The sun glittered over the gentle waters of the sea. It was a pleasant break after the storms that had hit the coast. Ceara dipped beneath the waters surface, her flipper powering her through the water effortlessly. She moved quickly through the currents, searching out wrasse and cod to sell later in the Jade Cliffs market. There was a small school of salmon in the distance that caught her eye. Locking her eyes on the swimming meal, she carefully approached, then burst forward, catching several sizable salmon in the process. Pleased with her catch, Ceara swam back toward the shore.

Once on the shore, Ceara dropped the salmon into a pool of water that had collected when the tide started to lower. There was a small collection of tuna and bass there already from the morning’s fishing session. Ceara squinted at the pile; was it worth it to eat one now? She almost had enough to make it worth it to go into town. She shook her head, deciding to get food when she was in town; after all, she couldn’t get pears in the water. She raised herself as high as she could, carefully looking for signs of humans nearby. There were other Selkies in the water, but otherwise, Ceara was safe. She slipped from her seal skin, watching it shift into a smooth, silver coat. In the reflection of the water, she could see her reflection taking the form of a lithe, beautiful woman. She folded the coat tightly into a compact rectangle to be stashed away. Leaning over the water, she checked over her reflection, shaking out her long cinnamon-colored hair. 

Ceara easily scaled a nearby yew tree, climbing into the upper branches. Perched in a hidden space of the highest branches were a series of lidded wicker baskets. She opened the largest of the baskets to reveal a series of jewel colored dresses from the furthest shores. The satin shone with the gentle glow of the morning sunlight, almost shimmering like the gemstones themselves. She pulled a ruby red dress out from the basket, carefully closing the lid to keep the dresses inside dry from possible rain. A small pouch hung from a smaller branch. Peeking inside, her coins were still in the place she had left them. The dress fit nicely into the bag, which she slung over her shoulder. One open basket sat smelling strongly of the sea and the fish it was used to carry. Ceara dropped it carefully to the ground, watching it bounce down the expected trail of branches until settling into the grass. In a final, slightly smaller basket Ceara had stashed some fruit like pears, plums, and apples. She stuck a plum in her mouth, as well as a pear into her cloth pouch before scaling her way back down the tree. 

The ruby satin slid over her skin, the cool texture smooth against her skin. The sleeves hugged just beneath her shoulders, snug down the lengths of her arms. Once she had secured the dress, she slipped her pouch over the one shoulder and picked up her crate. She picked each one up carefully, tossing it into the basket. She rinsed the basket in the sea water, then shook out the excess water. Satisfied, she placed the crate on her hip, happily walking up the dirt path into Jade Cliffs. 

Before long, the gate to the New Garden Harbor came into view. Just before the docks, fishermen and merchants were set up in their stalls, a variety of fish, urchin, clams, and crabs available for trade or purchase. Ceara bounced her way to one stall in particular where a short, pot-bellied man was sat reading a book. She dropped her basket of fish onto the counter of his stall with a thud, and he looked up in shock. Once he recognized who stood before him, his face lit up into a delighted smile. 

“Ceara! I’ve been wondering when you’d arrive. You’re late!” Gilla said with a playful wink. Reaching into the basket, Ceara pulled up two large fish from the basket, then leaned it forward so that Gilla could see the size of the fish inside.

“What can I say? The water was beautiful today. Much less commotion compared to yesterday means far better pickings,” she said, admiring the gentle shimmer of the waves. Gilla stood, pulling the fish from the basket to investigate. Pleased with what she had brought him, he reached down and gathered some gold coins, sliding them over the counter to Ceara. 

“I’ve got another few coins for you if you want to run these down to the Royal Otter Tavern for me. Daire would love these ones,” he said with a wink. The coins clinked on the wooden counter. “Otherwise, I’m going to have to get these sore knees up that big hill. Quite frankly, I’d rather just deliver down the hill on my way home.” He carefully lowered himself back down onto his chair. Ceara chuckled, slipping the coins into her pouch with the others. She pulled the basket from the counter. 

“I’ve heard all your reasons before, old man, don’t act like I don’t do this route for you every time,” she said while she scrunched her face into a silly face. Gilla guffawed, slapping his knees as his belly shook with laughter. 

