Mini Brain Dumps

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Trigger Warning: This novel contains references to sexual assault and mental health disorders. Reader discretion is advised.

Chapter 18:

As they emerged from the cavern, laughter still bubbling from within them, Quentin couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. The worries and uncertainties that had plagued his mind seemed to melt away.

Cate floated beside him, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she glanced between Quentin and Lyra. “Not bad for a day’s distraction.”

Quentin nodded in agreement, the lingering echoes of their laughter fading into the tranquil stillness. “I have to admit, I needed that,” he said, a genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“You two are quite the swimmers,” Lyra said.

Quentin chuckled. “Well, I suppose being thrown into the ocean and having to learn on the fly has its benefits.”

Cate shot him a playful glare before turning her attention back to Lyra. “So, what’s next on the agenda?” she asked.

Lyra’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spread her arms wide. “There’s so much more to explore! We can visit the marketplace, where you can find treasures from every corner of the ocean. Or, perhaps, we could go to the library…”

Quentin’s interest piqued at the mention of the market. It felt like it had been a lifetime since he had last seen a market, the vendors lined up displaying their wares, the throngs of people haggling and trading, the stories of the sailors…

“I wouldn’t mind visiting the markets,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant.

He turned to Cate who frowned a bit.

“I love the markets!” Lyra declared with a grin. “Follow me.”

With Lyra leading the way, they set off towards the heart of the underwater city. As they swam through the bustling streets, Quentin couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. Would the markets in Seidonis be the same as the ones in Marielle?

They navigated through the labyrinthine streets, Lyra regaled Quentin and Cat with tales of the city’s history and the merfolk. Quentin trailed behind, looking around at those they passed by. One mermaid was tending to her garden of bioluminescent algae, carefully pruning the glowing fronds. When she saw him looking at her, she retreated into the shadows. He quickly looked away.

Lyra continued her stories, not missing a beat. She spoke of legendary heroes and mythical creatures that had once roamed these waters but had been banished by a group of people she referred to as the Council of Elders.

“Is there just a group of old ladies running this place?’ Quentin asked jokingly.

Lyra laughed. “Yes, and no. They’re hundreds of years old but they don’t look like it.”

As they wandered into the marketplace, Quentin and Cate were enveloped by a cacophony of sights and sounds. Merchants called out to passersby, their stalls overflowing with exotic treasures. The air was filled with the salty tang of the sea, mingling with the smell of unfamiliar spices and fresh seafood that made Quentin’s mouth water. Quentin’s eyes widened in wonder as he took in the vibrant colors and textures that surrounded them. Everywhere he looked, there was something new and intriguing to discover. It was better than any market he had seen in Marielle’s Town Square.

Cate, ever the vigilant observer, scanned the crowd with keen eyes, her senses sharp and alert but he could see the flicker of curiosity in her gaze as she took in the myriad sights and sounds. Lyra’s laughter rang above the crowds as she dodged and weaved between the gathered people.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Lyra exclaimed.

Quentin couldn’t help but smile at Lyra’s infectious enthusiasm.

The trio swam through the bustling underwater market, their eyes wide with wonder. Stalls of all shapes and sizes were set up along the sandy pathways, each one manned by one of the merfolk to sell their unique wares.

Quentin paused at a stall draped with colorful seaweed, where a mermaid with scales that shimmered like opals was arranging her display of shells. “Good day!” she greeted them with a warm smile, though he saw a flicker in her gaze that he couldn’t quite place. “Would you care to look at my collection? You’ve probably been told that you can hear the ocean when you hold a shall to your ear… Well, with these shells, you can hear land.”
Cate picked up a shall and held it to her ear. She suddenly pulled the shell away from her ear and stared at it bewildered. “How can you hear land?”

The mermaid smiled at Cate as she pressed the shell to Quentin’s ear.

At first, he couldn’t hear anything except for the sound of his blood rushing in his ears. But then he heard it – the cry of a seagull, the faint clinking of metal, the bark of a dog.

“Pretty neat huh?” the mermaid beamed as Cate pulled it away from his ear and placed it back on the display. “Each of these shells have a sister, one above land and one here. They’re paired and allow for us to keep our connection to the surface. It’s not everyone’s cup of kelp tea, but sometimes it helps with homesickness.”

