Chapter 21 - Practice

Chapter 21

Practice

Hours later, Meredith returned to the blacksmith shop with the magma rocks he was requesting.

"Hi there, mister, I got the rocks you wanted," Meredith set it down next to the fire pit.

"Very good chil- dear Neptune! How on gods deep marina did you manage to bring all of those rocks?" The blacksmith exclaimed.

"I carried it." Meredith said in a natural tone as if it were normal for her.

"You carried all of that?"

"Yes sir,"

"Come here for a second. I'm having issues with lifting this harpoon over there, can you help me move it?" the blacksmith pointed over to the large metal harpoon.

"Sure thing,"

Meredith lifted it with no hesitation and placed it over there. The blacksmith widened his eyes and began rubbing them as if he were dreaming.

"Anything else?" Meredith said cheerfully but then saw his facial expression.

"I need to ask you a question about yourself,"

"Yes?" Meredith began becoming tense thinking she might have been caught on with her secret.

"Are you from Samudra?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Samudra, you know, around the seas of the southern Asian territory?"

Meredith took a minute thinking where he was talking about and she knew he was referring the area as the Indian Ocean.

"Oh, well, my family lived on the border and we mostly were on the pacific side but we went into that territory from time to time, why do you ask?" Meredith said creating a lie to help cover.

"Ah, I see, that makes sense then. I heard that mer from Samudra were very strong especially the women. What brought you here on the eastern Oceano region?"

"I'm a drifter," Meredith lied once more.

"Ah okay, say, don't merfolk in that area braid their hair? Yours isn't braided," the blacksmith asked.

"I've been away from my home for a year or so, I haven't had anything to braid my hair with since,"

"Oh of course, my apologies,"

"Is there a problem?" Meredith asked.

"No, I thought with you being a maiden you'd probably would not be able to handle the work load naturally but since you're from Samudra, I definitely want you around helping with the heavier loads. My son and I, we have a hard time getting the orders in, and with my age, it's getting to be difficult."

"Well, glad I came at such timing. When do I start?"

"Well, we need to start bright and early in the morning to get the fire roaring in the kiln,"

"That might pose as an issue for me every day,"

"May I ask why?"

"I...have another job,"

"As?"

"Imports, I deliver from one port to another. Lots of trade going on here and decided to capitalize on the jobs,"

"Can you make it before sunrise then?"

"Sure can,"

"Okay, here's what we'll do, you come in each day before sunrise to start up the shop and move around things, then come back in the early evening, we'll start our teaching then since orders are slow on the evenings, will that be adequate?"

"Yes, that will do, thank you," Meredith bowed her head in appreciation to the blacksmith that took her in.

"Report back here tomorrow in the morn before the sun even thinks of hitting the horizon, revving up the kiln and readying the equipment is the first step any blacksmith would need to learn before making anything," the blacksmith instructed.

After Meredith said goodbye to her teacher, she started heading home since it was very late. When she reached the surface and dressed herself, she headed home where it was nearly dark. She didn't realize on who was waiting on her return home.

"Where were you?" Lynae asked quizzically.

"The beach, what's it to you?"

"You were supposed to come straight home!" Lynae declared.

"Says who? Last I checked you're not mom or dad, and they don't have a problem with me going to the beach,"

"I do!"

"Why?"

"Because..."

"Because WHY?!" Meredith pressed on her.

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT YOU TO BECOME A FISH!"

"And what's so bad about that? What if I want to become a fish? Have you ever thought of that?"

"I want you to go to college, I want you to have a life, not chasing after this fantasy!"

"Are the scales on your back a dream? Is the cold getting to you? What if I want to help those merfolk?! Why can't you accept that?!"

"It's not normal," Lynae muttered.

"Reality check, Lyn, not everyone's life or situation is normal. It's a stupid standard that society itself had placed to make us feel even more crappier than we need to be! Obtaining something that is nearly impossible for our destiny and our purpose in life! You still feel bad because since you got raped, you feel like you can't live your life like it was before. This transformation got you scared again, admit it, you are scared!"

