Interview With a Mermaid

I approach Aria a bit hesitantly. After all, I have never traveled in this form before, and I are fearful. The music I noticed from earlier swells, enveloping me in its soft but protective embrace. To my surprise, I find that my vibrant tail moves of its own accord, helping to propel me through the water. It seems as if the music itself is bearing me along in its cradling current. The Song is gentle now, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it can change if the need arises. It is almost as if the sea song is the sustainer of this kingdom. Should the song cease, the kingdom would no longer exist.

“Oh!” Aria raises her head, startled at my approach. She smiles timidly. “I did not hear you. I apologize.”

I smile at her and incline my head. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Aria laughs melodically and blushes. “I was watching the seahorses race.” She gestures to the distant sehorses still intent on their play. Her eyes twinkle. “See the two in the lead? I always hope that Andante will win. He’s the smallest, you see.” She grins as the smaller seahorse suddenly races ahead and claps her hands in excitement. “He’s smaller, but he’s quite competitive.” She turns her full attention onto my. “I’ve never seen you before. Might I ask your name?”

“I’m Jenelle from the Interfiction Gazette. Can we start off by telling my readers a bit about yourself?”

Aria frowns. “Gazette? Readers? I do not understand.”

Nervousness shoots through me as I realize that Aria has no knowledge of reading or writing. Quickly, I say, “It’s just a way for people to get to know you. I would like others to learn about you.”

Aria frowns apologetically. “I’m afraid I’m a bit ignorant about the lives of commoners, although I am learning more in my studies.” She clasps her hands self-consciously. “I’m the future queen, after all. I suppose I should know more.” Her features grow eager. “Perhaps you could help me?” She holds out her hand. “I visit sweetshops, the choir master and florist shops mostly.”

Clearly, I need to approach this interview in a different way. “I understand, Your Highness. I-I’m a confectioner’s daughter.” I laugh nervously as I put together a cover story on the fly. “I-I’m curious about the royal family and simply wanted to ask you some questions.”

“A confectioner’s daughter?” Aria grins. “My sweet tooth is quite ferocious. I’ve visited many shops but have never seen you before. I must remedy that. When I visit, I will purchase many sweetmeats from your father. My sister, Octavia, has a strong sweettooth as well, although it’s not as strong as mine or Glissando’s.” She blushes. “I will sing a song for your father to pay for the sweets, although I doubt it will be an adequate bartering tool.”

I fidget a bit, wondering how to ask your next question without causing more confusion. “Y-Yes. SO, the song is currency. I will tell him to expect you.”

Aria frowns. “Of course music is our currency. Certain songs form themselves into jewels. Sea flowers wrought from soprano notes are of golden hues, alto notes are pearls and so on. It’s all dependent on what songs are sung, just like our healing songs.”

I nod quickly. “If I were to tell other commoners about this kingdom, what would be the best way to describe it?”

Aria steeples her fingers, arching her back and knitting her brow in thought. “Tell them that the kingdom is one of peace. I know my father, Agrippa, sometimes has a temper and is sometimes brooding, but he truly loves his subjects. I do not know all that I should, I suppose, but I love my subjects, too as does Octavia. My mother was a good queen, although I remember little about her. I was two when she died. She died in childbirth. The Song of the Sea protects our kingdom from harm as does the Treaty of Separation. Father ensures that our people are safe.”

I nod, glad I brought my recorder and that the magic of my badge is keeping it working under all this water, clearly scribbling in a notepad would draw far too much confusion. “Can you elaborate a bit about the Treaty of Separation?”

Aria nods but frowns as if wondering if I’m a simpleton to ask such a thing. “I was born a year after the Treaty of Separation was established. The agreement was sealed through blood and song between my father and the human king of our neighboring kingdom. I’m afraid I do not understand everything about the treaty.” She shudders a bit. “Father says that the human kingdom is one of barbarism and danger. I know this, of course, but I often wonder about the world above. Humans are allowed to use our waters for recreational purposes. They have no fishing industry, although that wasn’t always the case. The Treaty of Separation is a pledge that inhabitants of both kingdoms will not harm one another. It was sealed with very powerful magic. We are forbidden to associate with the humans and they with us.” She smiles. “Even so, I enjoy watching the humans from a distance. They have sailboat races every week. Octavia and I enjoy watching them as much as the seahorse races.” She blushes and winks at me conspiratorially. “The humans do not see us, of course. We hide very well. I have heard humans sing, too. There was one man only yesterday who—” Her voice trails away, and she bows her head in sadness. “They come here to perform farewell ceremonies for people lost at sea. Shipwrecks sometimes happen. The man sang so beautifully. I cannot fathom how such beautiful music can come from barbarians.” She shakes her head. “I mustn’t discuss this. Have you anything else to ask?”

