Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series
Chapter 10: The Grotto

With the coming of September, the weather had slowly begun to change. It was subtle at first, but from my balcony I watched as the leaves of the forest slowly beginning to change color. Fall was coming and with it the slow change in weather.

Now something must be said about where I live. The Estate itself is both in Texas and yet not. To be more precise, the Estate it’s more likely located further north in Texas, or someplace similar. This means the climate here is far more temperate, in that it also has real changing of seasons.

I leaned over on the railing, watching as the wind blew into the trees, watching them sway softly. The sun still shone overhead, but with fall fast approaching, it would slowly feel cooler as the month dragged on.

As for now, the air was warm and I smiled as a warm breeze brushed against me. I imagined the dryads beginning their harvesting of the groves and fields, storing up for the coming winter.

I peered straight down and saw the place where Irina Velkoz and I fought our duel. I sighed softly as it been nearly a full year since that event. But what was the most damaging result of it was my full exposure to the Court.

I often wished that my blissful ignorance of the Court had remained intact, that I could remain hidden away from the world. Or at most that particular side of the world, but this was now my life.

My eyes caught the glint of light as I looked up and saw the lake in the distance. I smiled as I thought of gossip of mermaids that called it home. The lake was incredibly large, with it possibly being over a mile across at its fullest breath.

I could see the group swimming through the water, gracefully weaving their bodies as they moved around the depths. It was a freedom of movement and of thought. Much how I love soaring through the air as a dragon, I equally loved swimming through the water as a mermaid.

I stood up from the banister and peered back into my room. I eyed stacks of neatly ordered papers, most of which was homework that Rachel had given me during our last class together. I had already completed nearly all of it, hence why I was now standing on my balcony. I walked back over to my desk and sifted through the papers.

I grumbled softly as I looked over each paper, noting only flaws or possible mistakes I could have made. As I picked up the final paper, I quickly looked over it, and completed it.

“Finally,” I exclaimed, shaking my head, “that’s the last of it.”

I then heard a shuffling on my bed, craning my head over to see Fenris shifting on it. I smirked softly, watching as he stared at me with his large ice-blue eyes.

I gathered up the papers and ordered them neatly. Rachel had increased the workload since we returned from France for whatever reason. While I didn’t mind it at first, having gotten used to tearing through my studies rapidly, I had gotten annoyed at the prospect of more work. But I had adopted the practice of get the work done fast, but efficiently and accurately.

I leaned back and stretched my back, hearing it pop. Walking over to my closet, I quickly grabbed up a bag and fresh set of clothes and a towel. Stuffing them all into the bag, I walked back over to my desk and slipped all of work into a folder. Making sure I had everything, I walked for the door, and headed out, hearing Fenris leaping off of the bed behind me.

Folder in one hand and my bag draped over my shoulder, I walked through the corridors, passing by several maids, who all bowed to me. I smiled softly to them as I headed towards the stairs at the front of the Manor.

As I hopped down the stairs, I glanced over to see my mother walking down a corridor towards the parlor, arms also full of papers and folders, no doubt more business reports and other things.

I smiled as I landed onto the floor and quickly headed over to her. Walking up the parlor, I eased myself inside, watching as Rachel took a seat onto a couch, splaying out the numerous papers. “Hey Rachel,” called out to her.

She turned and looked over to me, “Oh, hello sweetheart,” Rachel then eyed my bag as I hang over my shoulder, “heading out to your glen are we?”

I shook my head, “Nah, I’m gonna head down to the lake and hang out with the gossip.”

My mother pulled up another file, “Have you completed your homework before hand?”

I walked over to the couch, placing my folder onto the table before her, “That last report took me a lot longer to finish than I wanted. It…it actually was kinda boring to work on.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Rachel looked to me, “Not all work is easy or fun love,” she then pulled the folder closer to her, “which report was it?”

“The epic sagas of Tivershmesh,” I then looked to her, “could you have picked something slightly less tedious to write about?”

