I burst into giggles, “Somehow that doesn't surprise me! He’s more than a little shy!”

“He is!” She grinned. “I’m Anemone, but you can call me An, if you like. It’s wonderful to meet you! And you’re a mermaid, too! Oh, that makes me so happy! Despite my pink hair and blue skin, I’m half-mer, half-elvish, with some pixie in my background, clearly.” Anemone smiled at me. “Just wait until the others see you! Have a seat by the bar, you two. Are you hungry?”

“Honestly, we just had breakfast at the palace, so I think we’re both pretty full.”

“How about some tea, then?”

“Tea would be great.” Arden nodded, wheeling me over to a table just beside the bar.

Soon, his Aunt Anemone was setting a tray full of tea things on the table. “Here we are!”

“Where are Lily and Hyacinth?”

“Lily is out shopping, and Hyacinth is helping a guest upstairs.” Anemone smiled. “I’m sure Hyacinth will be down soon, and Lily shouldn't be much longer.”

“Alright.” Arden said, pouring us all cups of tea.

“Thank you, dear!” Anemone beamed at her adoptive nephew.

“Thank you.” I murmured as well.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you!” his aunt sighed happily, sipping her tea.

“It’s good to see you too.” he smiled at her.

“How are Lear and Winna?” his aunt wanted to know, “Did Winna have her baby?”

“Yes, just a couple of days ago, actually! They had a daughter and named her Sage.”

“Oh, that’s precious!” Anemone sighed happily.

There were footsteps on the stairs, and a lovely faun woman appeared. She paused, looking surprised for a moment, then clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, Arden! What a lovely surprise!”

“Hi Hyacinth!” Arden stood.

“He brought his girlfriend to meet us, Hy!” Anemone giggled, “This lovely creature is Marrina!”

“Marri for short.” I said, reaching out to shake Hyacinth's hand.

Hyacinth pumped my arm eagerly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” She was a bit quieter than Anemone was, but seemed no less happy to see Arden, and to meet me.

“Sit and have tea with us, Hyacinth.” Anemone said, patting the spot across the table from her.

“Of course!”

Just then, the door opened, and a tall, willowy elvish woman entered. She had warm, dark brown skin, and black, curly hair that spilled magnificently down her back. Her eyes were orange like fire opals, and she had a commanding presence.

As her practically glowing eyes alit on Arden, she broke into a blindingly gorgeous smile. “Oh, Arden, honey! What a lovely surprise to come home to!” she had a bag of shopping with her.

Crossing quickly over to the bar, she set the shopping down, and then came over to us.

“Aunt Lily, this is Marrina. We’re dating.” he said as his final aunt, who was a couple of inches taller than him, hugged him tightly.

“It’s nice to meet you, Marrina.” her smile was warm and inviting.

“It’s wonderful to meet you too.” I murmured, smiling. She was so tall and pretty that it was intimidating. Not that his other aunts weren’t very pretty too, but Lily was somewhat eclipsing.

Lily sat down as well, pouring herself a cup of tea, and Hyacinth followed suit.

“So, what brings you home this time?” Lily inquired of her nephew.

Arden explained the story of how we met, and that we were now trying to track down my family.

“Oh my!” Lily said when the story was over. “That’s quite a tale.”

“I’m so glad you helped get them all out of there.” Hyacinth murmured.

“And that the evil dwarf got what he deserved!” Anemone smiled wickedly.

“Lear also wanted me to pick up where he left on a mission before he left because Winna was going to have her baby.” he lowered his voice, looking around the room casually. There was no one in the immediate vicinity, so he continued. “Asher suspects another rebellion.”

Lily’s orange eyes flickered in understanding. “So you didn’t come here so soon after arriving just to say hi and check in?”

“Yes, I came down here sooner than I’d previously planned because of it.”

“He suspects it’s connected to the last one?” Anemone asked casually, but her pink eyes were sharp with anticipation.

“Yes. I always thought there might have been something we missed. Can any of you think of anything?” he looked to Hyacinth, who had remained quiet. “Especially you, Aunt Hy. You were the one who got the most information.”

“Luckily, being a wallflower always suited me.” She smiled a little sadly. “So I could pass unnoticed so easily, most of the time, provided Lily and Anemone were running interference. The gods know Lily can command all the attention in any room, and Anemone knows how to make a hell of a scene.”

“I am good at that.” Anemone giggled.

“Anything come to mind?” Arden asked them.

They all thought for a few moments.

“I don't think so, honey.” Lily murmured.

“No. But I never actually got any information myself.” An shrugged.

