Forever Night

Chapter 1

I was never the strongest. That wasn't my purpose and it wasn't my destiny and it wasn't my goal. Strength is important – no doubt strength is important – but I've always wanted something more than brute strength can give me.

Creation. Color. Light. Creativity. Subtlety.

Odd how a person can never see themselves change. Even when that change is drastic. Odd how I now find the sunlight oppressive and the red-starred night so captivating. I know why, of course, but it's still moves me to wonder.

I was on a mission two months ago. No big deal. Easy really. Could have done it alone, but the world is a changed place. Better if I take some natives along. The mission was to harvest mer tears and selkie silk. Some absurdly rich person was looking to create the most exclusive perfume imaginable.

Whatever. It was a job. It payed, and it was stimulating, which was what I needed.

We came upon the mer cove in the shadow of night. At night merpeople will often sleep on the surface of the water in order to bathe in the cascade of silver moonlight. A full-moon night, after midnight has passed, is always the best time to harvest mermaid tears.

I digress. We were at this cove … I was at this cove. Bordered on two sides by cliff, and the other by a thick, green forest. The water captivated. Fascinated. The surface darker than nightmares; yet, sparkling with reflected starlight sweeter than dreams.

That was when I realized how much, exactly how much, I had changed. Anyone would find such a sight beautiful and awe inspiring. Because it was. But when I was full of daytime I never would have taken a still, black crescent of water over a flower-dotted meadow, dew-kissed in morning sunlight.

Now.

Now.

Now.

Now, I ache at the very thought, the memory of that cove. Of that water. Of those stars. My fingertips tingle, and my tongue darts out to taste the fresh, moss-flavored air. I want to stretch out on the bank of that water, body on the soft earth and fingers making swirling symbols in the black water. I want to stay in that place forever.

I've gone back twice now. Alone. I couldn't help myself. My feet found their way without conscious thought, and standing there didn't just illuminate the changes in me, but also the flaws. As much as I ache for it, as much as I love it, that place is too dark for me.

Still too dark, even with the shimmering silver.

I would have to do more. Try harder. Learn how to walk in shadow. To drink in the night.


Author's Note: Hello all. A warning; this isn't going to stay in the first person, but might feature a few first person cut ins. Chapters will likely be very short, and by doing that hopefully quick to release. Going on vacation for a bit though, so I'll be at least a few days away from a computer.

You've all been extremely supportive with my previous Ge/Le works, so I hope you enjoy this one as well.