Rachel shook her head, “I would have thought you might have enjoyed reading the sagas.”

I leaned over armrest with my head drooping, “Not when the epics are over a thousand pages long apiece and there are a total of fifteen sagas to read. I thought I was gonna fall asleep during the third saga alone.”

My mother shook her head, “You can’t simply speed through tales such as these. It takes time to read and analyze each book to truly appreciate each story within the epics.”

I nodded, “Well I did and the “fruits” of my labors now rests within your hands. Now…while the first five were boring as hell, I actually liked the sixth and tenth sagas.”

She nodded, “I wondered if you would enjoy those particular ones,” glancing up to me.

I smiled to her, “So…I can go then?” She opened it, skimming through the hundreds of papers hidden within.

I stood there, tapping my feet as I waiting anxiously. Every moment that passed made me grow more and more impatient. I really wanted to head out ASAP, and it was killing me.

She then craned her head to look at me and nodded, “Excellent work as always my dear, aside from the need to polish up on a few minor grammatical issues. So I won’t be giving you perfect marks.” Bobbing my head in acknowledgment, I looked to her, nearly hopping on my toes in anticipation.

“But yes, you may go. Have fun my dear, and know that dinner will be served at 6:00 sharp, so do not be late.”

I giggled, walking behind the couch and wrapped my arms around her, “Thank you,” kissing her cheek.

She smiled softly, “Be safe my love.”

I nodded, “Yes Ma’am,” releasing my mother. I stepped back and headed for the door, where Fenris had been sitting and waiting patiently for me.

As I stepped out onto the grass, I could feel the sun’s gentle heat beating against my face. Narrowly a cloud could be seen in the sky as I headed down the beaten path. The wind was gentle as I watched it brush against the trees and grass. If I weren’t going for a swim, this would be picture perfect weather to go flying with my sister.

I glanced over to the stables as I passed them, hearing the sounds of hooves stamping into the ground. As I rounded the building, I saw a large red horse prancing along the corral fence. I smiled as I walked over to it. Its deep amber eyes met mine as it then trotted over to me. It then lowered its head down to me, butting mine softly.

I giggled as I started to stroke its muzzle, “Hey Ember. Have you been a good boy?” The horse snorted softly, wagging its head. I grinned, stroking his face.

“Ah, good day Young Miss,” I heard a voice ring out.

I turned to see the stable master, Lucayan, walking towards me and carrying a pale of fruit. I nodded, “Afternoon Master Lucayan, how are you today?”

The man smiled warmly as he reached out a hand and stroked Ember as well, “I am doing well Young Miss,” handing me an apple, “coming to take him out for a ride?”

I smiled as I took the apple from him, “Not today, I’m heading down to the lake to go swimming with the gossip.” I then held the fruit up to my horse, letting him sniff it for a moment before biting into the apple.

Lucayan nodded, “I do believe he wishes that you take him regardless,” grinning softly. I giggled, looking to him and then to Fenris, who glared up at the horse. Both Ember and Fenris held a sort of rivalry about who I was to ride.

Both animals respected the other, but either grew jealous if I were pick which I rode on. I shook my head as I smiled, “Nah, I think I’ll just go on foot today,” petting Ember’s muzzle one last time before hopping off the fence.

Lucayan nodded, “Well, know that he is always eager for a ride with you.” I smiled as I walked towards Fenris, who curled his lips in a wolfish grin towards the horse.

I sighed as I walked around the silently quarreling animals, “Until next time Master Lucayan,” I yelled out.

“Take care Young Miss.”

I turned and resumed my walk towards the lake, hearing the padding of large feet as Fenris ran to my side. I shook my head again, “Had fun teasing Ember again?” The wolf grinned to me, wagging his tails.

The wind picked up slightly as we walked along the path. The lake slowly grew larger and larger as we near. I peered over to the Fenris as he walked close to me, “Hey, I’ve been wondering about something since we got back from France.”

