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A young boy sat alone on the rocky shore, gazing out at the moonlit sea. His turquoise hair fluttered in the breeze as he absentmindedly brushed sand from his cheek and shells from his pockets, remnants of the day's adventures. "Why so gloomy?" called a haunting, melodic voice from the waves. Though small, the boy felt no fear. Drawn by the siren song, he rose and approached the water's edge.
He walked until the waves reached his chest, and the forceful sea seemed to calm around him as he approached a glowing, pearl-skinned woman. Her turquoise hair and silver, moonlike eyes matched his own.
"Mama..." the boy said as he came closer.
The siren held out her arms. "Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh, my son," she smiled, embracing him as he giggled.
"Now," his mother said, rubbing her nose against his, "why are you so gloomy today?"
Though he denied it, she insisted, "I know you lied...tell me what happened?"
"I'm different..." he confessed into her shoulder. "I don't look like Dad or you."
The siren smiled. "That's because you're unique - half siren, half human. There's no one else like you." She tickled his belly. "Many fall for humans, you know."
Still unsure, the boy said, "I don't believe it."
The siren took him onto her lap and began telling a tale to reassure him.
As the boy sat in his mother's lap, she said, "Let me tell you the tale of Bellatrix, a dark fairy's daughter, who fell in love with a kind prince."
The boy looked up curiously at his siren mother.
"Bellatrix's mother was an infamous dark fairy who ruled the mystic forest. Folks say Bellatrix was fathered by the unseen Hades, Lord of the Underworld," she explained.
The boy pursed his lips. "That sounds scary..."
"Don't be afraid," his mother said gently, tickling his belly. "Bellatrix and her father were said to be just and level-headed."
"What about the prince?" the boy asked.
"Ah yes, the Prince of Venora. He was known for his kind heart towards all creatures. He wanted everyone to live in harmony. When he and Bellatrix met, they knew they were meant for each other, like true love."
The boy nodded thoughtfully. "Are you and Dad true love like that?"
His mother pursed her lips. "Unfortunately not, my dear. Sirens like myself cannot feel that kind of love...not like mermaids can."
"Don't you love me?" the boy asked worriedly.
"Of course I love you. But the love between mates is different, and much more difficult to comprehend," she explained patiently.
"Will I ever find that kind of love?"
His mother sighed. "I don't know. Sirens have little luck with love like that."
"Mom," the boy said after a moment. "Do humans hate creatures like us?"
"Some do seem to dislike what they don't understand," she nodded. "But remember, some humans are good, and some are bad, just like any creature."
The boy asked eagerly, "Did Bellatrix and the prince have children like me?"
His mother thought for a moment. "There are rumors they did, yes."
"Was the dark fairy happy about that?"
She bit her lip. "Unfortunately no. Bellatrix's mother did not approve of her daughter marrying a human."
"What did she do?" the boy asked worriedly.
"She opened the gates of the Underworld and released dangerous monsters."
"That's terrible!"
"Not as terrible as what she did to her daughter's children," his mother said, gripping him tightly.
"What did she do?" he asked in a small voice.
His mother glanced at the shoreline letting him go and said gently, "It's time for you to go now, my dear. I must take my leave."
"When will I see you again, Mom?"
She smiled and kissed his forehead. "I will always watch over you." Then she disappeared into the sea, leaving the boy standing alone on the shore.
"Icurus!" his father called from the distance, walking towards him.
The boy looked back at the vast ocean but his mother was nowhere in sight.
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𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮
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The bustling harbour created a symphony of sounds, with ship horns, clinking chains, and bustling footsteps that echoed through the air. Ships of all sizes, adorned with colourful sails, navigated the glittering waters with purpose. Amidst this bustling scene, and the array of characters going about their daily affairs, one figure stood out like a rare gem in a field of ordinary stones.
His name was Icurus, a young boy of sixteen. With his striking appearance, he captivated the attention of onlookers as effortlessly as the swirling waves captivate a sailor's gaze.
Those who caught a glimpse of him were immediately drawn to his presence. His turquoise hair was a vibrant testament to his individuality, while his silver eyes spoke of a depth and intensity far beyond his years. His skin, kissed by the sun, possessed a radiant richness that seemed to glow in the warm embrace of the golden rays.
As Icurus stood amidst the chaos of the harbour, his thoughts were momentarily interrupted by the sound of his name carried gently in the sea breeze. Turning his head, he locked eyes with his friend, Xavier.
