A/N: I will not have internet access over the next week or so, meaning I will not being able to update. D: But, I am almost done with the next chapter, so once I have my computer again, I can post the new chapter. Sorry for the inconvenience.

There's a link of my profile page if you would like to see what I envisioned Eva to look like. Also, there are a few Gaeilge words in the chapter, so here's a heads-up on their meaning.

Dia Duit: Hello. (Literal meaning is 'God to you')

Dia is Muire dhuit: Hello, as a reply. (Literal meaning is 'God and Mary to you')

Anywho, here's the next chapter. Happy reading! :)


4 July, 1740

It was a quaint coastal town, so much in fact that any passerby would hardly recognize it. A series of rundown stone houses and small poorly constructed buildings stood bordering a battered dirt road. A few wooden homes, small yet cozy, lingered farther away from the main village square. The old town well, very much used but needed to be parted with, was sitting at the beginning of the walkway that led into the main road. The smiling sun, not overly hot or cold, beamed down on the town, giving the light it needed.

The village itself had a remarkable view, nestled high on top of the lush green cliffs. The tall grass and landscape was beautiful as if taken from a painting. Small white, yellow and violet flowers were scattered across the young ground and the smell of sea water drifted through the fields from an inviting breeze. Farther out were the sea cliffs, rocks leading down into the ocean. The waves crashed against the rocks and kept going down further and further endlessly, like drawing people in. Nevertheless, one could see out into the crisp blue ocean for forever. It was fresh, wholesome, and seemingly magical.

It was far from perfection, this little town, but it fitted the villagers' needs. Mostly everyone that lived within the town was well acquainted with one another and had their own respected places to go to every day. The people bustled during the long work hours, sunrise to sunset, being the rather civilized village that they were. The town may be small, but it was doable. They called the village Scattery, Ireland.

Being that it was midafternoon, the villagers were all throughout Scattery. The men were working; some were pushing carts down the road, while others were occupied in shops or tending to animals in the small pastures. A few women were gossiping in the middle of the streets, while others went on their way to make some errands. Children happily played wherever they could, some causing more mischief than they should.

Amongst these villagers was the beautiful, red-haired young woman. A small cloak covering her curly mane of hair and a basket in hand, she quietly strolled down the road trying not to draw attention. Yet, a few of the women looked at this girl as she continued down the streets, eyed her suspiciously, and then lowly whispered between themselves. The young woman knew they were talking about her, thinking of rumors that would be spread around Scattery later, but she did not look back. After all, she to the unwanted attention by now.

Nearly reaching the outside of Scattery's village square, she was approached by a man with dark hair, most likely in his mid-thirties. He smiled at her, leaning back on his wagon full of potatoes. "Dia Duit, Eva. Where're you be headin'?" His accent was a thick Irish but was kind and friendly.

The young woman, Eva, lowered her hood out of respect and smiled back at the man. "Dia is Muire dhuit, Mr. O'Dowd." Her accent was also Irish, but she spoke smoothly and softly. For her voice was as beautiful as her appearance. "Need not worry about me. I only be taking a stroll."

He laughed as if not believing Eva. "Ya mum be knowing 'bout this? She be worrying with ya."

Eva sighed and managed a smile. "Mother is aware. I be running errands for her while she stays in the inn."

Mr. O'Dowd nodded. "Quite the responsible one, are you not?" He smiled at Eva, who didn't look like she wanted to talk to him. He took a few of the potatoes and placed it in Eva's basket. "Free of charge, Eva. Me potatoes and myself are pleased to have ya family as regulars." She smiled as a sign of gratitude. "Give Lochlann me best."

Eva nodded. "Indeed, Mr. O'Dowd. My father shall be pleased. Good day to you." She turned around to leave, placing the cloak once again around her.

"Miss Dempsey?" Mr. O'Dowd called back as Eva turned around. "Mr. O'Dowd was me father. Call me Fergus." He winked.

Eva nodded. "Indeed, Fergus." He waved goodbye and Eva went on her way.

Eva was skipping through fields, her wild hair freely blowing in the breeze with the hood no longer hiding her face. Her face was beaming with joy, laughing and bouncing like a young child. The long grass brushed up against her green dress and she welcomed the sea breeze fully embracing her. Eva knew that Scattery and its people were pleasant, but the land is not where she truly belonged.

Her emerald eyes then met the sea cliffs. She watched the waves crash against the rocks and admired the endless blue ocean that lay beyond. Eva could feel the pull that was leading towards the sea cliffs and she could not help but smile.

Eva placed down the basket and started towards the sea cliffs, carefully climbing down the rocks. Whenever a wave crashed by, she panicked and remained still in doing her best to not get wet. Nevertheless, Eva kept her eyes on the sea cliffs and the rocks that led her to her special place.

Stopping for a brief moment, she looked at the ocean that seemed to go on forever. Being that she was now at the near edge of the cliff, any ordinary person would stop and climb back up to the mainland. Yet, Eva was not scared, and most certainly not an ordinary girl.

Taking one step forward, Eva dropped down a hole in the ground and tumbled into a cave. She stood up, brushing sand from her dress and went into an opening that led to a pool, her hidden place.

Eva stroked her hand across the rock walls, which were all around the cave, except for an opening right near the pool. The view above was in no doubt perfect, but the one in this cave, The Sea Caves, was magical. And in Eva's opinion, magic always outshines perfect.

Now watching the sun starting to descend in the sky, Eva smiled and placed her hand over her crystal necklace. The moonpool perfectly reflected the beginning of the sunset and Eva was desperately tempted to dive in, the waters teasing to give in.

And give in she did. A beaming Eva jumped right into the moonpool without hesitation. She came up ten seconds later with her dress being replaced with a scale top and legs replaced with a golden bronze mermaid tail.

She smiled at her tail, loving and accepting her mermaidness more than her human side. The sea was truly where Eva belonged. She knew this even before she was a mermaid. It was her calling, her passion, a place that would forever hold a special place in her heart.

The sea was her destiny. And Eva could not wish for anything more.