He looked back at me, “What has been on your mind little one?”

I readjusted the strap in my shoulder, “When you appeared to defend me, one of the girls said something that seemed to piss you off. I think she called it ‘words of subjugation’. Any idea what that girl was talking about?”

Fenris’ tails straightened and bristled, “Those words stirred a deep hatred within me, reviving memories from long ago.”

I stared into his eyes, seeing sullenness within them, “I’m…guessing those aren’t very good memories then, right?”

The wolf turned his head forward, “All I know is a sense of anger when they were spoken.”

I watched as the hairs on his neck flare softly. I placed my hand onto his back, stroking his fur. Fenris’ tails wagged softly, seeing the growing tension ease away.

“Is there anything else you remember? Rachel told me that Uldulvan wolves share a racial memory.”

Fenris stopped for a moment and looked back at me, “There…is something, but it is far too faint to describe.”

I looked at him, trying to understand what he meant. He then lied down onto the ground. I smirked as I shook my head, “You just loving carrying me around don’t you?”

His tail swished happily, “I prefer having you close to me. It makes me happy to have you upon my back.”

I giggled as I sat onto him, “That and you love acting like a dad with his little girl.”

The wolf looked at me and grinned, gently rising to his feet, “Is it a burden to think of you as such?” resuming his walk towards the lake.

I shook my head, lying down onto him, stroking his fur, “Nope,” smiling softly.

I felt my body being wrapped within a gentle chill as we marched towards the lake, knowing that this one of many ways Fenris would show his affection towards me. I tenderly ran my fingers through his fur, nearly wishing to transform into a kitsune, but fought back the urge. I knew if I did, I’d be less likely to want to go for my swim.

When I heard the sounds of water beating against rocks, I lifted my head to see that we were approaching the lakeshore. I slowly sat up on Fenris’ back, still holding onto his fur as we drew closer to the lake. When he came to a stop, I slipped off from his back and walked towards the water.

I dropped my bag and knelt down to open it, pulling out the special shirt that I often wore whenever I would transform into a mermaid. It really was just a cropped tee, but is shimmered in a softly pearl-like color. I pulled off my clothes and folded them onto a rock, slipping the shirt over me.

I glanced over at Fenris, who had sat down onto the rocky shore. I smiled to him as I turned and waded out into the water, feeling it slowly creeping up my legs. When it passed my swim bottoms, I crouched down into the water, let it buffer against me. I smiled, thumbing the crystal on my necklace, closing my eyes. I felt an energy flowing into me as it washed over my body.

My legs slowly merged together, feeling soft, smooth scales beginning to prickle down my forming tail as the fin then unfurled at the tip. My hands felt as though I were putting on gloves as they became webbed, my ears also grew longer, forming into delicate fins.

My hands then rested onto my lap, now complete with two small limbs on the sides of my hips, smiling as the fins unfurled. I opened my eyes as I giggled; sensing a tingling in my neck, knowing my gills had formed.

I peered back towards Fenris, who appeared to be a patient sentry, stoic and unmoving. I waved to him, “I’ll see you later Fenris,” pushing off into the water, diving down into the lake.

Despite it being a rather warm day and the sun resting high in the sky, this didn’t always translate the further one traveled into a body of water. The lake water was cold as I swam deeper into the slowly swarming darkness. I had been swimming through the lake so often that it became much like a second home to me.

Much like with every other form that I could assume, swimming as a mermaid was as natural as walking upon land. I could glide effortlessly through the water as easily I flew through the air as a dragon.

The darkness slowly began to give way as my eyes adjusted to it. I smiled as I the light from the sun filtered downwards, illuminating the depths. Even as I drew deeper and deeper, my sight only grew clearer and far more detailed than I could see as a human.

The subtle shapes of rocks upon the lake bed steadily came into sight as I saw schools of fish swimming passed me. Long-stemmed river plants swayed along the currents. I swam over to them, stroking my hands along the leaves, smiling before resuming my trek.