“Well, I appreciate it nonetheless, sweet girl. Besides, at least it gives you a chance to go make googly-eyes at Daire some more,” he said, waggling his eyebrows at Ceara. She rolled her eyes at Gilla, trying to ignore the rising heat in her cheeks. Daire had been the one human man who had caught her eye. She didn’t like the idea of having to choose between ocean life and terrestrial living if she ever fell in love. She shook her head. 

“No matter how nice he is on the eyes, I still have no desire to go running into love,” she shifted the basket, the brushed the waves of her hair over her shoulder. “Besides, if I wanted a man, don’t you think I could choose just about any man in the village?” she asked with a giggle. Gilla waggled a finger at her. 

“Now, now. Don’t let Agata hear you talking like that, she’ll get the belt!” Ceara waved her goodbyes as she walked up the path to the hilltop tavern, chuckling to herself. The path led her up to a beautiful view of the coast. She paused, smelling the saltiness of the water being blown in. The crystalline waters were stunning from the peak of the path, and a perfect contrast to the deep greens of the trees and shrubs. The sands were a soft, pale brown. Some rocks stood like icebergs buried in the sand, the tip standing out to be kissed by the waves of each tide. Children played in the sand, digging moats around their sandcastles. 

Ceara couldn’t help to think of her home, Tír Beoga. The castle-like structures she’d grown up in felt like a distant memory. She missed the life she had in some ways, but had no plans on becoming a mother to the island if they lost more of their nobility. Some made it out to be no big deal; the selkie people were largely solitary as it was. They only came together as a community during full moons, as well as solstice and equinox celebrations. The ceremonies and rituals of those nights were nothing short of intimate and blissful, forging connections between the Selkie court and their divine beings. The more the selkie were hunted by the finfolk, the more crucial these particularly fertile gatherings become.

Jade Cliffs felt like the opposite of what would have been expected of Ceara. Instead of Ceara being left responsible for the decisions of the people, the people of the village worked together, feeding themselves and the nearby villages. People from all around would come to Jade Cliffs to trade fruits, meats, and vegetables, sometimes bringing rolls of fabrics and other materials and metals. For as small as the communities around here were, everyone worked in sync with the others so that they could achieve the best possible life for all.  

Motion in the water caught Ceara’s attention; seals playing in the distance waves. She closed her eyes, taking a deep, slow inhale of the winds coming from that direction. They were too far away, but possibly Selkies. She was about to step away when a shape sitting on the distant shore caught her attention. She squinted, shielding her eyes from the sun to make out the shape. After a few moments, she finally made out the shape; it was a woman sitting at the water’s edge. Her shoulders were shaking, seemingly sobbing, her hand extended out toward the horizon. Ceara’s heart hurt for the woman, longing for a husband who was likely on a ship far from these shores. 

Ceara began walking up the path. Her time in these seas told her that the woman likely didn’t want to know what her husband was doing when he reached foreign shores. She’d sat many times in the rocks, singing the weather into ease so that the sailors could dock their boats, only to go into the towns, drink, and put their cocks into any curvy thing that would allow it. Of course, when they returned home, it was always stories of how they missed their wives more than anything. Meanwhile, even the most loving husbands typically gave in at least once while at sea. 

The bend was about to lead her back into the village, so Ceara took one final look back at the waters. A devilish smirk spread her face. A beautiful naked man was emerging from the waters to comfort the woman who had been crying for her husband. With a little scoff, she turned her eyes away from the selkie man advancing. At least tonight, the human woman would be enjoying herself just as much, if not more, than her husband. 

The Royal Otter Tavern sat atop the hill, looking over the beaches and rolling hills. Ceara pushed the door open with her hip. The scent of whiskey and oak greeted her, mingling with mouth watering, freshly baked bread. A smile crossed Ceara’s face as she made her way into the kitchen; nobody could bake a loaf of bread like Rian’s anywhere in Jade Cliffs. She popped into the kitchen, bouncing her way to the back counter with her crate. Rian was working quickly to prepare plates of food for the patrons of the restaurant. He spotted Ceara, then noticed what she was carrying. He lit up in a smile. 

