Ceara stood at the shoreline, watching as the sun began to peak over the horizon. Her eyes were glued to the shoreline of Jade Cliffs, feeling a warning coming from the magic barriers of her cove; someone was poking around the cove. She shook off the feeling. More than likely, a human was looking for the path down to the water that seemed to have disappeared. Closing her eyes, she pushed the magic barriers, sending out little zaps to whoever was poking around. There was an impact, whoever it was being pushed away from her cove. She opened her eyes and stared over the water, waiting until the warning feeling stopped before letting her breath out in a slow, weary sigh. Luckily, there wasn’t anything in the cove that couldn’t be replaced, but it didn’t comfort her to know that there was someone poking around her established safe zone on the land.

The warning feeling vanished, only to be replaced with uncertainty. Her father trying to step forward to protect the Selkie had gotten him vicously killed. She had no intention for that to be her fate as well. But still, she needed to find a solution. Islands were under attack, with little way to protect themselves. The Finfolk were escaping their own people to live on land. Ceara furrowed her brow. There might be a possibility to reunite the Finfolk with their Selkie origins, but it felt risky. 

Ceara looked to the moon that had begun it’s descent beneath the horizon. The energy of her Goddess was still singing through her body, offering guidance to her. All she had to do was tap into it. Wiggling her feet into the soft sand, she closed her eyes, and engaging in her senses. She focused on the feeling of the gentle breeze pushing her hair over her shoulder, the scent of the rose water and lavender that had left her skin silky soft. She listened to the lapping waves, mentally calling out to Rhiannon. To her disappointment, she was being ignored. The only message that she seemed to be getting back was an affirmation that she already knew what to do. Frustrated, Ceara pulled her coat out from under her arm. She stared out at the shores; the answer had to be somewhere in Jade Cliffs, even if it wasn’t apparent how she’d create a safe haven around humankind. Even her cove wasn’t safe; how would she create a space for dozens of Selkie that wouldn’t be intruded on? 

Quiet footsteps approached from behind her, disturbing the sand and pulling Ceara from her thoughts. She turned to see Nida gently meandering toward her. There was a sad smile on her face as she neared, her hand resting gently on top of her rounded belly. Ceara smiled, seeing slight movements through Nida’s skin as the pups seemed to wake with the morning sun. Nida reached a hand out to Ceara, who linked her fingers into Nida’s. 

“Leaving so soon?” Nida asked. Ceara nodded, leaning her head on Nida’s shoulder. They stood in a heavy silence for a moment. Ceara was feeling overwhelmed, trying to figure out a way forward, and Nida knew it. 

“I’m going to need you to look after the Selkie here while I figure out what Rhiannon wants me to do. I feel like the answer is somewhere in Jade Cliffs. I just don’t know what it is.” Ceara could feel Nida nod her head. 

“You’ll figure something out,” she said. Nida gestured to a nearby rock. “Sit with me for a minute.” Ceara smiled , helping Nida down onto the rock before sitting next to her. 

“I keep feeling like I should bring the Selkie to the shore. The islands are too vulnerable.” Ceara paused, seeing Nida’s incredulous look. 

“So we have to choose between two evils, is what you’re saying. Replace the threat of the Finfolk with the threat of humans taking our coats.” Ceara gave a shrug.

“I don’t know, that’s just the feeling I get. The answer is somewhere in there,” she said. She rubbed her arms with her hands, feeling the remnants of the oils from the night before. “But you’re right, we’re not out of danger by going to the shore. Someone was poking at my cove earlier.” Nida gave her a look of concern. 

“That’s not good.” Ceara shrugged. 

“Probably just a human looking for the old path to the water. It didn’t seem intrusive, maybe curious?” Ceara said. She stretched before continuing, looking up into the shifting colors of the sky. “I don’t think it’s one of the fin though. The threat wasn’t there, and they backed off quickly.” Nida turned to her, narrowing her eyes. 

“Why would it be the fin?” Ceara grimaced, realizing what she’d let slip. “Why would it be the fin, Ceara?” pressed Nida. Ceara sighed, rubbing her hands over her face. 

“There are finfolk escaping their tribes. Fin that were abused, hurt by their own. I met one Finwoman already, Mairin. She was covered in scars from what they’d done to her.” Nida struggled slightly to push her body up from the stone so she could pace. 