He was a tempestuous soul, known for his fiery nature and confrontational tendencies. With long, black twists cascading down his head, his eyes as dark as the midnight sky, and dressed in a shirt only a few shades darker than his melanin-rich skin, Xavier was a study in contrasts.
Breathing heavily as he caught up to Icurus, Xavier expressed his frustration, his voice laced with a tinge of annoyance. "Icurus! We were supposed to go together, remember?" he exclaimed, visibly exasperated.
"Sorry, Xavier. I thought you were still asleep, so I came ahead" a radiant smile adorning his face, "I just couldn't contain my excitement any longer. My father is finally returning from his voyage!" he cheered.
Icurus's father, a seasoned sailor, had set sail on a grand adventure when Icurus was a mere ten-year-old boy. The image of his father remained etched in his memory: a tall, dark skined, imposing figure with ebony locks cascading down his back, his muscular frame a showing the trials and hardships he endured on the open seas. Although their physical resemblance was minimal, the love and respect between father and son illuminated their connection like a lighthouse guiding lost ships home.
As the anticipation of his father's return coursed through his veins, Icurus couldn't help but wonder how their reunion would unfold. An exquisite mixture of excitement and trepidation swirled within him, mirroring the waves that danced upon the ocean's surface.
With anxious anticipation, Icurus stood at the water's edge, his eyes fixed on the horizon, as the sun bathed everything in a warm golden light. The docks were a symphony of colors and sounds, with flags fluttering atop masts and ropes straining against the pull of the sea. The air was filled with the tang of salt and the cries of merchants hawking their wares to sailors with stories etched into their weathered faces.
Icurus turned as Xavier approached, his footsteps echoing on the wooden planks. Together, they strolled past the Eldorian guards, their armor gleaming like polished stones in the riverbed of the bustling dockside. The guards' conversation, a low murmur against the backdrop of the sea, spoke of impending change.
"The Silver Tide sails under Prince Bernard's command and will be returning today, as foretold by the star scholars" one guard said, his voice laced with reverence. "He seeked the elves' allegiance in the forest of Frostfern, a venture that could fortify our kingdom against the encroaching shadows."
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"And what of the princess, Rosabella?" the other guard pondered, his gaze lost in the distance. "The alliance with Venora through marriage to Prince Ernesto could weave a tapestry of peace."
Icurus and Xavier moved on, leaving the guards to their speculations. They navigated through the labyrinth of crates and nets until they reached a secluded corner of the docks. This was their haven, a place untouched by the passage of time, where the wood bore the memory of a thousand sunsets.
The hangout spot was a quiet alcove, shielded from prying eyes by stacks of barrels and the broadside of an old, retired vessel. The boys made their way to their usual spot, where the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for their dreams to unfold.
They settled themselves on the weathered wooden planks, their backs leaning against the splintered railing as the sea breeze ruffled their hair. The sun-kissed glow of dusk painted the horizon, casting a golden hue over their conversation. Xavier, handed Icurus a slice of toasted bread as they delved into the topic which fascinated them both.
"Do you think he met your mother out there?" Xavier inquired, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and empathy. It was a question that had lingered in their minds, an elusive secret buried within the depths of Icurus' family history.
Icurus, his expression a blend of uncertainty and longing, shrugged his shoulders, unsure of the truth that lay hidden behind his mother's silence. The memory of her last visit echoed in his mind, a bittersweet moment.
His mother, a mermaid possessing a mysterious allure, had captivated his father's heart in a love story as intricate as the ocean's currents. But their time together had been fleeting, and his mother entrusted Icurus to his father's care, promising to return one day.
The image of his mother was etched in Icurus' memory. Her porcelain-like skin, adorned with iridescent scales, glimmered under the moonlight. Her captivating silver eyes, shimmering with a hint of untold tales, held a depth that mirrored the ocean's abyss. And her flowing turquoise hair, dancing like waves in the wind, held a beauty that transcended the mundane.
Yet, Icurus had inherited only fragments of his mother's ethereal essence. While his appearance held glimpses of her enchantment, such as his hair and eyes, he lacked the graceful fins that defined her mermaid identity.
His mere existence had been met with mixed reactions, labelled a freak by some who felt threatened by his uniqueness, yet praised by others who recognized his extraordinary nature. Regardless of the opinions thrown his way, Icurus remained impervious to their judgments, never allowing them to define his self-worth.
He still vividly recalled the poignant memory of his father's departure.
