A Knight's Lilies

“Mermaids, nererids, sea nymphs, and sirens are all generally classified within the grouped strata label of humanoid feminine-type merfolk. However, the differences in culture, behaviour, diet, environment, between each of them, let alone all of them, could not be any greater. Take mermaids for example. Mermaids are perhaps the most typified of merfolk ‘species’ (and I use that term species loosely), they are a communal folk that is part of the whole merfolk society that also includes mermen. They live in underwater cities and rarely approach surface dwellers. From what others have studied and what information we have on them, it can be concluded that the typical mermaid or merman will have a dedicated ‘pod’ of other merfolk that they travel and live with as a unit. ”

- Professor Adrian Cousteau, Arterian Academy of Science, “A Study Into Undersea Civilisations and People”

There was a cold quietness in the way the mermaid performed. The creature avoided clicks and narrated its own tale to her through motion and the waters. Like an intricate dance that was both somber and morose, left without a voice of its own as the story continued to unfold. The pool itself became the canvas as a kaleidoscope of colours flittered out from around the mermaid, the hum of mana in the air as the world reacted to its touch.

With every motion, every splash, a tapestry of this small part of the world revealed itself to her. Unlike the magic she had sensed so often before, there was something familiar yet different. Close to the divinity of the Lady of Shadows or that of Astralis’s miracles. Yet, just different enough, a few steps removed but connected to the earth nonetheless. It was a force wielded by a child of its own, a natural, elemental force, more primeval than true magic.

On the web being weaved, she saw it. First there were many, then an outcast. Nothing changed, a calm stillness, the tinge of greeness in the water, a demonstration of peace and harmony. A wave rippled forth, the mermaid’s arm rising and falling, the look of dejection crossing its form. Like an unstoppable tide, the wave swept away the many, leaving but a single droplet of green that surrounded the mermaid. The waters now calmed, returning to the ethereal blue of its origin.

But in its serenity was the loneliness, one that Sophie felt a small amount of kinship with. A feeling similar to the fear and horror she felt in the Mistveil, when the world itself seemed set against her. A tuft of yellow streaked out, calling for attention, a plea to the world. It was ignored.

The mermaid’s melancholy radiated outwards and she dived downwards with a splash only to return magnificently. Then she dipped and surfaced again and again, a bizarre display until Sophie finally caught on. A desperate search, all alone. It surfaced one final time before gesturing to the cave, a nook carved into the world, hidden away from everything. A place for it to live just as much as it was a place for it to die.

At the end of this act, it paused, looking to Sophie for a response. In turn, she dipped her head in acknowledgement, a sense of somberness overtaking her as well. Seeing the impetus to continue in the way the mermaid tensed, Sophie offered it a soft smile. A pained, if small smile was returned by the mermaid. Judging by the way she shifted her body, Sophie could tell the performance would go on.

From where it was, the mermaid splashed a wave towards the pile of trinkets in the cave. As the waters brushed past Sophie, she felt an ethereal cold chill her to the bone. In the loneliness of this cavern, where endless tributaries, paths and winding passages stretched through the rock from sea to land. Here, the mermaid made landfall, and here it established a home.

Sophie could already anticipate parts of the next act, the pain and conflict that had shaped the mermaid to become a lizardfolk ripping monster. By now, Sophie knew there was no point distancing herself, all she could do now was watch the rest of this display play out. Noting the attention she was now paying it, the mermaid leaned over and wiped her hands on Sophie’s cheeks, likely some misguided attempt to squish her cheeks that just left them cold and damp. But she did not protest, accepting the gesture and gently giving the mermaids inhumanely smooth arms a gentle stroke of her own.

The mermaid nearly cried, only a singular harsh click of its tongue restraining it from breaking down.

“It’s okay.” Sophie whispered.

The mermaid flipped away from her and splashed back into the water. This time, as the cold reached her, Sophie just let it happen, a part of her trying to let her body join in on the performance. The mermaid then shifted as she dipped in and out of the water, throwing little corals, fishes, shells and rock all around the outer edges of the pool save for where Sophie was sitting. She then leapt out of the water with a terrific jump, landing like some mythical figure out of a fairy tale.

It then stayed underwater as the surface returned to its natural state. The waves left in its wake becoming nothing more than ripples at best. When she surfaced once more, chest proudly pushed forward, she put on the airs of a benevolent soul, herding the detritus and cave flora in certain directions, before mimicking, albeit a bit strangely, the motions of casting a fishing pole. She then acted out humanity’s despair, fear, and uncertainty at their struggles of living. Only then, did she push and guide the aquatic lifeforms to them. She then gestured to the baubles and trinkets around them, the implication now laid bared.

Sophie took a heavy breath. The villagers thought they were thanking Euthymia, but it was because of a… mermaid? All along? Stars above, how long? Her eyes examined their surroundings once more. Noticing a few decorated nooks in the rock walls that were now faded, the rest of the trinkets in their respective piles. Long enough for the tribute to not matter. Stars above. That must be… generations… Sophie shuddered. How old is this thing?