“Okay, but how do you know that the fin aren’t sending some of their own to look for us on land? How do you know that this Mairin isn’t going to report back that she’s found you? Do you know how many are on land?” Ceara grew more frustrated at Nida’s questions. 

“I don’t know, Nida. I just don’t. You go ahead and argue with Rhiannon yourself, because she’s the one pointing me to the Jade Cliffs.” Ceara watched as Nida pinched the bridge of her nose, her other hand propped onto her hip. 

“You can’t go back.” 

“The hell I can’t.”

“This isn’t safe, Ceara.” 

“Take it up with the Goddess.” 

Ceara and Nida stared at each other for a moment, the tension rising. Ceara could read the worry written across Nida’s face. She wasn’t happy about the direction that Rhiannon was pushing her either, but she needed to figure out what the answer was in Jade Cliffs. Perhaps they could establish a village nearby that they could ward from the humans and finfolk. Maybe Rhiannon was throwing her to the wolves to prove herself before giving her a real solution. Or, even worse, the Selkie were destined to die out. Ceara didn’t know the answer, but she knew that she hated the pained look that Nida was giving her. Ceara stood, reaching her arms out to Nida, who wrapped her into a tight hug. 

“No matter what, you better be back here soon. I need you here when these pups arrive.” Nida said into Ceara’s hair. 

“The strongest currents couldn’t keep me away.” 

“Send out the call to me every day so I know you’re safe.” 

“Every day?”

“Every. Single. Day.” 

The pair finally released their hug, giving one another a soft smile. Gathering her coat from the stone, Ceara began to walk out into the water. 

“I’ll be back soon,” she called out, blowing a kiss to Nida. Nida watched from the shore as Ceara wrapped her coat around her shoulders, then dove into the water. For a moment, there was nothing but ripples in the water, until she saw the head of a seal poke back up through the water’s surface. Nida couldn’t help but to have a sinking feeling in her stomach as she watched Ceara vanish beyond the waves, traveling quickly back to the shores of Jade Cliffs. Once Ceara was out of view, she turned to join the others in the great hall. 

As Ceara neared the shore, she scanned the shores of her cove. Nobody seemed to be there, and nothing appeared to be disturbed. She slowly approached the sandy shore, still peering into the shadows in the trees and shrubs, but everything appeared to be untouched. Feeling better about the state of her cove, she dove deep into the water to gather some fish to bring to the tavern. 

After a successful hunt, Ceara shed her coat. She folded it tightly, climbing into the highest branches of her yew tree to stash her coat away safely. Digging through her basket of dresses, she pulled a glimmering citrine dress loose, then made her way down the tree to get dressed. Once dressed, she gathered her basket and walked up the path out of the cove. She took a moment to strengthen her defenses, then continued up the path on her way to the harbor. As she walked, she contemplated what Rhiannon expected her to do. It felt like there was nothing that could provide a truly safe option for the Selkie people. 

The gated of the New Gardens harbor came into view. She gazed down the docks, spotting the gleaming gold of Agata’s curls bouncing as she chased her children around. Agata looked up, spotting Ceara. A look of relief crossed her face before she took off in a run in Ceara’s direction. She continued to Gilla’s stall and watched as Agata came closer, pulling her into a tight hug as soon as Ceara was within reach. 

“You’re safe!” Agata said as the hug tightened around Ceara’s shoulders. Ceara grunted slightly, laughing. 

“Of course I’m safe! Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, confounded by the reaction. Ceara turned in time to see Gilla throw his arms around her as well. 

“We were sure you were gone, dear girl,” Gilla replied, releasing her quickly. Ceara gave each of them a confused look. 

“Gone?” she asked. Gilla took the basket of fish from her hands as Agata guided her to the stall. 

“There was an awful stir last night. Daire was walking Gilla home last night, and saw you being taken.” Agata gave Ceara’s arm a squeeze, explaining the situation. A woman who looked like Ceara had been on the beach, but what had caught the men’s attention from up on the path was the sound of her screams. They’d seen a cloaked man grab her from the shadows, pulling her into the water. When they’d run down the path to the beach, but by the time they reached the water, there was nothing. No signs of anyone in the water, nobody on the beach. They had sent for everyone they could to search for her, but nothing came of it. Daire had been up all night looking for her. Last Gilla had seen, he was a furious, worried wreck. 