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Seated upon a secluded section of the sandy shore, his small hands instinctively played with the grains beneath his fingertips as he thought about his father's departure today, he is going to miss him dearly.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the cacophony of wings in disarray and desperate growls. Raising his gaze towards the heavens, his eyes beheld an astonishing sight of an infantile dragon hurtling towards the vastness of the ocean. Its wings flailed frantically, emitting anxious growls that pierced the air.
Without a moment's hesitation, Icurus sprang into action, plunging into the sea to aid the young dragon. Despite his tender age, he possessed remarkable swimming skills that propelled him swiftly towards the distressed creature.
However, as he approached, his astonishment reached new heights as the dragon's iridescent glow transformed into that of a young boy, roughly his age, pleading for help. "Help! I can't swim!".
The unexpected revelation momentarily paralyzed Icurus, but he swiftly regathered his composure and extended his assistance, effortlessly guiding the frightened boy back to the sanctuary of the shoreline.
"OH! Thank you!" the boy exclaimed, clinging to Icurus in a tight embrace, though the latter felt a slight reluctance within.
The boy possessed striking features purple locks cascading down, complemented by resplendent emerald green eyes. His fair complexion was further adorned with a sprinkle of endearing freckles.
Icurus found himself captivated by the boy's remarkable appearance. "Hi, my name is Edward," he offered cheerfully.
Icurus hesitated momentarily before responding, "...I am Icurus."
Edward, possessing an inherent buoyancy of spirit, continued his effusive expression of gratitude, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Icurus. Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for rescuing me. Unfortunately, my swimming skills leave much to be desired."
Icurus studied Edward's attitude and attire, clearly indicative of his privileged upbringing. The boy named Edward gave him an emerald necklace which caught Icurus off-guard. "I can't take that..." Icurus protested, fearing the potential accusations of theft.
Sensing his apprehension, Edward proffered a solution, his eyes pleading, "Then, kindly keep it hidden! I wouldn't want to leave the person who saved me empty-handed."
Swiftly, he adorned Icurus with the necklace, an exquisite rectangular emerald suspended on a delicate black thread.
"I think it suits your appearance..." Edward offered coyly. "Your hair, tinctures of turquoise, resonate harmoniously with the verdant hues of the emerald"
"I think it matches your eyes better," Icurus held the emerald necklace, and a faint blush appeared on Edward's fair skin at the response.
"Where are you from?" Icurus asked curious of his appearance, "You don't seem....full human..?".
"OH! That's because I am not and looking at you.....you seem like a hybrid just like me!" Edward chanted cheerfully. He tilled his head, "Are you perhaps...half siren?"
Icurus was startled by his accurate guess. Mermaids came in many forms, including the siren. But, they were known for being lithel and unkind to humans, thus, he show his mother as an angelic mermaid rather then a monstrous sea maiden.
He nodded, "Yes....my mother is a mermaid...siren....what about you?"
"Well....my mother is the daughter of-" he cut himself off by putting his hands over his mouth, and mumbled, "I can't say it. Mother told me to keep it a secret!!" He composed himself, "well my mother is a fairy" he said gingerly.
Icurus found the boy's attitude quite amusing and his presence comforting. "Are you perhaps also...a shapeshifter? I didn't know fairies could shapeshift...or at least the normal ones"
Edward became hesitant, "Well...my mother is the daughter of a special kind of fairy..."
Icurus raised an eyebrow, "ok...is that why your father, I am guessing he is a rich guy...married her?"
Edward cheerfully nodded, "Yep! They fell in love at first sight!! Isn't that so romantic?! I wish one day a prince would come for me! Or someone special....someone special for me!"
Icurus smiled at his enthusiasm, "what if I am that someone?" he asked softly but sarcastically.
Edward stopped and looked directly into his silver eyes, studied his appearance head to toe and then hugged him tightly, "you would?"
Icurus pulled away from him while giggling, "I was just joking..."
Edward sat beside him, "Well we don't know that for sure now do we? We never know what the Fates have planned for us" he laid down on the sand, "Huh...what's your life like?....like life outside the castle"
Icurus lay down next to him, "Why do ask?"
Edward shrugged his shoulders, "I don't get to leave the castle often....as a matter of fact, this is my first time outside of the castle without someone watching over me! It feels nice...to be free".
Icurus looked at the sky and sighed, "Well..."
He told him about how his dad left for a voyage, what his dad was like, about his mother, about his friends and of course about the way he is treated due to being a hybrid.
"That's terrible!" Edward huffed, "Maybe that's why Dad doesn't let me out"
Icurus turned his head towards Edward, "....you live in a castle...? Are you a Prince?"
