The Healer

Kelpïse

"Hey Anselme?" I started.

"Ansel is fine you know.."

"Ok, Ansel, I was thinking, with the Rift and all, how did you get across?"

"I went around and passed through the islands... Why?"

"I was wondering how we were going South. How did you get here without getting caught? Especially with all the wards against magic,"

"I'm not Gifted." he replied bitterly.

"Oh... But then how would you plan to get me into the South?"

"Kelpïse."

"What?"

"Has your mother never told you about the Kelpïse?"

I turned to give him a dead look. Mama used to, but there was only so much she could tell a nine-year old. I almost felt bad for him as he cringed. Almost.

"Right... I'm sorry," he said.

An awkward silence followed, filled with nothing but our breathing. In an attempt to make things less awkward, I asked him to tell me more about the Kelpïse.

"Well, Kelpïse were a gift from Fauna, a method of travel for those who are not gifted. As soon as you touch them, a bubble of air envelops your head so you can breathe-"

"Underwater?"

"Yes, they travel underwater..."

"And we are to set off tomorrow? Are you crazy? And how are we supposed to get all our stuff there? In fact, I think the fact that you want us to leave tomorrow is insane. Anyways, how in Mère do you expect me to trust you? You basically kidnapped me, and you stole my horse, and speaking of Dusk, where is she? Did you just— "

"Woah, woah, woah! Calm down! I've been thinking, We're going to stay for a week, get our things together, maybe go back to your hut and get some supplies... I plan to leave next week sometime. You wouldn't have come if i just showed up on your door. Dusk is still yours, and i tied her out back behind the cabin. I didn't exactly just show up one day and decide to take you, i had been planning for some time. Time Evie has been in bed purging up blood."

I felt my face go red. In an attempt to change the subject, I asked "How exactly did you get the Kelpïse to agree to this?"

"It was actually Arcene's idea. She's a Sirène, and her parents didn't want her, so, as told by the Kelpïse, they put her in a boat and floated her out to sea. By some miracle, the Kelpïse found her and raised her until she was twelve. Then one day, when Lucien and I were working at the docks, we saw her sitting on the cliffs, and— Are you okay?"

I must have been scowling. Everybody knew how pretty Sirens were rumored to be. Not that I was jealous or anything, but Ansel obviously knew a lot about her. Nonetheless, I said: "I'm fine. Anyways, you were saying?"

"Ehm, uh yeah so anyways we brought her home with us and now she lives with us. She's like a sister to me, and before Evie got sick, they were the best of friends. It was adorable, but now... I mean, she's really lonely because, well..."

"I'm really sorry... I'll try my best to help her. But for just for you, okay?"

He beamed. "Of course, milady," he replied, sketching a mocking bow.

"Oh Mère, you're insufferable." I laughed, smacking his shoulder. And of course, without any ulterior motives, I asked him when, exactly, they found Arcene.

"Well, I think it was sometime last year? No, not last year, it was the year before. Why—" he paused, probably upon seeing the relief on my face. "Oh Arielle, you didn't think, oh Mère, she's only fourteen winters! I'm nearly twelve years older than her!"

I laughed. "Anyways, we should be getting some sleep. We should head out to the market tomorrow to get some things before the trip.

"Of course. I expect you'll be up by dawn?"

"As usual, up by dawn. And my cot," I said, "is going to be over here," dragging it to the opposite side of the cabin.

"As you wish, milady." he chuckled, turning over onto his back. Sleep found him quickly, and it wasn't long before his slow, deep breaths filled the big empty space between us.

A/N Sorry I couldn't update sooner, so I made this chapter longer than usual. Please vote and comment, and don't forget to vote on the cast! It's now the first chapter in the book. 

Love you guys!!! 

<3 Evolstah