Chapter 4 Merfilk A Secret Kept.

Chapter 4 Merfilk, A Secret Kept

As the three mermaids entered the cavern, the mermaid they had saved followed closely behind. The atmosphere inside the cave shifts, the surroundings enveloped in an ethereal glow emanating from bioluminescent algae that cling to the walls. The cavern reveals itself gradually, a hidden sanctuary in the depths of the ocean.

Submerged in water, much of the cavern is an underwater realm, where colorful marine life dances and coral formations reach towards the unseen sunlight. The gentle sway of seaweed and the soft murmur of the currents add to the enchanting ambiance. However, towards the back of the cavern, a large air pocket emerges, providing a haven where air mingles with the scent of salt and dampness.

Above the waterline, a sizable rock ledge juts out, providing a safe perch for the two unconscious human men. Nerissa and Madissa carefully position the men on the ledge, their bodies resting against the solid surface, offering a temporary respite, sheltered from the turbulent depths that surround them. Then Madissa takes off her camouflage cloak and lays it over the legs of the man she saved, covering the horrific evidence of the shark bite. Nerissa does the same for the man she saved, not sure she wants to see the transformation. The mermaids observe their unconscious forms, a mix of concern and determination etched on their faces.

The mermaid they had rescued swims closer to Madissa and Nerissa, her expression filled with gratitude and a glimmer of curiosity. With graceful movements, she begins signing her introduction, making use of sign language to communicate her message.

"I'm sorry we couldn't make proper introductions earlier, but I am Naida of Tasmanridge," Naida signs, her hands flowing with elegance and precision. "My mates and I were on a trade mission when... we got lost, and something happened to them."

Madissa and Nerissa turn their attention fully towards Naida, their curiosity piqued by her words. Madissa, representing her royal lineage, takes the lead in introducing herself.

"Princess Madissa of Tritania," Madissa signs with a slight curtsy, a regal gesture befitting her status. "And this is my sister, Princess Nerissa."

Naida responds with a polite nod, acknowledging their introductions. "Pleasure to meet you both," she signs, her movements fluid and graceful.

Concern creases Madissa's brow as she turns to Nerissa, her mind occupied with their impending return home. She expresses her worry about their parents and the need to come up with a plausible excuse for their absence.

"Nerissa, our parents are going to be worried sick if we don't return soon," Madissa signs, her expression reflecting a sense of urgency. "It's almost dinner time, and we're nowhere near home. We need to come up with an excuse for why we won't be home tonight."

Nerissa nods, her expression serious, understanding the weight of the situation. "I understand, Madissa. What do you suggest we tell them?"

Madissa ponders for a moment, considering their options carefully. "Let's tell them that we stumble upon a cavern and decide to explore it, and we'd like to spend the night—a sisterly adventure. Oh, and bring back a couple of leather blankets. They might be cold," she signs, her plan taking shape in her mind.

Nerissa nods again, her concern evident. "But Madissa, we can't tell them about the humans. We can't reveal our secret, or the secret of the Merfolk. We need to be careful," she signs, her hands moving with caution.

Madissa's expression grows solemn, understanding the importance of secrecy. "I know, Nerissa. We can't risk anyone finding out what we've done. We'll have to keep our secret safe, no matter what," she signs, her determination shining through.

Nerissa nods once more, her eyes fixed on her sister's, a silent understanding passing between them. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on both their minds as they contemplate the consequences of their actions.

Before leaving the cave, Nerissa hesitates for a moment before signing her agreement. "Okay, I'll go check in with our parents and come up with a good excuse," she signs. "But you be careful, Madissa. We don't know anything about these Merfilk or what they're capable of."

Madissa nods, her expression serious and resolute. "Don't worry, I'll stay with them and make sure nothing happens. And don't forget to bring back some food," she signs, her stomach growling in anticipation of the upcoming meal.

"Looks like it's just the three of us for dinner tonight," Madissa signs, her gaze shifting towards Naida. "I hope you're hungry."

Naida's grin widens, revealing her row of sharp teeth. "Always," she signs confidently. She then turns to Nerissa and signs, "I'll keep an eye on them, but I trust your sister to handle things if they wake up. And if they try anything, well..." she trails off, her grin showcasing her small yet formidable shark-like teeth.

Madissa nods in agreement, expressing her gratitude for Naida's offer of help. Using Aquasign, she signs her response, "Thank you, Naida. We'll make sure to introduce you properly tomorrow morning when we get home."

With Nerissa bidding them farewell and disappearing into the water, Madissa feels a mix of emotions as she prepares to spend the night in the cave with Naida and the unconscious humans. The weight of their secret weighs heavily on her mind, and she wonders what the future holds for their newfound friends, the merfilk.

Meanwhile, Nerissa swims through the grand entrance of the palace, where her parents anxiously await her return. Queen Chloris, her birth mother, embraces her tightly, while Queen Eria, her other mom, greets her with a warm smile.

"Nerissa, you have us worried sick," Mother signs with concern. "What happened?"

