A Crash, A Song, A Wave

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Eshe POV

The meeting with her captains went longer than she expected. Eshe rubbed between her eyes, feeling a headache coming on. Recently her days have been nothing but meetings with her Council, captains, and other groups of Rusalki and Sireni.

Three members of the Council perished in the battle of Portorosso, and Eshe spent some time deciding on their replacements. Finally, she chose one of her captains and two other insightful Elders on the tribe to serve. They accepted graciously at her request.

Last week she finished a long negotiation with the Sireni leaders on how to divide the land for both tribes. The negotiations lasted nearly two weeks, and Eshe was glad to see the back of it. Her people were given ample space to train and build settlements while the Sireni retained their agricultural lands. All was well - finally.

Once the last tail disappeared from her chamber, Eshe rested her head in her hands, willing the fatigue to go away.

"Hard day?" A tender voice spoke, coming from the doorway.

Eshe's head shot up, worried about having been caught showing her fatigue. But she instantly relaxed when she saw who it was. The female that was her one and only. Her life, her love, and her spirit partner.

Ksenya.

Ksenya had been hurt during the battle in Portorosso, losing feeling in her hips and legs. Thanks to a life-changing surgery, Mattias was able to restore her function. Ksenya was back to swimming normally, but her human steps were still shaky.

Eshe sighed deeply, knowing she could be herself in front of Ksenya.

"If I have to talk about the training curriculum for one more minute today, I think I'll scream," Eshe said, putting her head back in her arms. She felt the gentle touch of the small Rusalka on her back. It warmed her. Strengthened her.

"We have to go soon," Ksenya said, reminding Eshe of their promise to meet Giulia's mom at the station.

"We still have time; I sent Misha ahead to let them know we might be late - if she remembers to tell them, that is."

At this, Ksenya's face grew hard.

"You sent her clear to Portorosso by herself?" She said, aghast.

"What do you mean, clear to Portorosso?" Eshe repeated, "It's a twenty-minute swim and five-minute walk to the station. She is big enough to handle it."

Ksenya opened her mouth to continue arguing when another voice sounded from the opening.

"My Chieftess, we are ready."

The male that spoke had matching scales with Ksenya. His voice was also light and airy—a runt.

"Oh good, bring them in." Eshe said, resuming her strong demeanor at once.

Soon the room filled with light blue figures. Six females and three males, including Ksenya, brought the total number of light blue figures in the room to ten.

"What is this?" Ksenya whispered to Eshe.

"I'm about to show you," Eshe said, standing and opening her arms wide, welcoming the others to sit by the round table. The table was thick and made of stone; it was the perfect meeting space.

"Welcome." Eshe began, her voice booming, "As I'm sure you have noticed, I have gathered all of the light-scaled members of the Rusalki tribe. I know there are not many of you, but that doesn't mean you aren't a valued member of our tribe."

Some of the faces nodded, showing appreciation. Others looked uncomfortable at being addressed so kindly by the Chief, having been used to persecution their entire lives.