Entry #2The fog curled above the river in the early morning light. The paddle of my canoe cut through the water as I made my way into the river to do some exploring. The morning breeze is still chilly, and seems to seep into my bones, but the scenery is breathtaking. As I silently row down the river, I listen to the morning songs of the birds, and the gentle lapping of the water at the sides of my canoe. This place feels ethereal, dream-like, and yet I know by now this is no dream.
As I make my way into a river bend, the fog begins to clear and leave behind it an unobstructed view of the lush, emerald forests and even a glimpse here and there of a woodland creature coming to slack their morning thirst. As I turn from watching a young doe and her fawns make their way to the river's edge, I froze for a moment, believing I saw something disturb the water's surface. Staring at the spot, there was nary a ripple nor any other sign of anything being there, which meant that my imagination was the culprit. Turning back to my exploration, I continued down the river and aimed to put the moment out of my mind.
Before I knew it, the noonday sun was high in the sky, bathing the river and it's surrounding forest land in it golden light. The sound of rushing water drew my attention to a small cove where I sat to admire the majestic sight. I pulled up my pemmican and waterskin, enjoying a small lunch when I heard a splash from behind me. This time, I managed to turn my head quick enough to see a gentle ripple, and a pale blue, shimmering something disappearing into the depths again. Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath, and plunged my head under the water.
What I saw under the clear, blue depths caused me to let out the breath I took in one silent, watery yell of shock. I had come face to face with a gorgeous Mersphinx. I could scarcely tear my eyes away from her bright blue ones. Luckily, with great effort on her part, she wrenched me from the submerged position I was in. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, I looked at her again as her ivory paws crossed over her chest, her pale copper-hued face reading of humor and annoyance in equal measure.
"Somehow, I do not think you can breathe underwater." She said, raising an eyebrow at me.
"W-Why are you following me?" I managed, feeling a bit embarrassed with my lack of manners.
"I'm a River Scout. I do that." She pointed out to me, as if it should be common knowledge.
I grinned softly. "You say that like I should know this..but as a newcomer, I find this river-ting."
She gave a half exasperated, half amused look before letting out a soft chuckle. I pressed this moment of burst tension to talk with her about this land, and to learn of her job as a River Scout. She, in turn, asked me about Ahket and my self-employed status as a wanderer. We spoke for so long, and I became so engrossed in the conversation, that before I knew it, the forest was bathed in the last rays of the setting sun. Fireflies played merrily in the rapidly darkening forest. Happily, I accepted the River Scout's invitation to be escorted back. The trip took far too little time for my liking, and before I knew it I was standing on the edge of the island, watching her swim away.
"W-Wait! I didn't catch your name!" I called, hoping she would respond.
"Tallulah. I am called Tallulah." She responded before sinking into the depths.
As I returned to camp, I repeated the name quietly to myself. It was a beautiful name, and it was befitting an equally beautiful lady. I ignored my friends that night, and retired early so that I might slip off once more to meet her. This time, I brought her a flower hair pin. And thus began my courtship of Tallulah, the River Scout. I knew I had precious little time here, as we would be sailing back to Ahket. Thus I wished to spend as much time as I could with her.
Tallulah was receptive of these feelings, as I had intrigued her. I was happy when she accepted the flower pin, and my clumsy explanation that I wanted to bring her flowers, but given I was unsure how long they'd last in an underwater environment, I figured the pin was a better and more long lasting option. I couldn't help but to blush over her, without a second thought, placing the pin in her long, flowing hair behind her ear. She agreed to meet me the next day, and the day after, and so on.
As I joyfully counted down the hours in which I'd get to see her again, the days in which we spent our time talking and exchanging small gifts didn't seem to come soon enough. While the nights, that I began to dread, that counted the time until we were to head home rapidly approached. The thought of having to leave this place, and with it Tallulah, filled my stomach with a hollow, icy ache the likes of which I'd never experienced. The night before we were to depart back to Ahket, I quickly set out that night, despite the danger, to find her. I found her quickly, staring mournfully out at the boats we would take back to our waiting vessels.
"Tallulah! I'm so glad I found you! Tomorrow, we, I, will have to make a choice." I started.
She smiled. "You almost drowned the first day we met, and throughout the time you've been here, I've watched you fail even still to correctly pilot your canoe. You can't survive here.." She said softly, an edge of sadness to her voice.
"Then...come with me!" I said, desperation tinging my words as I spoke them.
"You're asking me to leave my people?" She asked, looking at me. "I do not think I could do that. I would have no place in your land." Tallulah quickly pointed out.
My heart sank. "This, This cannot be goodbye."
She smiled sadly. "I'm afraid it is, for now. I'm sure one day, our paths will cross again."
I felt hollow, numb even, as she leaned up and brushed her lips against my cheek. I tried to smile, but neither of us were able to make our muscles work in such a manner and I was left, stunned, to see her disappear into the depths for the last time. With a heavy heart, I sat out in the canoe. The water rocking it back and forth for what felt like an eternity, until in the predawn gloom, I slowly made my way back to the city for the last time.
Packing up and heading down the river with everyone Ahket bound, I couldn't help but sit silent while the others spoke excitedly about their adventure and their treasures and their stories they'll take home. The only thing I was taking home, was a broken heart. A few of my traveling companions looked at me questioningly, especially when I would turn to look behind us or at the water. However, I never said anything, and just looked quietly ahead. Once we reached the merchant and pirate vessels, I boarded quietly, and made my way to the deck where, after the final call, we turned most of our gazes homeward.
My gaze, however, stayed with The Land of the Great Turtle until it became the tiniest speck, and eventually, faded into the horizon. I sat quietly against the railing. No rain or cold could move me as I looked over the small carvings she'd given me during our times together. The pain in my chest felt unbearable. Hearts were not meant to feel such pain and continue to work. I know this now. Looking up quietly when the merchants mentioned Ahket, I looked up sadly to see the familiar dock, and some of our friends waiting to greet us.
Disembarking, I made to slink home with hunched shoulders until something hit my ear, causing it to sting. Looking over, I picked up a carving of a salmon that'd hit me and turned it over in my paw before blinking hard a few times to ensure I wasn't seeing things. Slowly, I turned in the direction of the throw, forcing my heart to keep expectations low. However, in the shallow waters, sat Tallulah. In her paw she clutched another small stone carving, a mischievous grin on her face. I tore into the water, and nuzzled her happily.
"T-Tallulah, but how? You said-" I began before she cut me off with another nuzzle.
"My Chieftaness felt that I should see more of the world, and felt pity you didn't have River Scouts in Ahket. Thus, she wanted me to come and offer to show you how best to protect your rivers." Tallulah said with another, tired smile.
"But, how? You swam the entire way?" I asked, amazed.
"'Course not, kid. Half the time I was lowerin' a hammock or somethin'." Said a gruff voice behind us.
I turned to see the merchant whose ship I was able to ride on for the journey. My face once again broke into a grin as I held onto Tallulah happily. At my many attempts to thank him, the Merchant just shook his head and waved a paw at me.
"Nothin' to it. Was easy ta figure out. She was swimmin' fast to keep up with us, an you sittin' there like you'd never smile again...it added up. So I figured I'd jus ensure she made it too." The Merchant said as grinned. "Oh! An' I do weddins!"
I grinned, and promised him that he'd be the first person we looked up. For now, led Tallulah to my home just near the riverbank. It wasn't much, and we'd have to adjust the house for her comfort, but it was well worth the work. With Tallulah at my side, the future never looked brighter for me.
