I have been walking for hours with no change in sight. I know it has been a while since I have been in a forest but I don’t remember them being so big. Maybe in times past but not in the last hundred years or so. In fact in the last hundred years, forests had become protected areas. After what the humans call the Tech Dark Age there had been huge advances in environmental care and restoration. This lead to my home being relatively clean and the beginning of the forests growing back. However the forests would have had to have been growing for at least several centuries before it even began to look like this one.

Not only that but noises that don’t really belong in a forest can be heard from time to time. Such as very loud roars as if a lion was on the loose, flapping of large unseen wings, and strange gargled whimpers. I walked through the forest annoyed that I hadn’t reached the end yet. Strange noises be damned.

Finally reaching a large lake I sighed in relief at the sight of water. I dipped my toes into the edge feeling the fresh cool water against my dirty skin. I waded in up to my waist and began washing the dirt off from laying on the ground. With every bit that came off I felt more alive. Pulling the last leaf out of my hair I looked at my reflection in the water.

Blood red eyes dulled to an albion pink and white hair with red highlights was tied back in a pony tail. I hated my human form it took away all the traits that show just how much I should be feared. A light red tattoo that ran from the back of my neck all the way down to my lower back telling a story from my younger days. It was the only thing that showed my power in my human form.

It is tradition that all young Mermaids when they reach the age of twelve get a tattoo that will tell their story as the years pass. All your pain, suffering, achievements, titles, and crimes. Well it used to. The tattoo tradition hasn’t been practiced in about 150 years. Everyone that has had their life tattooed onto them is pretty much dead. Except me.

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I ran my fingers over the top of the water thinking of what I should do next. I guess I’ll ask for directions. Tapping the surface of the water three times causing the rippling to still and reflected the world around it like a mirror.

Coventina, where is this place?

[ Terra, Muirín ]

Terra?

[ The name of this world. ]

… Is this not Earth?

[ In some ways yes. In others no. ]

I frowned at these words. It is always difficult to get information from the Coventina. Her will is just like the water she protects. I must find the Ocean. Can you point me in the right direction?

[ Due east. ] The water rippled as Coventina faded from the lake. [Take care my Ula. ]

Sigh, I looked at the water that helpfully rippled all in one direction to point out East for me. Slowly making my way out of the water I headed that direction. If luck was on my side I would not have to walk more than a day away.

I adjusted the belt hanging at my waist. Making sure my knifes and pouch were ok and within easy reach. Even when everyone in the modern era used projectile weapons I still used a knife. Something about taking a life with my own hands just felt right. Call me a traditionalist but its so boring using a gun.

During the war I was quite famous. I infiltrated many Human bases slaughtering all in there leaving nothing but bodies in my wake. Ah good times. I was the terror of the night. Ah I was so young, so full of life, and the need for revenge. Well with time things fade. I no longer lust for the destruction of Human kind… As much. I’ve learned to control these urges and put them into more constructive things like torture cough, cough … stitching, crafting, and art. All respectable hobbies.