“I don’t think so.” Hyacinth said slowly, “But remember that one letter that sort of implied some information had come from within the palace?”

Arden frowned, “Yes. But they investigated that and could never turn anything up.”

“I know. That’s all I can think of, though, since I know no one from the palace was arrested.” Hyacinth shrugged. “Otherwise, I got nothin’.” she smiled apologetically.

“That’s alright.” he shook his head.

“So, how long do you think you’ll be staying?” Anemone wanted to know.

“I don’t know, exactly. But more than a couple days this time, I think. I have to deal with that for Asher, but Marri and I still need to work on tracking down her family.”

“Of course.” Lily nodded.

“My family matter can wait though. You should figure out the rebellion problem, first. It should have all of your attention.”

“Are you sure?” Arden frowned, “Finding your family is important to me, too.”

I smiled, “It can wait, Arden. It’s been more than forty years now. What’s a few more days of waiting? It’s really nothing. I’m happy to wait.”

“Well…maybe I’ll arrange for some experts in the field of mer-studies to come by to see you while I’m working.” Arden muttered.

“Sure, if you like.”

“I know someone from one of the universities that could help.” Anemone said thoughtfully. “The school isn’t in session right now, so she’s not busy. Let me send her a message to swing by and talk to Marri tomorrow.”

“Alright, that works.” I nodded, shrugging a little. “Although…”

“What?” my white-haired fey soldier asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Do I have to stay here? Not that your aunts aren’t lovely, but…I…I kind of want to be nearer to you.” I mumbled, tracing the lip of my teacup.

Arden blinked, then smiled. “Yeah, of course. You might just have to sit in the office and be bored though.”

“I don’t mind. My days used to be full of sitting and being bored, remember?” I smiled faintly at him.

“No, we won’t let you be bored!” Anemone announced, shaking her head. “One of us can come with you and keep you company! Asher is a friend to us, and doesn't mind us being at the palace, given our past and connection to Arden. Although tomorrow I have to oversee the weekly beer delivery…”

“I have to go over the accounts.” Lily frowned.

“I can go.” Hyacinth smiled. “Tomorrow is my day off, anyways. Would that be alright, Marri?”

“I’d love to have your company, Hyacinth, thank you very much!” I bowed slightly in my seat to her.

“You’re very welcome! I’ll bring some games for us to play. Oh and we can go to the library. Asher has quite a selection of books.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“He does!” Arden laughed.

“He reads a lot, but it’s really his husband that’s the voracious one, isn’t he?”

“Yeah.” the fey soldier confirmed, “Dato also writes, if I remember correctly. I expect his novels are in the library.”

“That’s cool.” I smiled.

“Yeah, it is.”

“It’d be fun to write a story.” I mused.

“Well, you should give it a try.” Hyacinth smiled at me.

“Nothing stopping you!” Anemone nodded.

“I imagine Dato would even give you some tips. Well, if he were back from visiting family, anyways.” Lily smiled.

“That could be fun.” I’d never thought I’d be making plans for the future, much less dreaming about writing a story. “I’ve never written anything before though.”

“That’s alright. We’d never run an inn before this place.” Lily motioned at the inn around us. “You have to start somewhere. The important thing is that you start.”

I smiled, “I guess I’ll need to get some paper, then!”

“And I can teach you to type.” Arden said, “I have a typewriter back at the cottage. I should have brought it with us, but there’s one in the office that you can practice on.”

“A type-what, now?” I frowned.

Arden blinked, then smiled. “I’ll just have to show it to you. It’s hard to explain. But it’d make writing a lot faster.”

“Oh, right.”

“I can type.” Hyacinth said, “I’m pretty good at it, too. I can show her some tomorrow!”

“That works.” Arden nodded.

-

We fell silent for a little while.

Lily broke the silence by saying, “Well, why don’t we go ahead and get you in a room?”

“Yes, I think that’s in order.” Hyacinth murmured, standing.

“Are there any ground level rooms open? At least for Marri to stay in, anyways? That way she can come and go as she pleases without any help.” Arden asked, standing as well.

“Yes! We usually have the rooms down here free. People prefer to have a nice view that overlooks the high street, and the rooms down here just look into the back alley. It’s not a dirty alley or anything, but they do prefer the front-facing view, and typically ask for it.” Hyacinth told us.

“That works out well for us, though.” Arden nodded, “If there are two rooms beside one another, that would be very nice.”

“I’m not opposed to one room.” I muttered, shooting a coy glance at him.

He flushed, but managed to stammer, “I…uh…appreciate the thought, but, um…I’m not…ready for that yet. I’m not saying never, just not now.”