My eyes then caught the sight of a small opening in the rock face as I neared the hillside that formed the southern border of the Estate. I smiled as I swam into it the whole following through the gentle curving tunnels. This was the entrance to the grotto in which a small colony of mermaids dwelt.

The gossip was in charge of maintaining the purity of the lake, which was then fed back into the Estate itself, irrigating crops and supplied water to the herds and flocks. Over the past few months, the grotto had become one of several places I would retreat to if I ever needed a place to go if I ever wanted to just get out of the Manor.

While with the gossip, aside from swimming with them and playing games, the group taught me about water magic. I learned how to control it, bend it, and even shape it. Tariel was my primary tutor in this field.

I would watch her endlessly as the water rose around her, appearing to dance on the lake surface. She had used this during the first time I transformed into a mermaid, when she handed me back to Rachel.

I spend hours with her, emulating her. But she admitted that they could teach me only so much, as she was not of noble or royal blood, who had far greater command of water magic. I didn’t really care about what teach me they couldn’t.

But while I was being taught, it would be either as a human or mermaid. To her it didn’t matter. I even was a kitsune from time to time, which made her smile as water circled around my tails.

I also learned how to freeze the water on the lake to the point where I could easily walk on it. I giggled as I would run across the water where I had frozen over. Tariel would swim beside me, easily keeping pace with me.

The first few times I did this, I either slipped off the ice as it tipped over or it broke on me. In both cases I was sent splashing into the water. I pouted as I floated every time. My tutor would laugh as she swam over to me.

In the end, I had more fun simply swimming and being with them. As I said before, mermaids love playing games. Tag was always a particular favorite of theirs. It was how I learned how to swim and adapt to being a mermaid after I was transformed into one a year ago.

The entire lake was a playground for the gossip, swimming everywhere with impunity. They also loved tending to little gardens beneath the water, growing fruits and vegetables they needed. I was always learning from more and more about them as I watched.

I smiled as I glimpsed shimmering and rippling light, knowing that I was close to the exit into the grotto itself. I slowed down slightly as I heard silence coming from the grotto. At first I thought the gossip was away, having just missed them.

I gradually raised my head through the water, I could hear the sounds of gentle breathing with some slight whimpering as I saw that the gossip was in fact asleep. I craned my head around, seeing that it was the same with everyone.

Well crap, I thought to myself.

The grotto isn’t just some rocky cave. Held within were beds, vanities, cushions, lamps, and other assorted furniture. The grotto was no different than any home that I had lived in my life. It was truly a comfortable place to call home.

The gossip had become like an extra group of sisters, with each person always wanting to hold me and love on me. While I outwardly and actively was slightly embarrassed as I often sat in the middle of the group, I quietly loved the attention. I guess it’s natural to seek the love of others, with everyone always gazing at you.

When I would visit, I tended to stay quiet and observe the group, listening, learning how to be a mermaid. I drifted back slowly, not wanting to wake up anyone. I quickly found myself being wrapped up in arms.

I smiled, looking up, “Hi Tariel,” whispering.

The woman smiled, holding me closer to her, “Greetings Princess,” whispering in return. Tariel gently spun me around and held me close, “Why don’t we retire to my alcove?” I nodded as we both exited from the central chamber.

Tariel is the leader of the gossip and was also the person who transformed me into the mermaid. She was in a way, like Marron, a den mother of the group, keeping everyone in line, and making sure that the gossip wouldn’t get too ahead of themselves whenever I would visit them.

We slipped into a small partitioned section of the cave; it was filled with little knickknacks with a bed and little desks. I blushed as Tariel gently hoisted me onto a chair, with her sitting beside me, holding me close to her.

I smiled softly, looking up at her, “Did y’all go to Nerazon?”

She nodded to me, “We only just returned roughly an hour ago, and the girls were quite exhausted from the trip.”

I nodded, “Must’ve been a lot more grueling than usual if they’re this tired.”