Edward bit his bottom lip and nodded, "yep"
"Where is your kingdom?"
"Near the mystic forest"
Icurus looked at him confused, "There is only one kingdom near the mystic forest...Venora?"
Edward sat up straight, "Well ain't you good at geography?"
Icurus also sat up, "This is the Kingdom of Eldoria, did you get lost while flying?"
Edward blushed as he pouted his lips, "I am not good with direction..." he waved his left hand, "...besides I bet my older brother is already running around looking for me, so going home isn't a problem"
"You have an older brother?" Icurus asked.
Edward nodded, "Hm. And an older sister too, they both are twins. And they always fight! Uuhhhgg it gets so annoying sometimes"
Icurus hugged his knees, "Hmm...I wish I had siblings...all I have is Xavier..." he paused, "What's life like at the castle?"
Edward put his index finger to his chin and pursed his lips, "Hmmmm.....let's see, really boring...all I do is tutoring after tutoring. I have tutoring for magic, tutoring for math, physics, chemistry, biology....it gets boring sitting still while listening to lectures after lectures, but somehow my older brother enjoys it"
"Your older brother... is he in the line of succession?"
"Hm." Edward nodded.
"Apart from studying what else goes on in the castle?"
"Balls, banquet, celebrations and all that jazz"
"Do you have royal friends?" Icurus hugged his knees.
"I do! There is Princess Ariana of Eldoria, Princess Levina of Etheria the ice Queendom......and Alcester son of Dane Anastasia, she is a knight, have you heard of her?"
Anastasia was a fairly known figure throughout the kingdoms as one of the protectors of the realm, for she was one of the many people who were capable of keeping the creatures of terror released by the dark fairy at bay, but not much was known about her son. And the two Princess Ariana and Levina both have quite a reputation of their own.
"I didn't know she had a son"
"Eh....not many people know....Alcester isn't much of a show off". Edward narrowed his brows, "you are a water mage!".
"Huh?"
"You have magic in your veins and a high concentration as well! Have you ever tried it?"
"No...?" Icurus made a face.
Edward stood up and pulled Icurus near the sea waves, "try it!" he ordered. Icurus looked at him confused, "But how?".
"You need to be confident, be one with your element and focus your energy, watch me!" Edward began to demonstrate, he held his hand out forward, and slowly but surely a purple and blue fire ball formed in his hand.
Icurus watched with amazement, he had seen magic before, done by the mages that travelled along the lands and would stop by at Inns or taverns, but this was his first time seeing it up close.
"You think I could do that" he pointed at himself. Edward nodded, "Try to form a water drop or try to change the waves".
Icurus copied him, holding out his palm, he closed his eyes tightly but when he opened them again 'nothing'. Edward went behind him and held his shoulders, "Try again....try to feel the element...that's what my mum says..."
Icurus closed his eyes again and this time he used both hands, one hovering over the other, he tried to feel his mother's embrace, how the water felt when he and his father would go swimming. It was a warm feeling, and he felt tingling sensations in his arms and hands.
Edward gasped and held him tightly again, Icurus re-opened his eyes but his hands were empty, he narrowed his brows but when he looked up his eyes widened, "What in the name of the sea gods?". They were inside a water bubble, he removed his hands from their original position and the bubble popped above their heads getting them all wet again.
Edward let go of him and jumped in excitement "That was so cool!". Icurus awkwardly smiled "Thanks...I didn't know I could do that".
"Well now you do and it's because of me!" Edward winked at him. Icurus giggled, "What else do you know about magic?".
They spent the rest of the afternoon telling each other about their lives, and their dreams for the future, Edward wanted to travel the world and Icurus was still trying to figure things out.
"I would travel with you...if I had the chance"
Edward smiled warmly, "Maybe in the future....will I ever get to see you again?" His voice cracked a little in the end.
Icurus took his hands to his heart, "I promise, we will see each other again". Edward blushed and hugged him in a tight embrace again.
"I hope so..." he pouted
Icurus pulled away from him, "Hey", he said softly "It's just like you said, we never know what happens in the future, we never know what the Fates have in-stored for us"
Edward was about to say something but stopped and looked around frantically, "Why does he have to find me so soon!"
He gave Icurus one last goodbye hug and a little peck on the cheek "I must take my leave...farewell!" Edward disappeared into a portal, leaving Icurus alone on the shore, clutching the emerald necklace close to his heart. As a tender smile graced his lips, he silently admired the precious gift.
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