The meraid’s face then twisted into a harsh scowl as it dragged what remained of the lizard’s corpse in the cave and began choking it in the water, bashing its head against the edge of the pool. A gruesome display, she cracked its skull open before piloting the corpse with her hand like some vicious monstrosity. Through it, she smashed the carefully organized piles of coral and stones before flinging under her with a growl of frustration.

An invasion… the lizards… unwanted intruders. They were, are, disrupting the peace. I see. Then that means… her thoughts were stolen by the end of the performance, the mermaid tiredly slithering up to her and this time, gently coiling up around her. Sophie gasped at the unexpected touch, but managed to relax herself and lean against the mermaid, much to her delight. It clicked its tongue joyfully before resting its head atop Sophie's, the cold cave water running down her scalp no longer made her flinch.

The two sat in their strange embrace, both wondering what would happen next. What unravelled it all was a soft click coming from the mermaid. She then lowered herself to Sophie’s shoulder, before pointing towards the water. Understanding the meaning, Sophie nodded and gently pressed her cheek against the mermaid’s, much to the other’s surprise.

“Thank you.” Sophie whispered.

The mermaid cooed sadly before giving Sophie one last tight squeeze. Despite her reluctance, she would help with Sophie’s quest. Though Sophie was now racking her brain to try and think of something she could do to thank or at least honor the mermaid’s continued silent vigil over the people of Oakbeach and to an extent, the Academy.

Whatever the case, Sophie reckoned she would at least have some time to think on that matter on the journey back. After all, the distance that they travelled was likely long enough that the lizards could not assail this sanctuary. Meaning that there was little chance it was near their original battle zone. How they travelled back though, would be the main question. She guessed that the mermaid would cast some form of spell before letting Sophie ride on her back or simply carrying her with its impressive strength.

She didn’t even have time to say ‘oh’ when her assumptions were thrown out the window. The mermaid spun her around, having her pressed against it breast to breast like a small child being carried. Though that was within her expectations, the transference of oxygen was not. Without giving her a chance, the mermaid locked its lips around her and properly secured her.

Huh?! Sweet?! Meaty? Water? Uhhh? Sophie’s panicked thoughts were undone as the roar of water rushed around her, the two having dived headfirst into the pool. Sophie moved to protest but could not, this was her lifeline. Though judging by the lack of emotional reaction from the mermaid, Sophie could at least ease her own mind in that this likely wasn’t a trick. How the? I can still breathe? It's like a diving seal.

As the mermaid's face pulled away, an arcane bubble of air was pulled out from between their lips. Sophie watched with awe as the bubble grew to envelop her head, like a magical dome that allowed her to continue breathing. She was even more amazed that the bubble seemed to keep the water off her face as she could even keep her eyes open. Though, fearing that rocks or water would whip against her face, she closed her eyes nonetheless.

The twists, turns and geysers of water puffing out with ferocious force from unknown vents in the earth. All happened in the world around her as they travelled. Unseen, but felt and heard. It was a terrifying show of nature’s force. The power of which had the potential to take out any unprepared diver or creature in short measure. Yet with each small movement or wiggle, Sophie could feel the confidence which the mermaid navigated the waterways of the cavern.

Maybe… maybe the Goddess really did answer the people’s prayers. And this was the guardian given to them. For beneath the surface of the water, that is a domain far beyond the control of mankind. And all we can do is respect it, lest it swallow us whole.

Above Ground, Oakbeach Village

“You said this would be simple.” Eva let out a low growl.

“It was. I obviously didn’t anticipate a fucking colony of feral lizardfolk squatting inside the cave. Maybe a stray goblin or five. Hells, we’re on the Academy Isle for fuck sake. The guardians and local constabulary should’ve been able to handle most of anything, let alone the contingent of rangers near Larusport.” Mila snapped back.

“This is no natural phenomena, that’s for certain.” Inquisitor Janos offered Mila his support.

“Yes, fine, whatever. But we could’ve pressed some more, pushed a little deeper yesterday.” Eva argued, “Instead, you had us pull out the moment we managed to clear out the area.”

“Well sorry for not wanting all of us to drown when the tide rolled in.” Mila snarked, a scowl making her twitch a little.

“We had enough time.”

“Maybe. But we didn’t know if the lizards would harass us the way back. Then what? We just mope and then drown?”

“We could’ve looked-”

“We could’ve, maybe. But the lizards were there and the tide would’ve come eventually. I made a call, maybe a wrong one. But we’re here now, so shape up... Cause I don’t plan on losing anyone here.” Mila’s voice faltered for a moment, her own resolve coming up short compared to Eva’s.