"I AM SCARED!" Lyn said with cold frost coming from her feet and fog from her breath.

Meredith remained silent after Lynae screamed again that admission.

"I am scared that I won't be able to live the life I want,"

"Then what is the life that you want? You said you want to go to college, but what are you wanting to do with that college?" Meredith asked.

Lynae paused at her question. She thought for a moment and realized that she didn't know what she wanted to pursue in a career in. She kept thinking to herself – was she not meant to go to college? Did Meredith have a point? What did she want to study after high school?

"Lyn, if I can add some input here, you are free to choose your own path, but you may not get the results you want in the long run. I still sense that you don't even know on where you want to go and pursue a career in. Don't let it stop you on pursuing on what you want in life. I'm not going to ask you to go on this journey with me anymore. I brought you and Meredith into a big mess I realize, and I also realize that you were meant to become what I am as well. It's up to you whether or not you want to become the ice princess the five ocean realms were waiting for the return. Meredith has chosen her path and so have I. Don't try to change it because you are scared of your own future. We are not you."

Amelia chimed in telepathically sensing she needed comfort.

"You know, I'm really annoyed with you butting into some of these conversations, Amelia. But thanks,"

"Wait, you have Amelia on there? Hi Mia!!!" Meredith shouted.

"Ow! Meredith that's not how telepathy works! She said hi, Mia,"

"Sorry I can't hear her and she can't hear me." Meredith reminded her.

"Oh, right, forgot about that,"

"Speaking of which, what was Mere doing in the seas? Allura said she wasn't practicing with her," Amelia asked.

"Amelia wants to know what you were doing, she knew that you weren't with Allura," Lynae forwarded the message.

"I was just swimming, is there anything wrong with that?" Meredith rolled her eyes.

"She said she was just swimming, Mia,"

"Well, I can't tell if she's lying or not, I'll just give her the benefit of the doubt, just tell her to be careful when she's out there alone,"

"Mia said to be careful out there going alone,"

"I will, I'm still careful with not showing my abilities as much. Tell me something, Mia. Has Rimulus or Allura ever heard of a region called Samudra?" Meredith asked.

"Mia, does Rimulus or Allura know of a place called Samudra?" Lynae asked Mia telepathically.

"I'll ask, I'm too tired right now to think. Rimulus had me drilled down from learning Latin and about the historical records of the realms since the beginning of time," Amelia said.

"She'll ask them, her mind is too tired to telepath them. We should let her rest her mind. Alright, Mia, get some rest it sounds like you really are worn out. I'll keep in touch with you and if Meredith has anymore questions," Lynae said conversing to both Meredith and Amelia.

"Okay, later guys..." Amelia said then disconnected with Lynae.

"Great, she gives me this lecture on how I don't need to follow your guys' footsteps but now I get to be translator for you all," Lynae rolled her eyes.

"Look, I know you're wanting to look out for me as an older sister, and I appreciate it; but this is something I need to do, something that I feel is my destiny, and the path I choose."

"Just promise me you'll be careful," Lynae sighed.

"I promise. You don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself now," Meredith attempted to reassure her.

"Alright, if you like being a mermaid and such, I won't stop you."

"Thanks, Lyn!" Meredith said hugging her sister.

Lynae and Meredith spent this time watching television with one another. While they were watching, they were unaware that their parents were looking at them smiling as if they were finally relieved that the sibling rivalry had dissolved already.

It was four in the morning and Meredith began getting up to get ready for her apprentice training with the blacksmith underwater. Hank was already up working out and Meredith was trying to sneak past him, but she was caught.

"What are you doing up this early? School doesn't begin until another four hours!"

"I wanted to start the day earlier like you, dad," Meredith said grinning.