I brighten. “I can’t help but notice your brooch. Can you tell me a bit about it?”

Aria nods. “Isn’t it lovely? It’s a gift from Glissando.” She smiles, but the smile is a bit tentative. I cannot help but notice that she seems uncomfortable.

“You mentioned that name earlier. I assumed this Glissando was your brother.”

Aria laughs. “Oh, no. He’s my intended. The marriage contract has not been negotiated yet, but—” Her voice trails away.

“Is he nice? Are you excited about marrying him?”

Aria leans toward you. “Yes. Glissando is very nice. He’s a talented artist. He gives me so many gifts. He’s bass profundo in our choir and has an extraordinary voice. He lives alone and is older than me. He has never been unkind to me. I—” She lowers her head, not meeting your eyes. ‘Yes. I like Glissando very much, and he likes me. We disagree on some things, and I sometimes feel that he doesn’t understand—” She breaks off, blushing slightly. “I mean, we learn the saying from our cradle. It’s woven into the Song of the Sea that the Creator gave us, isn’t it? I do not understand his position.”

I frown. “What saying?”

“Why, the saying that when one life is saved, a world is rescued. Don’t the commoners believe this? It’s what mermaids and mermen were created to do.”

I nod, trying to appear knowledgeable about her words. “Yes, I suppose so.” Maybe she will continue to talk.

“Yes!” Aria says eagerly. “We honor those who are lost at sea by enshrouding their bodies in song. We save everyone we can. Thank the Creator that shipwrecks are rare. The sudden storm that arose yesterday was terrifying, wasn’t it? The saying is true. Octavia says I must be careful as does Glissando. They both say I am too trusting. But, the sea song is a song of life. I cannot fathom that the Creator would weave it into his Creation if he didn’t want us to help those in peril. I heard the song yesterday, and it was pleading. Then I saw the—” She abruptly stops speaking, her face growing pale. “I-I mean, I simply think that the saying means that lives must be saved at all costs. One life is as precious as every life, and if you save one, you save all. I-I had to do something. I couldn’t just let him—” She suddenly stands and looks at you with urgency. “Please. I-I cannot speak anymore about this.”

I nod, suddenly feeling nervous for her. “I will tell no one,” you whisper.

Aria gazes at me with intensity. “I must bind you to this agreement. We will do so through song.” She leans even closer to you. “He was dying,” she whispers fiercely. “I had to breathe life back into him. No one must know.” She raises her trembling hands. “Please. Sing with me. I will sing the melody. You follow my lead.”

I blink in shock, remembering the song I interrupted earlier and realizing that there is no way I can keep up this pretense if all mermaids have voices like hers. “I-I cannot sing very—”

“Nonsense! We all sing well.” She smiles at you. “The melody is simple. There are no words.”

Aria begins to sing, her crystalline voice rising in a glorious soprano. Her tones are light and beautiful. Tentatively, I sing along, my alto voice wavering but thankfully on key. As promised, the melody is a simple one in a minor key.

When the song is finished, Aria smiles at me. “What happened yesterday?” she asks.

I blink at the unexpected question. “T-There was a storm,” I say.

“And, did I do anything during the storm?”

I suddenly realize that I do not know. I shake my head. Did we talk about this? Why is she asking me such a strange question? Did I drift off during our conversation? That would be embarrassing… though not surprising as I’ve been quite busy lately. “I cannot say, Your Highness,” I answer truthfully. Oh well, if I missed something, I can listen to our interview on my voice recorder… that Aria knows nothing about, I remember guiltily.

She smiles. “You sing well,” she says simply. “You are a bit nervous, though. Perhaps the choirmaster could help you with your shyness. Singing is nothing to fear, you know. It’s glorious to sing. The Creator sings. I do not know how I would survive if I couldn’t sing.”

“I used to be in a choir,” I confide. “It’s been a while though, I felt a bit rusty. Tell me. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?”

Aria smiles wistfully. “I would want our kingdom and the human kingdom to coexist. I know the humans have caused us trouble in the past, but I would like things to be different. That music I heard yesterday. I think humans grieve just as we do. I-I don’t think we’re very different from them.”

"Aria, you came." A handsome merman swims into view. His face is wreathed in smiles, and his emerald eyes shine with happiness. His jet black hair billows around him. He carries two conch shells. A sweet scent wafts on the air, one scent citrusy in nature, the other much darker and hard to describe.  The merman pauses when he sees me, his eyes widening.  "Forgive my intrusion.”

