"Wake up, little love, wake up."

The odd echoing metallic sound drew Forest from his terrible sleep, his senses sharpening as a primal fear overtook him. Rolling over, he shot to his feet, sheer panic in his heart. Only to see a woman looking at him, smile on her stunning face. Only she was not a woman, or rather not human. She was tall, from waist to head, she was almost twice his height and he stood at rather robust height despite years of starvation. Her body was built, muscular and strong with powerful arms etched with potent muscles around her shoulders... the most defined feature was the dozens of white scars, contrasting against her greenish grey skin and inky black eyes.

Her lower half, which undulated and twitched in the pool she was standing in, was pitch place, and covered in suckers. Six massive tentacles, each longer than her torso, capable of strangling or drowning him at a moments notice.

"What are you?" he asked, before memories of tales long by overcame his mind. "Wait, I know this... you're not a mermaid, you're a ceacaelia. Half octopus.... right?"

She nodded, her smile stretching wider than humans faces could manage. Her next words came out just as metallic, wrong and echoy, and inhuman as before. His bones ached from fear at the sound, and he knew in many ways she was a pure predator just from her voice. "That would be correct, little love. Now, shall we sit like civilized people and discuss our deal?"

"Deal?"

"Oh that, yes... you see, your prayers, earnest and true, echoed in the primal void. All listening ears heard you, but I took charge and drew you to me. Sudden I know, but it was needed. You were near death from starvation, and I needed to save you." Her head tipped, and he realized her head was cone shaped, with long locks of silver falling about, green aged copper jewel danced about her hair.

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Her words caught up to him suddenly. "You saved me, thank you!"

"Ahh, it was nothing, but to repay me... hear me out."

"I can do that." And he sat, in what he realized was a cave, complete with an exit to his left that led to an outside beach. That eased his fears considerably.

She smiled, leaning foreward. "My name is Elyia, and I am a sea witch. My power comes from magic, and in that magic I make deals. Deals that ensure that balance is kept. For you, I would grant you your wish... not just the wish of your words, but your heart. I would allow you power, peace and purpose. Magic would be yours, to ensure you never go hungry again, never fear a canning or whipping or anything those hateful mortals allows.

In return, you will serve me for a time... as well as learn to embrace the bitter darkness of your, making your pain your power. This would require you to relieve memories and even act on what you endure. A painful prospect, but one that promises so much if you succeed... what say you, dear one, then? Power and pain, or death and starvation?"

He stood, holding out a hand. "An easy prospect. I choose the first option. Pain and Power, freedom from the misery of my life. Where do I start?"

She laughed, his bones and teeth chattering. " So eager... well, my sweet, I would be a touch more careful. A contract cannot be broken without equal pain... just months before a young mermaid became mortal so she could gain an immortal soul, but at the cost of her tongue and agony when she walked. So be wary, do you truly agree, knowing this?"

He nodded. "I do."

Her hand snaked out, grasping him close in a blur. " So be it." And purple energy charged from her touch, burning him with so much pain he could not speak, breath or think... and then it was gone. " The mark on your soul now binds you as my servant until you gain a decent mastery over magic, before you can learn on your own...your tasks will be simple, giving me land locked artifacts of power. Herbs, minerals, and living things."

He nodded, rubbing his arm. "Thank you, Elyia... so... where do we start?"

"I will teach you to feel magic, and from there... you will learn to heal your own wounds, to move objects with your mind, create fires and cast spells." She leaned up, smiling more warmly. "My magic was born through music, through song and symphony, in that vein, I will teach you. Now... shall we begin?"

Once more the answer was easy for Forest. "I would be happy to."