"Oh, okay, just don't wake up your mother or sister," Hank said while going back to his workout training.

Meredith was surprised at his response. Then again, her father always got up this early too. Her thinking was that he thought that he was encouraging her to get up earlier. Although, she was also confused when she was punished for sneaking out earlier, but she didn't think of it anymore. She went outside and headed towards the beach. She stripped down and dove in the water.

She swam a few minutes until she saw the shop and the blacksmith waiting for her. She greeted him.

"I'm ready,"

"I didn't think you were all serious at the time of day it is,"

"When I said I would be here, I would be here. Did I not keep my word?"

"You did, follow me," the blacksmith gestured her inside the shop.

"Poke around the fire with this to rekindle the fire. We always need to keep this kiln on because once the lava dies, that's it. We would need to make an entire trip back to the volcano to gather more lava causing it to be a more dangerous and tedious job which we can prevent for awhile at least."

"Wouldn't we need more lava anyway?"

"We would need to replace it from time to time, but luckily we have this. This stores lava at extreme temperatures. The furnace must always be at this pressure setting and this temperature flow – no exceptions. If there is too much pressure, the lava will corrode and cause an explosion possibly killing all of us. If there is not enough pressure, the lava will harden and not have that nice flow we would need if we need it for any projects that requires molten lava,"

"I'm confused. You have a furnace but you want the kiln to be on at all times with lava, why?"

"Good question, you see it takes hours for the lava to heat up the kiln at the right temperature to mold anything and mend any steel or metal. By keeping the kiln kindling with just at least a little bit of lava still in, we save time and effort. Then we will be able to get to work faster than waste an entire day trying to start it up again."

"I see, that's smart, I never saw it like that before," Meredith said poking the rocks around and seeing the rocks crackling at the lava.

"There you go, see that? The rocks that are already in there are reheating, and causing a chain reaction to the other rocks as well touching the lit rock. I also changed out the rocks as well, the rocks I had in there before were almost ashes so there's more crackling than normal with fresh magma rocks. Don't be alarmed by the bubbling noises, that's normal with the fresh batch."

The blacksmith was pleased to see that his kiln was blazing at high temperatures. The rocks were more orange than their normal coal black appearance. Then he noticed Meredith again and touched her hair.

"One more thing, when working with fire, always have your hair tied back so you won't create a hazard to yourself or the shop. I know you said you didn't have any hair ties so I'll let you have this one. Next time I see you, I need you to come back with hair tied back, understand?"

"Yes, sir,"

"Also, I forgot to ask, what is your name?"

"Meredith, and what do I call you?"

"My name is Elihu." Elihu introduced himself.

"My son Ernest will arrive shortly to help with unloading, but I don't want to keep you from your import job. Meet me again in the afternoon when you get done and I'll show you some forging techniques."

"Thank you, Elihu," Meredith said bowing her head.

"Also don't bow your head, I'm not your royal highness, I'm just your master. We haven't had a royal head in over a thousand years. I appreciate your respect though," He said while getting some supplies ready for his first creation of the day.

Meredith swam off taking the words of Elihu into consideration. She swam around until it was nearly seven in the morning. Then she went up to the surface, got dressed, and headed over to her school.

She then went to her classes as usual and went to the cafeteria to eat some lunch.

"Hey, Mere!" Hailey sat next to Meredith.

"Hey, guys, what's up?"

Her friends Hailey, Jacqueline (known as Jackie), and Ryan sat down at the same table as Meredith and started up a conversation with her.

"What's with the library books?" Ryan asked.

"Why are you reading blacksmith books?" Jackie asked.

"Just something to read," Meredith said dismissively.

"Dang, are you going to make swords, Mere?" Ryan looked interested as he read one of the books instructing how to make different things with metal.

"Give me that, you dork. And no, I'm just doing some research," Meredith said snatching the book from Ryan.