“Ahh, Ceara! There you are, you sight for sore eyes!” he shouted cheerfully. He gave her a brief hug before taking the crate from her hands. “Oh, these would have been lovely for lunch if you’d arrived earlier.” Rian said, giving her a nudge with his elbow. Ceara sighed, grinning as she went to investigate the pot stewing over the fire. 

“I’ve already heard it from Gilla, thanks. I’m well aware I was behind today. At least the catch is good, no?” she asked, stirring the pot and taking a deep inhale of the contents of the pot. Her mouth watered, the scent of beef blending beautifully with the onions, potatoes, and carrots that swam in the mixture. Rian dumped the fish from the crate onto a bed of ice, inspecting a few as Ceara wandered over to gather a bowl and spoon. He nodded in approval. 

“I reckon these will do the trick. You’ll have to bring me some amberjack soon. I’ve had a few requests, and I can’t leave the customers unhappy, you know.” He winked at Ceara, who scoffed. He was well aware that even she would struggle to catch an elusive amberjack in these seas. She’d managed a few times, but there was no way to make it a regular haul.

“Sure, let me get the amberjack to just hop into my nets willingly. I’m sure if I talk to them, they’ll come out of hiding,” she said. Rian chuckled, ringing the bell for the young girl serving the tables to come get the freshly plated food. He watched the girl carry the food away, before turning back to Ceara. Rian furrowed his brow, watching Ceara preparing to ladle some of the stew into her bowl. He approached, smacking the ladle from her hand. She feigned offense, smacking him back. 

“Not even a little taste?” she asked. Rian took the bowl from her hands, pushing her out of the way with his hip. 

“As if I’d allow you to serve yourself in my kitchen. A little taste would turn into half the pot gone before long.” Rian shook his head, ladling a healthy helping of the stew into the bowl, and passing it back to her. Ceara gave him a wide grin and a quick peck on the cheek, accepting the bowl. 

“Thank you, Rian. You’re so nice, even when you’re mean.” Rian harrumphed at her, moving on to prepare the sides for the evenings supper service. Ceara took a seat on the end of the counter where he was preparing his potatoes, happily sipping at the bowl in her hands. 

“Don’t get too cozy with Rian, Ceara. You might make me jealous.” Ceara’s gaze followed the voice; it was only the most beautiful human man she’d ever seen. Daire leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, admiring the way Ceara’s long legs peeked through the slit in her dress. She licked her lips, admiring the way his white shirt hugged his broad shoulders, just enough to accentuate his shoulder. His shirt was unbuttoned, his chest hair just visible enough to drive her curiosity. Dark, loose curls hung over his forehead, with icy blue eyes shining from beneath thick, dark eyebrows. He lifted a strong hand to run it over his beard, perhaps trying to hide his growing grin. Ceara’s smile widened as she set her bowl next to her.

“Is that so? I do like a little bit of possessive energy. I’ll have to test the theory.” Ceara lifted a delicate hand, running her fingertips over Rian’s arm and leaning in. Rian glanced at her and rolled his eyes, taking a step away from her. Ceara laughed, pretending to paw at Rian to come back to her. Daire shook his head and pushed off the wall with a smile. He locked eyes with her as he disappeared through the doorway into the main hall. Rian scoffed next to Ceara.

“Just fuck him already. That way, I don’t have to be a pawn in your nonsense.” Ceara gently slapped his arm, picking up her bowl and spoon to fill her mouth with stew. She raised the back of her hand to her forehead, feigning shock and horror between bites.

“Rian! How could you say such foul things to a lady?” she asked. Rian scoffed, then raised an eyebrow at her. 

“You’ll have to let me know when one arrives.” He gave her a knowing look before returning to his vegetables. Ceara burst into laughter, before quickly finishing her stew. She hopped down from her perch. 

“I’ll keep an eye out. I make no promises though.” She walked her dishes to the washing basin, rinsing them out. Rian was the only one in Jade Cliffs who knew of her watery origins. It meant that he was one of the few not taken by her unearthly beauty and charms, and who treated her the way she wanted to be treated; just like anyone else. He didn’t worship the grounds she stood on, he didn’t revere her for her noble bloodlines. Rian simply treated her as a friend would, looking out for her and providing a laugh in times of quiet and boredom. 