There was a small voice in the back of her mind, chipping away as it doubted. Those doubts manifested even greater forms as the others doubted from outside. A darkness clouded her mind as she tried to remain in control, something Inquisitor Janos saw through in an instant. Though he did nothing besides raising his brow ever so briefly. Just enough that she noticed that he knew.

She grit her teeth and tried to hide her distress at the notion. She was one of the Astralis’s youngest inquisitors and she had not only failed in her duties twice. But she had now also blundered an operation involving the church’s saints. It was an ever increasing series of mistakes that she didn’t know when they would return to haunt her.

But Janos raised no objections and she took that as her cue to continue. She had to push through. In her mind, she owed that much to Sophie and the others. Goddess knows all my plans end up so wrong. I can at least fix this one.

“Tch. I doubt any of us went into this expecting casualties.” Eva scoffed, the girl’s rage seemed to subside for a moment as she sighed, “But you’re right. What we need right now is a proper plan, and one that sees Sophie returned.”

“Of course. I think the situation’s changed enough that this is now a rescue, first and foremost. Only after we find Sophie should we consider pressing forward. That sound good to you?” Mila queried.

Eva replied with a curt but acknowledging huff.

“Good. Now that we’re on the same page. The plan here will be relatively brief, two teams, though this time, one group in each passageway. Sweep as much as we can, see if we can find where the waterways lead from the pool so we can search for Sophie.”

“And what if we stumble onto their den or nest?”

“Retreat and regroup. While I’m certain you and yours are more than capable, I don’t want us to overextend ourselves.”

“I can agree to that.” Eva grunted.

“Now, you mentioned Aoi had something to add before we started arguing?”

“Aoi.” Eva nodded at the girl.

The squad leader dipped her head and performed a hasty little bow, easing some of the tension in the room.

“Yes, sensei. Squad leader Aoi reporting.” Aoi bowed a second time.

“At ease.” Inquisitor Janos spoke up before Mila could, “The time for formality is past. Carry on as you are.”

“Uhh, of course, sir.” Aoi bobbed her head up and down.

“Don’t mind us.” Eva offered her student a smile.

Aoi smiled back and began her report, “When we beat the lizardfolk back thanks to Sir Grorok, myself and Natsuki both noticed how they seemed to mostly retreat towards the leftmost tunnel despite coming out from both. It might mean uhh… that maybe their main defences and nest is that way? But we weren’t certain at the time so we didn’t bring it up.”

“Huh.” It was Mila’s turn to grunt contemplatively. A part of her was pleased at the information. Another part of her was a bit miffed that she wasn't the one to have noticed such things. That she had failed to properly assess the foe. Eva just tapped knowingly upon the desk in which a a rapidly drawn map of the cave.

Deputy Inquisitor Grorok dutifully passed Eva a pencil, the girl grunting appreciatively before marking up the map of the caverns with new information. Mila frowned to herself. There was a certain camaraderie between them that she only now noticed, subdued, but a respect that passed in their actions. Even Janos, she gritted her teeth. Not that I’ve seen Grorok or Eva that much for that matter. Hmm, but I wonder, just how much they’ve worked with each other and Janos. He’s responsible for the Saintess program after all. If I fuck up anymore…

“Ahem.” Janos tapped the table to get everyone’s attention.

They all looked over, even if Mila suspected some unwelcome information was about to arrive. The slight upturning of his nose and barely smug look on his face told her as much.

“As we are now in agreement…” He pulled out his own inquisitorial pocket watch, “I’ll allot to you all, another hour to create your plan at most, preferably half of that. Overall, your operation parameters will be five hours, no more, no less.”

“Five hours?” Mila guffawed, “We’ve barely reorganized since yesterday.”

“Right. But with the situation deteriorating and the potential loss of one of the church’s… valued allies…” He danced around Sophie’s name, “I am not leaving any room for error. This is your operation Inquisitor Lyudmilla. See that it is finished. I trust in the saints and you, of course. But what we need is a resolution and soon.”

Mila winced as he called her name out, the harsh tone and way he said it leaving her ill at ease.

“I already have a templar squadron on standby. However, I’ve also yet to inform the archbishop of the isles or Arteria. This is your time limit.” Janos stated plainly.

Mila signed but nodded nonetheless, “Understood, Inquisitor Janos, it will be done.”

“Good. Whatever plan you put forth, I’ll approve. I know Lady Eva wanted more free reign over this operation and I’m giving it to you. Don’t let me down.”

Eva gave him a curt salute that he responded with one of his own. Polite nods were directed at Grorok and Aoi. A knowing look thrown to Mila, the challenge had been issued. Her operation was teetering on the edge. A simple commission gone wrong. Now was her chance to recover it, her chance to prove that she hadn’t been beaten down yet.

“I won’t.” Mila declared. Not this time. Her hands balled up. No one gets left behind. I will get the job done.

Glancing at the others, she looked at them with a small flicker of determination. We’ll make it. We’ll all make it.