"We make a new friend," Nerissa signs back, a smile lighting up her face. "Her name is Naida, and she's a mermaid from Tasmanridge. She's really nice, and we spend the day exploring the caves."

"That sounds wonderful," Mother signs. "But you were supposed to be back for dinner. What happened?"

Nerissa pauses briefly, contemplating her response. "We find a cave and decide to spend the night there. We don't want all of us to have to swim back, so I come back to check in and get food and supplies."

Mother raises an eyebrow skeptically, but Mom, understanding the situation, gives her a knowing look. "I see. Well, we're just glad you're safe. We'll make sure to pack you some dinner to take back."

"Actually, could you make enough for three?" Nerissa signs, her voice filled with warmth. "We make a new friend, and we want to share our meal with her. And a healing salve would be helpful too. She has a small cut, nothing major."

"Of course, dear," Mom signs reassuringly. "We'll make sure to pack enough for everyone."

"And yes, I'll grab a salve for your friend," Mother adds, understanding the importance of their guest's well-being.

With the support and understanding of their parents, Nerissa feels a sense of relief, knowing that their secret is safe for now. The thought of sharing a meal with Naida and the humans brings a spark of excitement.

Nerissa expresses her gratitude to her mother and Moma through heartfelt signs, accompanied by a warm embrace. Together, Nerissa and Moma gracefully swim to the kitchen to prepare food for Madissa and their newfound friend, Naida. As they diligently organize the provisions, King

Poseidon enters the kitchen, catching snippets of their conversation. His voice brims with concern as he signs, "What's happening? Why isn't Madissa joining you?"

Nerissa proceeds to sign the entire tale to Poseidon, who attentively nods in comprehension. With a blend of relief and caution etched on his face, Poseidon signs, "I understand. It's wonderful that you've made a new friend, but we cannot jeopardize your safety. I will send Triton with you to guard the cave while you sleep."

Nerissa responds with a grateful nod, her heart filled with appreciation for the added protection. However, an undercurrent of worry persists within her, fearing Triton's accidental discovery of the merfilk secret. She knows she must remain silent, avoiding any suspicions that could jeopardize their safety. Taking a deep breath, she pushes these concerns aside and focuses on the present moment, dedicating her thoughts to the well-being of their newfound companions.

With a slight smile, Nerissa signs, "Thank you, Dad. We will exercise utmost caution, I promise." She hopes that her father doesn't discern the trace of worry lingering in her eyes, knowing his perceptive nature.

Just as she finishes speaking, Neptune, the other father, approaches bearing a bag of supplies. Signing with warmth and concern, he presents the bag to Nerissa, communicating, "Take these. You never know what you might require."

Nerissa accepts the bag graciously, examining its contents with a quick glance. Inside, she discovers ropes, hooks, a folded whale leather airbladder, along with leather blankets and other exploration tools. With a nod, she signs her appreciation to her father, affirming, "Thanks, I'll handle it with care."

A gentle smile spreads across Neptune's face as he turns his attention to Triton. Signing with love and protectiveness, he instructs, "Take care of your sisters, Triton. Ensure nothing befalls them."

Triton responds confidently, his signs brimming with determination, "I won't, Dad. I give you my word."

Triton raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued, but he refrains from probing further. With a sense of responsibility and readiness, he signs, "Alright, I'll accompany you to the cave and stand guard while you sleep. May I take the supplies pack?"

With a graceful sway forward, Triton extends his offer to relieve Nerissa of the burden. Grateful and relieved, she reciprocates with a grateful smile, signing, "Thank you, Triton. Your assistance means the world to us." Nerissa gratefully hands over the supplies pack, her hands already occupied with a basket of provisions. As they depart from the kitchen, a wave of relief washes over her, knowing Triton's presence guarantees their safety. With him by their side, she feels reassured, confident that any potential dangers will be averted.

Nerissa's gut twinges with worry, her mind plagued by questions. What if Triton discovers the merfilk's existence? What if he divulges their secret to their parents? She suppresses these thoughts, careful not to betray a trace of suspicion. Trusting in the unknown becomes her anchor, believing that everything will ultimately unfold in their favor.

The group approaches the entrance of the palace, poised to journey back to the concealed cave. Swimming in close proximity to her brother, Nerissa seeks solace in his presence, yearning for the comfort it brings. She senses his protective aura enveloping her, bestowing a soothing calmness. Casting a lingering gaze at the palace and her familiar abode, Nerissa's thoughts drift toward the enigmatic adventures and formidable challenges that lie ahead.

Nerissa gracefully glides into the cave, carrying a basket laden with sustenance. Placing it on the ledge beside the men, she exclaims with clicks of cheerfulness, "We bring dinner! Triton stands guard outside the entrance." Her eyes dart to the human men, still unconscious and concealed under the camouflage cloaks, with an intriguing shimmery iridescent goo seeping out from beneath.

Madissa beams at her sister and appreciatively signs, "Our parents pack it for us. Thank you, Nerissa."

Nerissa returns the smile, gracefully signing her reply, "Of course! You're welcome." Her attention then turns to their new Merfilk friends as she inquires, "How are they faring?"