"Guys, lay off, so how have you been doing? You've been pretty distant lately. You just go straight home and not hang around as much,"

"I just have a lot on my plate that's all,"

"How's the coaching? Is it stressing you at all?" Jackie asked.

"Well, yeah, I didn't realize it was a lot of work. Plus, I quit cause I had to help around the house,"

"Dang, I'm sorry to hear that, Mere. Anything we can do for you?" Hailey asked sincerely.

"Nah, I'm good, just a lot on my plate right now,"

"Nobody's giving you a hard time cause of your sister are they?" Ryan asked.

"What's that suppose to mean?!" Meredith scowled at him.

"Ryan, shut up," Jackie punched him.

"Ow, I'm just asking, rumors are just everywhere and, that you're going to be the next skank in the school,"

"Ryan!" Hailey shouted at him.

"I'm sorry that's what I keep hearing. I know it's not true,"

"Whatever, they can take that rumor and shove it up their ass," Meredith said taking a bite of her food.

"Hey, Meredith, word on the street is you like to sleep around just like your sister," a boy teased.

"What did you say?!" Meredith stood up with her hands tightened into fists.

"Oh come on, we all know that your sister -"

Meredith shoved him to the floor making him slide backwards a few feet.

"Wanna try saying that to my face again?!" Meredith shouted.

"Meredith, stop, you're going to make it worse," Hailey tried calming her down.

"No, I'm sick of this crap. For your information, my sister was raped by a student! That's right, and if you keep giving me or my sister crap over something which she had no control over, then you all are the problem!" Meredith shouted.

Meredith then saw Lynae across the cafeteria with a shocked look into her eyes. Then, Meredith ran out of the cafeteria angrily trying to control her emotions. She ran out of the school building and then headed to the beach.

"Meredith!"

Meredith stopped at the familiar voice behind her. It was Lynae.

"I'm sorry, Lynae. I can't do this anymore. I can't live on the surface anymore. I rather be in the ocean where I can swim freely,"

"Meredith, calm down. I'm coming with you."

"What? You're not stopping me?"

"No, I want to start fresh. Where nobody knows what I'm known for here. We should swim over to the Atlantic to see Amelia,"

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because I'm in an apprenticeship with this blacksmith in Oceanus. He can help us settle down there,"

"When were you going to tell me this?"

"I don't know, never crossed my mind,"

"Well, let's go before they spot us," Lynae said ushering her sister to the ocean.

The girls ran for the beach. Once they reached their changing area, they stripped their bottoms and dove in hand in hand together into the ocean. They swam to the blacksmith shop where Elihu was working on some objects.

"Came back early, what happened to your import job?"

"I quit, I'm here full time now."

"I see, who's this?"

"This is my sister, Lynae." Meredith introduced him to her.

"Nice to meet you, sir,"

"You seem troubled, child. What's bothering you? And don't say nothing!"

"I was being made fun of over something that happened to me some time ago, and my sister stood up for me in front of these bullies,"

"What were they making fun of you for? You don't have to tell me that if you don't want to if it's uncomfortable,"

"I was assaulted by this boy, and ever since then, I'm just a huge target,"

"Oh, dear, you were with a terra weren't you?"

"Uh..."

"Those filthy terra men, I'm sorry that happened to you I really am. So, what made you come back to the sea?"

"To start over – just like my sister,"

"You're both more than welcome to stay with me and my family for the time being until you get settled in,"

"No, we can't do that to you," Lynae insisted not to impose.

"I do insist, I lost a daughter and my wife a long time ago. I've been living with my grown son ever since then. It'd be nice to have some company around the house,"

Lynae then sensed that he felt lonely in that statement. And then opened up.

"If you don't mind, then we'll stay, but not for long. I still don't like the idea of imposing on you,"

"Don't think such a thing, it would be an honor for you ladies to stay over my roof for the time being. My name is Elihu and welcome to my shop. While I'm working with your sister, you're more than welcome to just hang around. My son Ernest should be here any moment now to help out." Elihu smiled.