Tariel bobbed her head slightly, “In a way it was. We had to restock on certain foods that we require, mostly vegetables that we sadly are unable to grow here.”

I looked up at her, “I could always ask Velhemina for help.”

Tariel smiled to me, her wet hair draped over her shoulder as she pulled over a coral shell comb and gently ran it through my hair, “I appreciate your concern little princess, but Madame Velhemina has already tried. Even her Ladyship has attempted to help us. Sadly, it just can’t be done.”

I nodded, sighing.

She smiled softly, holding me even closer to her, “You can always come with us princess. With your mother’s permission of course.”

My finned ears perked up as I craned my head upwards to her, but then lowered them, “I know, I just don’t want to be a nuisance for you.”

Tariel lovingly tapped the tip of my nose, “You wouldn’t be a nuisance little one.” I giggled softly. The woman grinned, kissing my forehead, “Oh, I have something for you.”

I looked up at her, my heart thumping in my chest, “What…what did you bring me?” asking like an eager child.

Tariel smiled awkwardly, “We ran into Savero while we were traveling through the city.”

During my first visit to the city, the gossip and I were stopped by the city guards as we tried to head for home. Savero, a knight-commander, (something within the military I think), managed to arrive in time and commanded the guards to let us go and actually escorted us part of the way back.

I would travel with the gossip on trips to both learn more of the city and my grafted ties to the race, but also to help shop for supplies. During one of our trips, Savero talked me into sharing a lunch with him, on the condition that half the gossip would serve as chaperones of course.

Needless-to-say…I did not feel comfortable doing it, a fact I made abundantly clear to him. I nearly swam away, but he apologized and we had our lunch. Savero…is a gentleman and is rather pleasant to talk with.

He was surprised to learn that Rachel had adopted me, the news of which made him sit up even straighter. My fins curled tightly as I ate with him. On the one hand, I was taken aback that I was having lunch with an actual knight and an incredibly good looking one at that.

But the on the flipside...THE GUY IS EASILY TWICE MY AGE! This still made me extremely nervous, almost to the point that I wanted to run away. When our lunch was over, Savero and I parted ways.

I crumbled into the arms of the gossip, body shaking nervously. Tariel smiled as she held me close to her, comforting me. When I got home, Rachel wasn’t exactly happy with the boldness of the merman. Couldn’t say I blamed her. After that, Rachel was a little more stringent about my visits to the city.

I looked to her, “Okay…so what did he say?”

“He wanted me to personally deliver this to you.” She then reached over to her bag and pulled out a rolled up scroll.

I cringed slightly as I took the scroll, breaking the seal, and began to read it. I sighed, drooping my head, “Not again.”

Tariel looked to me, “What did he say?”

I leaned my head back, “Savero is inviting me to attend some ball next month…as his date.”

Tariel blinked softly, “I highly doubt your mother would agree to such a proposal.”

I looked to her, scoffing, “Yeah…no kidding. This is really bold of him. Why didn’t he send this to Rachel first?”

Tariel shook her head, pulling me close to her, “I’m not sure Princess.”

I smirked, “I am definitely gonna tell Rachel about this. Oh, how she will go off on him.”

Tariel smiled, “You have been acquiring a small group of potential suitors as of late.”

I nodded, waving my hand dismissively, “Yeah well…don’t really care about that,” then looking up at her, “what I do care about if there’s been any gossip within the city lately?”

Tariel chuckled, flicking my nose, “You truly thrive on gossip nowadays don’t you?” I giggled as I nodded, “So tell me, I have got to know.”

The mermaid smiled as she shook her head, “Nothing scandalous as of late, but there have been stirrings. Strange portents are slowly coming to light that few are able to understand.”

I looked up at her, “Like what?”

Tariel shook her head, “Nothing concrete, mostly rumor and hearsay at the moment.”

My shoulders slumped, “Well…crap. Was hoping there might be something juicy to go off of and pass along to everyone else.”

