AN: Sorry about the first two paragraphs. I was just trying to get my story along, and that seemed to help. Review and tell me if I should continue or make it a one-shot! :)
Disclaimer: Everything except the plot belongs to Walden Media, Christopher Paolini, and Knopf Publishers!!

The Life of an Elven Mermaid

APOV

I couldn't afford for him to like me. Not only because of Galbatorix, but for his own sake. Even though I saw how much my rejection hurt him, it would be harmful for both of us. Oromis had confirmed my observation on how close Eragon and Saphira were, and how my joining would impair the balance. I agreed with him, even though it hurt my heart so.

Oromis and Glaedr are the only two who know my secret. Not even my own mother knows. I guess a secret as big as this would definitely effect a relationship, and not in a good way, but I was never close to my mother. The distance grew over time, especially when I had the yawë imprinted on my skin. But it's my choice. For better or for worse. Guess what the secret is. I'm a mermaid. Well, technically, a half mermaid. You want to know how? Well, I have to warn you. It's a pretty long story.

During the time when I was imprisoned by Durza, he performed an ancient curse on me, seemingly conjured by his Shade-twisted mind. I had fainted in the middle of it, overcome by the amount of dark magic. When I had awoken, I had felt odd, more aware of my surroundings. My head was still fuzzy from the drug he always administered to me to prevent me from using magic, but I was still…. I don't know how to explain it; it just seemed like I was more in tune with everything, more than I was before, even being an elf. I examined myself, noting my ears were still pointed, my yawë was still there, I still had my raven-colored hair (but there was the slightest hint possible of a blue hue to it), and I still had my old figure. Surprisingly, all my old scars were gone, except the wounds I had received from the cursed Durza. I soon fell into a deep slumber, forgetting all that had transpired during the previous hours.

After what had seemed to be a millennium, I felt another's consciousness delicately probe my mind. Delirious from my drugs and weariness, I attacked it, fearing the worst. Suddenly, whoever it was shouted, "Eka aí fricai un Shur'tugal!" I halted, aware that whoever had spoken, had uttered in the ancient language, which you can't lie in. Because of that reasoning, and also because my weariness was increasing, I lowered my defenses. It was a male human, who carefully striked up a conversation with me, obviously aware of my alien nature. I quickly gave him the answers he was searching for, told him of my predicament (except for the mermaid part), and urged him to hurry, because I knew my energy was weakening. He agreed to my request, and said his farewells.

After he had left, I sank into a deep slumber, going over my obvious dilemma. It was clear I couldn't tell anyone, especially Eragon. Even if he was a Rider. It could be used against me, the elves, and anyone else. Including the next-to-last Dragon Rider. I would have to be extremely careful. Perhaps Oromis could help me. I desperately wished I was able to access him. Stupid wards! I knew they were useful, especially against Galbatorix, but still. They really were a nuisance sometimes.

I wondered what would trigger my transformation. Was it water? The moon? Or something else? I contacted the tree spirits around me, pleased I was able to do so. I presented my question to them, anxious of the answer I would receive.

"I apologize, Arya Svit-kona. We, being tree spirits, are not knowledgeable on subjects such as yours. If I may be as bold as to say this, but I believe you should present your situation to the Moon Priestess. She would know how to help you, especially with her tie to water,"a tree nymph named Dianne replied. I could feel her regret that she couldn't answer my question.

I thanked her and withdrew my mind to myself, mulling over what she said. The Moon Priestess? Well, I must certainly ask her, if she has such a strong tie to water, I thought, deciding to act upon her words.

When I detected that nocturnal animals were around me, I knew it was time. Using all of my will, I probed towards the sky, searching for any sign of a sentient being. Almost immediately, I felt an enormous consciousness, even larger than the Menoa Tree. If it wasn't for my coma, I would have gasped in amazement. She, the Moon Priestess, was serene, acknowledging my presence with a calm nod. She had a peaceful air around her that I slightly envied. She smiled, beautiful in every way. Even though, as an elf, I was extremely graceful and had exquisite features, I couldn't help but be a tad jealous. I explained my situation to her, hoping she, of all things, would know.

She looked me and answered, "Arya Dröttingu. I am afraid the curse this Shade, Durza, has placed on you has not been used since the Grey Folk. I dare not express the urge on where he learned it. I only know the effects of it, and only that much because of its affinity with water." As she said that, my face dropped. At least she knows that much, I thought, chiding myself for being so rude. She continued with concern etched on her face for my expression, "If you are conscious, and fully immersed in water, you will transform. If you are unconscious, yet are fully submerged, you will stay as you are. Every full moon, regardless of your mind's state, if you touch even the smallest drop of water you will grow a tail. Let me warn you, though. After every year of full moons, it will become harder and harder for you to regain your legs." She paused for breath, giving me a chance to ask, "Are there any good things about this?" To me it seemed like there wasn't.

She gave a small smile before answering. "Yes. Your magical powers have been enhanced greatly, but you can only use your full ability in a dire emergency. Your endurance and stamina is also increased, but hindered likewise. Your features have slightly changed, such as you move more fluidly, and when you are a mermaid-" I shuddered slightly as she said it "-your hair is longer, has a blue sheen to it, and your eyes are sapphire blue."

"Do you know what color my tail is?"

"No, not yet. And, anyway, you have to find that out for yourself." She answered, giving a small smirk. As I started to withdraw back to myself and think over what she had said, she exclaimed, "Oh, I almost forgot! What I had said before, about being conscious and fully immersed, is not the only instance you are able to change. Ten seconds after touching water will also make you change. Also, be careful who knows your secret. This knowledge can do terrible things in the wrong hands." She thought over what she had said, then commented wryly, "As with all knowledge."