October 25
I swam around the rock formation in the cold, clear water. I was jittery with anticipation. This was my final dive and Nerissa had specifically recommended this place. It was eerie being this close to where I was born. I pushed through a small hole in the wall, swam through a small, dark cave, and found the small green-glowing rock, just like Nerissa told me to do. I ran my hand over the rock and it glowed brighter, just as Nerissa had described. I turned the rock gently to the right and the water began to swirl around me. I couldn't see anything but the swirling green light from the rock in front of me. Something, or someone, took both of my arms and pulled me into a tunnel. The tunnel was lit by beautiful glowing stones embedded in the walls. I looked to my sides and realized that I was being led down the tunnel by two handsome, stoic mermen. The men didn't say a word to me and I began to get worried. What had Nerissa gotten me into? Had I let my stupid curiosity overwhelm my better judgement? I mean, who plays with mermaids, anyway?
My fears subsided a little bit when they escorted me through to door to an air chamber. I took my regulator out and looked around the room. It was beautiful; sparkling blue green walls and sheets of shimmering seaweed surrounded me. There was a huge clam shell that made a great couch. The air was smooth and fresh-smelling. It tasted like lemons and honeysuckle on the back of my tongue. It was a familiar smell; it reminded me of my summers at Smerwick Harbor, not too far from here. One of the men turned to me and said, "Wait here, the queen will be with you shortly." At that, they left, and I was alone in the incredible room.
I waited for what felt like hours, when I heard a knock at the door. "Come in," I said with uncertainty. Through the door floated the most intriguing mermaid, enveloped by a great fog. She wore a long flowing gown over her shimmering tail, and she had the most remarkable jewels in her hair. She must have been the queen. She was exquisite. She looked magnificent and powerful, but there was something so familiar in her eyes.
"Julia," she whispered, "I was hoping you'd come." Immediately, I recognized the voice and my skin bristled. It was my mother. I couldn't believe this was happening. I felt so many emotions all at once. I was angry, relieved, and in shock. I started crying and could hardly get my words out, "But...how...I mean...why? HOW COULD YOU?"
"Julia, I'm so sorry. Let me explain. Please. I know its hard to understand, but I need this chance to tell you what happened, and then you can make your own decisions." She pleaded. I let her go on with her story, bracing myself against the wave of emotions that was washing over me.
"One day, many years ago, near the harbour where you used to play, I swam to the surface to look for sea glass. I grew tired and stopped to rest and comb my hair. I heard something behind me, so I turned to look. There, I saw your father, the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes upon. Now, your father, handsome as he was, was a little ornery. He ran up to me and snatched my precious sea glass and then leaped away from me. I was devastated, because I had spent all day gathering it and it was to be a gift for my sisters. When he saw how upset i was, his heart softened, but he still would not give me back my treasures. Instead, he asked me to come home with him. I had never heard of a mermaid and a human living together, so I was worried about what he might do to me. Finally, he convinced me to return with him and to be his bride. I sent word to my father, but promised to return. We married and were truly happy as could be, but I always longed for my family and home under the sea. We had you and your brothers and sisters, and it was a truly wonderul time; but one day when I was cleaning house, I found the little pouch of sea glass. I knew that I had to return to the sea, just to check on my family. So the next morning, when your father went to town, I kissed you all and slipped away. I had planned on coming back, but when I returned to the water's edge I received word that my father was very ill. I had to return to him. Your father knew that he could never speak of what I truly was, or the townspeople might try to find me. I sent money and great treasures home to you all, but was never able to return again. My father passed shortly after that, and I was next in line to rule the kingdom. I have never remarried, Julia, as I have only ever loved your father. My heart was broken, but I am so happy to see you. I wish that you would come live with me here. All of this could be yours, if you wish to become a mermaid."
My head was spinning. I couldn't make sense out of what had just happened. I was so happy to know the truth, but I still resented my mother for leaving us. We spent the evening talking and laughing and crying, but I decided to return home the next day. I love the ocean, and this life seems incredible, but I realize now what i would be leaving behind. I chose to return home, to all the people I care about, but I will definitely come back to visit. Maybe someday I'll return for good...
Author's Note: I changed the
original story quite a bit. It was pretty long, so I shortened it
considerably and made it more specific to my frame tale. I made the
final story act as a resolution to Julia's quest, finally discovering
her mother and the truth of her disappearance. I wanted to show the
story from the mother's point of view, and show the emotions between
mother and daughter. I left out most the details about the location in
the original story, and the type of language they used. I did make the
story happen in the same area, and I also tied that in with Julia's
life. I focused more on the relationship between Julia and her mother,
since that is what my storybook has been building up to. I did maintain
the basic concept of the original story, though. The mother was a
mermaid and disappeared back into the sea one day. I added the detail
about the king being sick, and the mother taking over the kingdom. I
also changed the details about the children; in the original there were
two boys and a girl. My story just says "brothers and sisters." I also
had the mother tell this story instead of Julia writing it how she
remembers it. Julia is still writing in her journal, but she is
recounting exactly what happened. In the original story, Dick
Fitzgerald steals the mermaids diving cap. In my story, I had the man
steal her sea glass that she had been collecting all day.
Return to the Coverpage...
"The Lady of Gollerus," Author Unknown, from Magic of Mythology. Web Source: Shee-eire.
Image Info: "Sea Nymph." Web Source: Scylla.
Return to the Coverpage...
"The Lady of Gollerus," Author Unknown, from Magic of Mythology. Web Source: Shee-eire.
Image Info: "Sea Nymph." Web Source: Scylla.