Sensing a boundary that I definitely didn’t need to cross, I frowned slightly, “That’s okay. Two rooms is fine. That said, if you’re worried because you’re concerned I’ll think you’re taking advantage, I won’t. But I’m not going to press the issue. It can wait.”

“Thank you.” he murmured.

“The last thing I want to do is upset you.” I told him, shaking my head a little.

“You don’t. I just…I know you want to move faster and I’m just not there yet.” Arden grimaced.

“And that’s okay.” I shrugged, smiling. “Waiting is fine too. Just as long as I get to be with you.”

“You two are sweet!” Anemone giggled.

Arden turned bright red and muttered unintelligibly.

Hyacinth laughed a little, then sighed and said, “Just come with me, my dears.” and led us towards the hall that led into the inn.

Arden’s quiet aunt paused at a wall of hooks with keys hanging on each one, and grabbed two, then led us to the first two rooms on the floor, then turned and handed us each a key.

“Here you are. You two take some time and settle in, alright? The washrooms all have a nice big bathtub, if you want to soak, Marri.” she beamed at me.

“Oh nice!” I smiled, glad to know I’d be able to have a nice long soak.

I pushed into the room as Hyacinth went back down the hallway.

“Ooh, this is nice!”

The room was lovely!

A four poster bed of dark wood sat in the middle of the room, covered with a quilted blanket in various shades of sage and forest green, and ample amounts of pillows. There was a dresser, a bedside table, and a writing desk set of the same dark wood as the bed. The desk sat against the window, which let in plenty of light, and was winged on either side with thick, creamy curtains that looked out into the alley beside the inn, true to Hyacinths’ word. But she’d also been right that it was a very nice, clean alley. The floor was a rich, auburn hardwood, and was covered with thick forest green area rugs with scrolling leaf patterns. Near the door that led to the washroom, there was an overstuffed armchair and couch set that looked extremely comfortable. Hardwood panels rose halfway up the wall, then gave over to a lovely, creamy wallpaper covered with little sprays of lilac flowers.

The room somehow managed to be both fancy and comfortable at the same time.

Wheeling myself over to the bed, I sat my small satchel of belongings on the pristine off-white, quilted counterpane that matched the curtains.

After a few moments of me looking around and smiling at the room, there was a tap on my door. “It’s me.” Arden’s voice said.

“Come in!” I told him.

“Settling in okay?” he asked as he pushed in.

“Yeah. This is very nice. I can tell it’s an upscale place.”

“It is.” he nodded, “I do prefer Winna’s cottage, but this is nice too.”

“Well, Winna’s cottage is more home-y, that’s for sure!” I laughed a little.

“Have you unpacked? It didn’t take me long.” he motioned at the bag lying on the bed.

“Oh, no. There’s not much to unpack though.”

“Same for me. I pack light.” he nodded.

Grabbing my bag, I wheeled over to the dresser and carefully laid my two other clean shirts in the middle drawer, since it was easiest for me to reach.

“We should get you more shirts while we’re here.”

“Sure.”

“And a purse, but the satchel will do for now, it’s not big.”

“Alright.” I nodded, “Winna and Lear insisted I take some money, so maybe I can go out and get some clothes.”

“If you need more money, I’m happy to provide it.” Arden said quickly.

“No, it’s alright. Like I said, I have some.”

“But not the means to acquire more.” he shook his head.

I frowned, “Oh…I hadn’t thought of that. Should I look for a job while we’re here? It’ll just have to be temporary, since I doubt we’ll stay here too long.” My frown deepened, “I also don’t…think I have any marketable skills.”

“Marri, I know I said I’m not ready to be married yet, and I’m not, but I am still prepared to support you.” he said gently. “I won’t let you go without. If you want to look for a job, that’s fine and good. But I will also take care of you.”

“Arden, I can’t let you do that. I can stand on my own…well, figuratively, or I should at least try to.” I shook my head.

“Marrina,” he knelt before me, reaching out to take my hands, “for me, marrying you is my ultimate goal. I know I want to wait, but that’s just as much for you as anything else. You’re still a little young.” He added hastily, “Not that you’re not an adult, I know you are, but I am a good bit older than you. I just…again with the power imbalance, you know? I won’t be comfortable until you’re a little older and have had a chance to experience the world. I know I won’t ever be any less older than you, but you’ll be a little less young someday. Since you find yourself in a situation without any home or means to work, I’m happy to care for you. And again, by all means, get a job if you’d like one.”