“Where were you last night?” asked Agata. Ceara shifted uncomfortably. 

“I was with family last night. But nobody stole me away to get me there, I went alone.” Ceara swiped her pouch of coins from Gilla, shoving it into her pocket, then grabbed her basket of fish. 

“I need to get up to the Royal Otter.” She said a brief goodbye, walking quickly up the path to the tavern. She looked at the beach as she rounded the corner, seeing the sand disturbed all across the coast, the sand flattening where the tide had risen. She continued to the tavern, running up the path. Her heart raced as her feet pounded into the dirt path, seeing the Royal Otter come into view. 

The tavern was quiet. A new bartender was leaned on the counter, chatting with a group of girls. She tapped the counter, getting their attention. 

“Where’s Daire?” she asked. Before the bartender could answer, Daire burst through the doorway from the kitchen. Ceara barely had time to turn her head to see him coming when he wrapped his arms around her, his face buried in her hair. She slipped her arms around his waist, holding him tight. Every muscle was tense under his shirt as he held onto her. 

“Wow. Hi,” she said, her voice muffled in his chest. He gave a final squeeze before slowly releasing her. He held her shoulders, examining her face and looking her over. 

“Are you alright?” he asked, pulling her into another hug. Ceara was stunned, but slightly amused at his reaction. She pulled back from his hug, a small smile crossing her face. 

“Of course I’m okay. I heard the news from Gilla and Agata. Whoever that woman was, it wasn’t me.” Daire stared at her, unsure what to believe. 

“Are you sure?” he asked, still in shock. Ceara chuckled.

“Am I sure I wasn’t violently kidnapped? Yes, I’m sure.” Daire gathered the basket of fish from the bar top and led Ceara back into the kitchen with him. 

“Where were you? We looked everywhere for you, but we couldn’t find you. I went looking for you this morning as well.” 

“Did you go check the cove?” she asked.

“The cove? Yea, I did, but the path was blocked off,” He showed her a small wound on his forearm. “The thorns in the bushes got me pretty good, I couldn’t push through.” Ceara breathed a sigh of relief, then wrapped her arms around his waist again once he dropped the basket of fish to the counter. He leaned his chin on the top of her head, holding her close. 

“Where were you, Ceara?” He pulled back, searching her face for answers. 

“I was with family.” Daire looked at her, confused. 

“Family? Where?” 

“On an island not far from here.” 

“You have a boat?” Ceara could feel herself bristle slightly at his line of questioning, pulling back slightly. 

“Daire, what’s with all of the questions? I’m here. I’m safe. I wasn’t taken anywhere, I was safe with my family. You don’t need to worry about me,” she watched Daire’s face as he tried to calm himself, a vein poking out from his forehead. 

“I can handle myself. Stop worrying.” She raised a hand to his face, brushing her thumb over his cheekbone, her fingers combing through his beard. He put a finger under her chin, lifting her face to his and pressing his lips to hers. His hand slipped around the back of her neck, the other hand around her waist.

Footsteps approached, and Daire pulled his lips from Ceara’s, leaning his forehead against hers. Rian cleared his throat, pulling the basket of fish from the counter. Ceara gave him a sheepish smile before leaning her head on Daire’s chest.

“Just needed the fish,” Rian said as he started to turn away. “It’s about damn time, you two.” Daire let out a long sigh, placing another kiss on Ceara’s forehead. He pulled away sightly, looking into her eyes. 

“Listen, I need to finish some work in the tavern. I’ve got a new kid working the bar, I need to make sure that he can handle the night crowd. Come by tonight, alright?” he asked. Ceara nodded, watching Daire as he slipped back into the tavern. She gave a small sigh, smiling as she watched him make his way behind the bar. After watching him for a moment, she pushed herself off the counter walking to sit next to Rian. He glanced up at her, smirking. 

“Good ceremony last night?” he asked. Ceara grinned, lifting herself to sit next to him on the counter. 

“How’d you know?” she asked. Rian scoffed as he slapped one of the trout onto the counter.

“I have eyes. There was a full moon in the sky, and you were nowhere to be found. Pretty easy to put two and two together.” Ceara watched as he prepared the fish, slicing off the head and fins. 