Tariel smiling, kissing the top of my head, “And here I was thinking you didn’t care much for the comings and goings of the city.”

I giggled, “Well I do love Nerazon after all. Wouldn’t mind going back before the end of the year.”

The mermaid smiled, “I could ask you mother about taking you with us next month before your birthday. Like we did last year.”

I nodded, “That be nice. Just…no running into Savero please? I already ran into Drakon while at Court and think he’s taken a shine to me as well, at which point Rachel would go ballistic if she knew that he has.”

Tariel grinned deviously, “Developing feelings for the vampire are we?”

I looked up at her, cocking my head, “That’s not very funny Tariel.”

She chuckled, hugging me tightly, “I’m only teasing you.”

I sighed, shaking my head, “Besides, the both of them are way older than I am.”

Tariel grinned, “In our world, as you are now, you are old enough.” I blushed softly, looking away. The mermaid smiled as she resumed brushing my hair.

I spent the next hour with Tariel, listening to her talk about their trip to the city. She then pulled out another scroll from the academy that she had checked out for me. I giggled as I took it, knowing it was more history of merfolk and of the city.

I dwelt on the idea of traveling with them back to the city. I had gone with the gossip shortly before Rachel and I flew to France. It was simply another field trip, but I actually was able to spend a couple days there this time around, as opposed to it just being a simple day trip.

The trip was more of a chance to experience life as a mermaid, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We toured the city, as we always did, but we spent more time around more public areas. This afforded me the chance to watch merfolk interacting with each other.

I love people-watching, just simply enjoying everyone just going about their lives, picking up little ticks about how to be a mermaid. When my eyes started to grow heavily, I felt to urge to lie down and go to sleep.

Tariel smiled as she pulled me close to her. “Why don’t I take you back to the shore princess? I’m assuming Fenris is waiting for you?”

I looked up at her and nodded, “He should be sitting on or around the shoreline.”

She nodded, easing herself back into the water, holding out her hand to me. I gently took her hand, grabbing the scrolls she brought for me, tucking them tightly under my arms. I then slipped into the water as we then left her alcove.

As we entered into the main chamber, we could hear the sounds of the others beginning to stir. “We should leave before they wake up Princess,” whispered Tariel. “Otherwise, I’ll never get you out of here.” I nodded, smiling softly as we then ducked into the entrance pool.

The swim out of the grotto was just as easy as coming in, only this time I was more tired leaving than going in. Once we were clear of the cave, Tariel held me close as we swam through the water. I instantly felt slightly more cold than I was earlier, causing me to shiver.

My escort smiled, “Almost there Princess.” I nodded softly to her, watching as the light slowly grew brighter and more vibrant as it rippled off of the surface.

As we finally broke through the surface, I looked around and saw Fenris still sitting on the shoreline. I smiled softly over to him, giving him a wave. The massive wolf remained motionless with the exception of his tails wagging incessantly. I giggled as Tariel inched us closer to the shore.

When I reached my starting point, I spun around and sat back onto the ground, panting softly. Tariel smiled as she sat beside me, stroking my hair. I giggled as I thumbed my necklace, watching my tail splitting into legs. I giggled and cooed as I felt the cold water rushing in between them, wiggling my toes as the tailfin receded.

I looked up Tariel, “Give everyone my best?”

She nodded, “I will Princess,” placing a kiss onto the top of my head. I smiled as I then heard Fenris stepping through the water, dropping a bikini bottom into the water. I blushed and smiling, slipping it over and then up my legs.

Grabbing onto his fur, I hoisted myself upwards, feeling myself wobble as I gained my footing. This happened every time I transformed from mermaid back into a human.

I turned to see Tariel easing herself back into the water, “Hey, try again tomorrow?”

She nodded, “I am fairly sure everyone will be rested and ready to play with you by then. You should be more focused on getting some rest yourself Princess.”

I nodded in return, giggling, “Planning on it.”

The mermaid smiled, “Good girl, till next time Princess,” she then turned and dove back under the water.

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