Epilogue
THE OCEAN’S QUEEN
The ocean was all around. It surrounded her and was inside of her all at once. She and the ocean were the same.
She didn’t have many memories before the ocean.
There were vague and strange images that would flash through her mind of part human beings, castles, a dragon.
Usually, she would see a mirror and four young women.
And there was anger. So much anger. Sometimes it was so overwhelming she had to dive farther into the depths of the ocean, where light couldn’t be found and only the most fearsome creatures dwelled, to calm her mind enough to shy away from it.
Then, after hours or days or weeks, she wasn’t sure how long, she could then float back to the surface and greet the sun.
The waves were always temperamental during those times.
They crashed and swelled dragging ships and their inhabitants down into their darkness and she welcomed them willingly.
When they wished it, she allowed them to become part of the ocean with her.
But if they didn’t… then the deities could do as they saw fit.
She didn’t particularly care.
Then, there were the times the ship arrived. Not just any ship. But one that sailed underneath the water.
She wasn’t sure why she was drawn to it so. But every time it arrived, she watched from afar as it floated inside its protective bubble, and she could see the beings walking back and forth across the deck.
There was a captain aboard with a wide brimmed hat that held a vibrant feather.
Her blue eyes and flowing blonde hair felt so familiar, but she wasn’t sure why.
Yet the water responded differently to her than to any other visitors.
It protected her. Any harmful creatures swam away while others assisted when needed.
She was drawn to this captain somehow as though they were the same. Different, but the same.
Her chest burned at the sight, and it felt like anger, but something else too, which she couldn’t understand. There were times she felt as though the captain saw her too.
It was all so strange, but then the ship would sail back up to the shore, once again under the shining sun.
Most days, though, she floated through the sea without thought or care or worry. It was odd to feel this way. Even though she didn’t have memories, she knew this sensation was new and unfamiliar. It took a long time to recognize what it was and to realize she liked it.
She was at peace.
Thank you for reading!