“You didn’t tell Daire?” she asked. Rian shrugged. 

“Didn’t think it was my place to tell. I just told him that I was sure you were alright. Not that he liked that answer much. Pretty sure he was about to punch my lights out at one point.” Rian chuckled as he pushed his blade through the fish to create fillets. Ceara leaned her head on her shoulder, watching as he deboned the fish. A question crossed her mind as she noticed swirling tattoos poking out from under his sleeve. 

“Hey, how did you know about me being a Selkie?” she asked. She watched his reaction carefully. He raised an eyebrow, his smirk still plastered across his face. 

“The only difference between truth and myth is time,” he said, continuing to debone the fish in front of him. “The stories about your people have been around for generations. My family knew for certain that your people existed when one of you saved my grandfather.” Rian tossed the fish to the side, picking up another fish from the basket. 

“There was a really bad storm. Two of the fleet had already smashed into rocks, a bunch of guys died. My grandfather was trying to steer the boat, but the winds were too much. He saw a seal climb up on a rock. Right in front of his eyes, he saw her drop her coat and there was a woman there. She started singing, and the weather changed,” Rian paused, snapping his fingers. “Just like that, the weather went from stormy to sunny and gentle as soon as she showed up. My grandfather went looking for her, and said she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever experienced.” Ceara nodded, watching as Rian continued cleaning and slicing the fish. 

“So what happened?” she asked. Rian grinned. 

“He became obsessed with the Selkies. He would track the pods when he was out on the boats, always watching for them. He taught me all about your people, your patterns and your habits. Then I got lucky one day; I spotted you taking off your coat on the beach.” Ceara paused. He must have seen her before she had enchanted her cove. She gave him a curious look. 

“You’ve never told anyone what I am?” she asked. Rian shrugged, then gave her a smile. 

“Your people saved my lineage. If that woman would have never saved my grandfather, my father wouldn’t have been born. I never would have been born.” He cleared the guts from the fish in his hands, then paused. He gave her a look of admiration. 

“I’ll always protect you. I’ll admit, my grandfather passed on his obsession with the Selkies. He’d be over the moon to know that I know you.” Ceara grinned, throwing her arms around Rian and squeezing him. He groaned, trying to wriggle free of her grasp. 

“Well, I’m glad to know that I have a human friend I can trust,” she said. Rian scoffed, shaking his head. He reached above him to pick a bowl from the shelf, shoving it into Ceara’s hands. 

“Shut up and eat, Princess.” 

Ceara grinned, crossing the room to fill the bowl to the brim with stew. She heard him chuckle behind her, and she turned to find Rian approaching her with a small loaf of bread. 

“That’s the only bowl you get, you hear me?” Rian said as she accepted the bread. She took a big bite, grinning at him with a mouthful of bread. 

Ceara carried her bowl of stew out to the dining area, taking a seat at the bar top. Daire glanced in her direction as he explained something to the new bartender. She happily ate as she watched Daire clap a hand on the young man’s shoulder before approaching her. She swallowed down her food. 

“Everything good with the new guy?” she asked. Daire grinned. 

“Ahh, he’ll be fine. He’s a little nervous, but he’ll get over it.” Daire leaned down on the bar top, watching Ceara happily wolf down her food. He chuckled.

“Save some room in that stomach of yours for tonight.” Daire laughed as Ceara choked slightly in surprise. She coughed, then wiped her mouth.

“Tonight? What’s happening tonight?” she asked. 

“If last night taught me anything, it’s that I don’t want to be without you. I’ve decided that we need an official first date if I’m going to properly court you.” Daire’s eyes looked over her, admiring the woman sitting in front of him in all of her hungry glory. 

“Oh my. I had no idea I was being courted,” she said. Daire grinned, tucking a piece of loose hair behind Ceara’s ear. 

“Meet me here tonight. I’ll prove to you that you’re absolutely being courted. You’ll never look at another man again.” Daire gave her a cocky grin, straightening his back. Ceara laughed, shaking her head then finishing her bowl of food. 

“We’ll see about that,” she said with a devilish look. She stood, ready to bring her bowl to the basin when Daire swiped it from her hands. 

“Yes, we will. I’ll see you tonight.”