"I'm here, Papa," a young man's voice echoed in the shop.

"Ah, speak of the serpent, Ernest, I'd like to introduce to you our apprentice Meredith and her sister Lynae. They will also stay with us for the time being,"

"A pleasure to meet you fair maidens," Ernest said while holding each of the girls' hands tenderly as a sign of greeting.

"Alright, our craft is not going to make itself, let's get on with it! Meredith, come with me. You're going to help me hammer out what I have here in store,"

Meredith followed Elihu and looked at the kiln. Then he spoke up once more.

"Alright, we're going to make some bridles for some sea creatures carrying loads,"

"Bridles?"

"Yes, they control the creature in steering. For what we popularize in making is manta ray bridles. These wedged bits go on the sides of the ray's mouth. Because of his mouthing line, the bridles are two separate pieces that attach each side of the ray,"

"Does it hurt them?"

"It doesn't, after these pieces are made, they use a smooth texture like blubber off of a seal to make it comfortable for the ray so that way the metal doesn't rub his gum line raw."

"Oh, I never knew rays could be used for transportation,"

"For cargo, yes, riding, no. They're not like a porpoise where you could lay on top of them. They can't handle the weight on their backs. The rays are more common here in Oceanus since they are abundant. Plus, if they see any threats along the way, they have a secret weapon on their hind end," Elihu smirked.

Elihu showed Meredith how to make a ray bridle by showing her numerous steps on how to get the bridle's shape. Meredith carefully observed the first bridle Elihu did and did the other one with a lot of assistance from her master. After getting through the first bridle, Elihu spoke up.

"Not bad for a beginner, don't worry, you'll have lots of practice on these since these are on demand all the time,"

Meredith sort of cringed at the idea of making more bridles. She didn't realize how much work blacksmithing was. But for some reason, she didn't give up despite it being a hard to grasp subject for her.

Meanwhile in Atlantica, Rimulus was drilling Amelia with scrolls of Latin and taught her various meanings.

"Alright, recite this phrase from Lachlan's march,"

"Arma et Regiae Lachlan Atlantica hoc decretum principis carceris usque..." Amelia read slowly looking at Rimulus.

"Keep going..." Rimulus nodded as he had his head down intensively listening to Amelia's diction.

"...ad finem iudicium Agual dies scelere certaminis coronam oppugnando Panamae,"

"Translate..." Rimulus looked up at Amelia this time observing her words.

"I...

"Remember the subject of the sentence is not the first words you see..." Rimulus coached her.

"I, Lachlan of the Royal Arms, prince of Atlantica, hereby decree that Agual be imprisoned for the rest of his days for war crimes against the crown in the battle of Panama,"

"There were technical errors you made, but they're minor. He said 'and' in between his two titles. Also, the technical translation was til but what you said is modernized so that is acceptable. Try not to shorten up the sentences even though they sound a bit stretched. Back in the day, details and extensive use of words in those sentences were dragged out more. If you were to recite a poem or anything historical, that would not be acceptable. But if you were to converse, then that is acceptable. Keep that in mind when reading anything whether it's a letter, a book, or a historical artefact like that decree Lachlan gave in 998, you should use the right discretion and manner for each material you see. This is essentially important if you were to ever rule Atlantica and take your rightful place on the throne," Rimulus stated looking into the errors of Amelia's sentence structure.

"Okay, give me another one,"

"My lady, you've been studying for hours today, perhaps you need to rest your mind a bit. You're coming along very well, but even hard-working students need a breather to be able to learn more."

"Just one more, Rimulus, one more and I'll take a break,"

"Very well, my lady," Rimulus sighed and handed her another scroll.

"Recite and translate," Rimulus instructed Amelia.

Amelia began to recite but something stopped her and she collapsed on the floor. Rimulus came to her looking alerted and concerned.

"My lady! Are you alright? My lady!"