Ceara turned to walk into the main hall, then paused. She leaned back, looking to be sure that Rian still had his back turned to her. She turned, tip toeing to the cooling racks and swiping a small loaf of bread. She stashed it into her pouch, quietly making her way to the doorway. 

“You better bring me some amberjack if you’re going to keep stealing my bread, Ceara!” he called after her. Ceara cackled, running out to the bar area of the hall to drop herself on a stool in front of Daire. He was in the process of pouring a beer for a drunken patron waiting at the other end of the bar, who was toying with the silver coins in his hand. The coins continuously slipped from his finger, clattering on the bar top. Daire glanced up at her, shaking his head after glancing at the drunk man at the end. 

Ceara could feel the drunk man’s eyes scanning over her as she waited for Gilla’s payment from Daire. He haphazardly tossed his silvers to Daire as he picked up his pint glass and clambered his way over to her. He clunked his glass onto the bar top, splashing slightly onto the wood. He tried to lean on the bar top, perhaps hoping to look handsome and smooth. Instead, he looked like his elbow was the only thing precariously standing between him and landing face first on the floor. Ceara grimaced; the smell of hops and alcohol were overpowering. She could see the splashes of spilled beer and flecks of vomit on the front of his pale green jacket.

“You need some company, beautiful?” he asked through sloppy hiccups. Ceara recoiled. The man’s nose and cheeks were cherry red from the drunkenness leading his decisions. 

“I’d rather claw my own eyes out, if I’m honest.” Ceara shuddered, leaning away from the man. He tried to lean forward, slipping slightly from the bar top. He hiccuped loudly in her ear, chuckling. 

“That’s alright,” he said, teetering next to her. “I’d still do you if you were blind.” He laughed loudly, slamming his hand on the bar top. He seemed proud of what he deemed a clever comment. 

“That’s enough, Bran. Leave the poor girl alone. You should be heading home to your wife if you’re going to act like that,” Daire said, returning with a pouch of coins labeled to Gilla. “That’s provided she hasn’t kicked you out again.” Bran raised a hand, waving Daire away as he picked up his beer. He teetered his way to a nearby table of people, grumbling under his breath. Daire tossed the pouch of coins onto the counter in front of Ceara, who scooped it up. He eyed Bran, who had dropped himself onto a chair. 

“Drunk old bat, that one.” Ceara smirked, leaning on the bar top after putting away the coins in her shoulder bag.

“It’s always the drunk ones who get far too brave,” she said, following Daire’s eye line. Bran was gesturing toward her and Daire, no doubt with some choice rude words about them. She watched as the pair of men at the table exchanged a look before going back to humoring Bran’s drunken stupor. Daire leaned in closer to Ceara. 

“I can’t say I blame him. I mean…” his eyes traveled over her face and down the lines of her dress to admire her. “Just look at you. What man could resist at least trying to get your attention.” Ceara smirked up to him, their faces just inches apart. She reached up, brushing her fingertip over the tip of his nose.

“Is that why you only ever come onto me when you’ve been drinking?” she asked. Daire laughed, looking down at the bar top for a moment. She watched as a pink hue rose in his cheeks. 

“You’ve noticed that, huh? I promise, I want to do it when I’m sober, too. Liquid courage helps me get the nerve to say something,” he said. He grinned, then brushed a finger over the curve of Ceara’s cheek. She smiled, watching him so carefully keep his composure.

“One of these days, I’m going to have to try it out. Test the theory out for myself, you know?” Daire gave her a shrug. 

“Come by tonight, then.” 

“What?”

“Come get drunk. I’ll be working, so I can make sure that nobody is going to act out of line.”

“So, you’d be my guardian?” she asked. Daire gave her a broad smile, straightening up.

“You could say that. It would be my honor.” Ceara considered his offer. She stood, making sure she was carrying everything she needed. 

“I’ll think about it. I’m a very busy woman, you know.” She said, beginning to walk to the door. She tossed Gilla’s pouch of coins from hand to hand as she walked. She turned briefly, blowing a kiss in Daire’s direction.