Pulling one of my hands from his, I reached up and touched his cheek, then leaned forward and kissed him briefly. “You want the right things for the right reasons. It only makes me want to marry you sooner.” I sighed, “But I understand, and respect that. How could I not? It’s for my sake you’re wanting to hold off. And I can see what you mean. I know I’m a little naive in some ways…probably falling for you so fast was naive.”

“Maybe a little.” he murmured, “But only because you’re young. I do love you. I fell so quickly for you…I just…since you’re young, I want you to be able to experience the world a little. You might decide you don’t feel what you thought you did for me, if you meet more people, and that’s okay.”

I frowned. “That would be poor recompense, and very disloyal of me if I did let you support me and then just ran off with someone else.”

“I wouldn't take it like that.” Arden shook his head.

“And I wouldn't do it. I may be naive, but I’m also loyal. I promise. So I’ll wait. I’m happy to wait until you feel like I’m old enough.”

“Not too long, I promise.” Arden kissed my fingers gently.

“You can just kiss me.” I reminded him with a grin, though I’d literally just kissed him a few moments before.

“Mm, good point.” he snorted, then leaned forward and kissed me deeply.

When we broke apart, I fanned my face, feeling very hot. “Whoo, boy…That’s nice.”

“I like kissing you.” he muttered, very flushed himself.

“Good. Cause I like kissing you too!” I giggled, then switched gears to ask, “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

“Well, I need to jump into this thing for Asher.” Arden sighed, “I need to get out and about a bit, to see what I can find.”

“Can I come with you?”

“As much as I wish you could, a gorgeous mermaid hanging around me would draw a lot of attention,” he grimaced, “Otherwise I’d let you.”

“Oh, that’s alright. I can stay here with your aunts. But I can still come with you tomorrow, can’t I?”

“Yes, I’ll be at the palace for the most part, discussing whatever I find out today with Asher, and it’s no problem for you and Hyacinth to wait in my office.

“Okay.” I nodded. “If you’re going to be out anyways, I could maybe go to some clothing shops to look for shirts. I don’t see any point in me staying here in my room and being bored.”

“Good idea. I can assure you that if we ask my aunts, they’ll know a plethora of good stores that you can visit. They like clothes.”

“Great!” I laughed.

Arden kissed me again for a moment. “I should head out.” he sighed.

“Alright. I’ll probably go hangout with your aunts and pick their brains about clothing stores for a bit. Think that’d be okay?”

“Yes, of course. I think you’ll all get along swimmingly.”

“Pun intended?” I arched an eyebrow at him.

He grinned like a dork, “Of course!”

“You’re a mess!” I giggled.

Arden pushed me from the room and back out to the bar area. His aunts were still enjoying tea together.

“I have to head out and get some work done.” Arden said, parking me at the end of the table again.

“Can I hang out with you all for a bit?” I asked them.

“Of course.” Lily smiled at me.

“We’ll have so much fun!” Anemone giggled.

Hyacinth merely smiled and sipped her tea.

“Great.” Arden nodded, he bent and kissed me, “I’ll be back when I can. Possibly late, so don’t wait up, okay?”

“I make no promises.” I said, fully intending to stay up as long as it took for him to return.

“Alright.” he snorted. “I’ll see you all later.”

“Bye!” we chorused.

“Sooooo!” Anemone giggled once the door was shut, “What’s he like as a boyfriend?!”

I smiled, “Considerate and afraid to push too far. Thinks I’m too young to marry…I respect him more for that, actually. And he’s a great kisser!”

Anemone giggled. “Aww!”

Not wanting to linger too long on the subject of Arden, lest it get weird somehow, I asked, “Oh, I was wondering, are there any good clothing stores near here? I have very little clothing, all things considered. I have a little money, so I thought I’d get some more shirts today while he’s out. Right now I only have three.”

“Yes, of course. But you’re new to the city, so let one of us come with you.” Lily said, smiling kindly.

“I’d be happy to go.” Hyacinth said softly, “I’ve gotten the housekeeping duties done for the morning, and Bark and Yip will take over for me at lunch time.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” I nodded, bowing a little in my chair.

“I’d go, but I need to take care of the bar.” Anemone shrugged, “Otherwise I’d love to go, shopping is so much fun!”

“Well, that works out well then. I need to get ahead on the accounts, if I can. It usually takes me quite a while to get through them.” Lily sighed.

“Let’s have lunch first though.” Anemone said.

“Yes, we can eat.” Lily nodded, “It’ll seem less arduous if I’ve had some food, first!”

“I think a lot of tasks are like that, better if you have food before you tackle them.” Hyacinth said.

“Or sleep.” Anemone added.

Lily grinned, “Or booze!”

We all burst into giggles.