Aria smiles at him. “Good morning, Glissando. Isn't it a lovely day?" She gestures toward me. “This is Jenelle. She hails from Scallop Bay. Her father cultivates Citronella flowers. He's a confectioner.”

I nod at him in greeting.

"Indeed?' Glissando smiles. "My sweettooth is quite ferocious as is Aria's. My favorite sweetmeat is Planktana Truffles." He addresses Aria.  "Would you like to meet another day? I do not wish to disturb you."

Aria shakes her head.  "No, Glissando.  I am delighted to spend time with you. Octavia is dining with Capriccio today. I'll meet you at Hubris Reef." She smiles at me. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Jenelle.  I enjoyed singing with you.  Perhaps I might visit your father's shop one day?”

I nod and fidget nervously. Aria smiles and swims away. 

"Wait!" I cry as Aria begins to leave, remember that I have one final question. "What is your favorite sweet?”

Aria turns and smiles.  "Oh, I have so many! I suppose my favorite sweetmeat is Scalmun Creams." She smiles. "They grow in Flounder Fiel. The leaves are ground into pulp, just like Citronella and Planktana.  Of course, it is not their season yet.  They grow only in winter." She smacks her lips.  "They taste of whipped whitecaps kissed with snow.  They remind me of a baritone voice, light but also capable of deepness." She hesitates for a moment, then says, "When their season arrives, I will order five pounds from your father.  I will give you an advanced payment now."

Aria begins to sing. I gasp at the high, trilling notes, a range I have never heard. A golden light begins to glow around me. When Aria stops singing, I gape at what her song has created: a golden flower with seven heart-shaped petals floats on the water by my side. Aria smiles at you and swims away.

Transfixed, I reach toward the flower. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Glissando watching me. His face is expressionless, and I cannot tell what he is thinking. I take the flower in my hand, shocked to see that it is made of glass.

"If you present that to a jeweler, you will be given a vast fortune," Glissando says softly. His eyes gleam. “Yet I would advise you to keep it. Heart Roses are very rare indeed, the most valuable of our currency. Brides give Heart Roses to their grooms on wedding days." His emerald eyes spark as he gazes at you with intensity. “And yet, Aria gives these treasures away in exchange for sweetmeats." He smiles. "She gives gifts so freely," he murmurs. "Someone with such a kind nature needs protection, especially from those who would hurt her."

I shake my head.  "I mean no harm."

Glissando gazes in the direction Aria swam away for a moment. He turns back to me, his face pensive.  "Aria is so innocent," he murmurs sadly. "That's one of the things I admire most about her. She was born a year after the Peace Treaty between our kingdom and the neighboring human kingdom was sealed. You're quite young yourself, and quite beautiful." He blushes. "Forgive me for speaking so rashly. My tongue often runs away from me like a skittish seahorse." He laughs self-consciously. He leans toward you, his eyes suddenly widening. “You wear a peculiar object. I love discovering new things. Might I examine this thing you wear more closely?”

I shake my head and involuntarily raise my hand to shield the Interfiction Badge.

Glissando shrugs. "I meant no harm, maiden. I'm simply curious." His smile broadens. "The object gleams.  I've never seen anything like it.  i collect many artifacts. I wish I had something to show you that would be of some interest. Would you be interested in negotiating a trade?”

I shake my head. “I’m sorry, but I cannot bear to part with it. It is… precious to me.” (Apparently I can’t help but quote things, even when I’m INSIDE a story).

Glissando nods in understanding. "Yes," he murmurs. "You would know the names of all the artifacts I possess. They would not interest you, I suppose." He leans even closer to you. “I don't believe you mean us harm, but the Treaty of Separation is binding. It is not wise for you to be here. You'd best return home." He grins at you. "You arrived here safely, so I assume you can find your way back?”

I give him my best blank look.

“I thought so,” he continues. “I have a meeting to attend." He turns away. "Be careful, human." He grins once again and swims away, leaving me gaping in shock.

Dear readers, I’m super excited about this new book releasing TODAY by my friend, Meredith Burton!

Song of the Sea is a story of momentous decisions, forbidden love and self-discovery. For fans of fairy tales with a sprinkling of whimsy, a dash of darkness and a dollop of courage.

About the Author

Meredith Leigh Burton is a motivational speaker, singer, teacher and author. She loves to write stories with disability representation, heroism and hidden strength. Meredith’s other titles include Rebekah’s Refuge, The Princess and the Invisible Apple Tree, Blind Beauty and Other Tales of Redemption and The Chocolate Dog, her first picture book for children. Meredith resides in Lynchburg, Tennessee.