at the right place in the right time. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“I assume you also understand that you must keep this knowledge secret.”
Ellie hesitated. “From everyone?”
Lady Mirabelle gave a slight frown. “I know whom you mean. And I would say yes, especially from your sister. However, when she sees the change, she will claw it out of you, so I suppose you may tell her.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
“Warn her she must not tell anyone. You may go.”
***
Leatra was scrubbing a large frying pan, letting out her frustration on it. Ellie was not going to ask the Lady for more jewelry; sometimes there was just no way to talk some sense into that stubborn girl. Not that Leatra had much hope left, earrings probably wouldn’t help, either, but they had to keep trying! They couldn’t just accept their defeat, at least she would not. Leatra was not going to spend all her life washing dishes and slicing vegetables, being ignored and dismissed. Ellie seemed content to keep working hard, saving every penny, and hoping—always hoping for something good to come their way. Maybe they’d be able to sell their embroidery. Maybe they’d get a raise. Maybe they’d meet good men to marry. Maybe, maybe, maybe! Leatra was so tired of maybes not coming true.
She was no accepter, she was a fighter. She wouldn’t just sit there and wait. Oh, how she wanted a reliable
helper in this fight! Someone who’d think with her, plan with her, act with her. Alas, Ellie was no such helper. How could she be like that? Why wouldn’t she strive for something better? Why couldn’t she understand that things won’t happen by themselves, you had to make them happen for you, using every little chance you got?
It’s easier for Ellie, she’s up there in the fancy halls, she’s not scrubbing pots and frying pans in the kitchen. That’s why. What does she care about her sister getting her hands all red and wrinkled. She wouldn’t even try to get her out here. A word to the housekeeper would be all it took, but no, Ellie couldn’t possibly say that word.
Lunch time came. The cook and kitchen maids went to the Servant’s Hall; Leatra, the scullery maid, was supposed to eat here, watching whatever was on the stove. Ellie would usually come and have lunch with her. She said it was being frowned upon, but she was probably making it up, so that Leatra would appreciate it more, or to have an excuse when she didn’t want to be here. She probably wouldn’t come today, either, to avoid being asked whether she talked to the Lady.
Ellie, however, showed up right on time. Leatra intended to give her the cold shoulder, but her sister’s unusually excited face made her curious. Did Ellie listen to reason, after all?
“Oh, Leatra, you’re not going to believe what the Lady has told me!”
Indeed, it was hard to believe. They sat down at the table, but the soup and mincemeat pie were left untouched as Ellie talked in a hushed whisper, sharing a most amazing thing.
Leatra listened, holding her breath. So it was not just a legend, a funny saying they grew up hearing. It was actually possible to get a merman’s kiss and turn your life around. She felt her fingertips tingling. Was this it? The opportunity she’d always wanted!
“Ellie.” She grabbed her sister’s hand. “This is the chance we’ve been waiting for!”
Ellie froze in fear. “…You are not thinking about doing it, are you?”
Leatra rolled her eyes. She should have known. That silly girl wasn’t excited about the wonderful future they could now have, she was just happy to have heard a fascinating tale. She was not planning to act on it. She’d just continue to live in her cage, keeping the key to freedom in the pocket. Sometimes Leatra wondered whether they were truly related.