Quentin felt his cheeks warm. Maybe that was the look she had given him before. Was it really that apparent that he was new to this world? He smiled at her before continuing through the stalls.

A few stalls down, Lyra was captivated by a display of musical instruments crafted from natural materials found in the ocean. Conch shell horns, seaweed stringed lyres, and coral flutes. She picked up one of the smaller instruments, a sea urchin rattle, and began to shake it to a very offbeat tune.

Cate, meanwhile, was drawn to a stall selling ornate tridents and spears. The weapons were crafted from coral and bone, each one decorated with intricate carvings and precious stones. The vendor, a burly merman with a stern expression, noticed Cate’s interest. “Looking for protection, huh? These weapons are forged by the finest artisans in the realm. Strong and reliable, just what you need to fend off any sea creature.”
Cate picked up a trident, testing its weight. “They’re impressive. Have you had many customers lately?”

The vendor nodded. “Only a couple, but it’s always best to be prepared.”

As they made their way through the marketplace, Quentin watched as merfolk bartered with shells and pearls. The vendors displayed an array of goods, from seaweed fabrics to luminescent jewelry that they swore had been crafted from deep-sea crystals. At one point their ears caught snippets of conversations and tales being shared among the merfolk. One story captivated their attention… a mesmerizing tail told by a mermaid storyteller perched atop a coral pedestal. Her voice, soft and melodious, carried over the crowd as she recounted her harrowing experience of being swallowed by a whale and miraculously surviving.

Quentin’s heart raced with anticipation as he hung on to every word. Beside him, Cate’s expression softened, her guard momentarily forgotten as she too became enraptured by the storyteller’s tale.

“That happened to me once,” Lyra said. She shook her head, her eyes clouding over as she gazed at the storyteller. “It took me days to find my way back home.”

Quentin and Cate exchanged surprised looks.

“Is being swallowed by a whale a common thing around here?” Quentin asked, his voice filled with incredulity.

Lyra seemed to snap back into her body. “No, not really. They spit you out eventually,” she said, offering them a small smile.

Cate frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. “So, you’re saying being swallowed by a whale isn’t life threatening?” she asked tentatively.

Lyra shook her head. “Not necessarily,” she replied. “Whales are gentle giants, for the most part. Sometimes they think we are food, but once they realize that we are too big to swallow they spit us out. You might just end up being jostled around for a bit in the pitch black for a while. You might have a couple of scratches and bruises, but mostly unharmed.”

Quentin glanced around at the heart of the city, his mind still reeling from Lyra’s revelation. The stories and legends of the underwater world were far more complex and intriguing then he had ever imagined.

As they continued to explore the market square, Quentin was filled with wonder. Each stall held its own treasures, each merchants its own tales to tell. And as they wove their way through the crowds, he couldn’t help but feel a newfound appreciation of the vibrant tapestry of life that surrounded them.

Children darted between the gathered people as they chased their friends. Others gathered in circles to talk with their friends and show off the treasures they had found among the stalls. Some had small fish weaving in and out of their hair, or circling their wrists as they moved about the streets. Some had larger fish that seemed to follow them around. Everything was hectic and chaotic, yet peaceful, nonetheless.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby, drawing their attention. A group of merfolk screamed and scattered as a small creature lunged out from a nearby stall, its sharp teeth bared in a menacing snarl. It was a creature unlike any that Quentin had ever seen before, small in stature but fierce in its attack.

It was a sleek and sinuous creature, resembling a mix between a serpent and a dragon. Its scales shimmered with an iridescent sheen, reflecting the vibrant colors that surrounded it. Sharp fins adorned its back, undulating gracefully with each powerful movement.

As it lunged forward, its jaw opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth glistening menacingly in the sunlight filtering through the water. Its eyes glowed with an eerie intensity, hinting at its primal instincts and ferocious nature.

Despite its smaller stature, its agility and speed made it a formidable adversary. Its lithe body moved with fluid grace, effortlessly darting through the water as it sought its prey.
Without hesitation, Quentin instinctively moved to shield Cate and Lyra from harm, his heart racing with adrenaline. He was keenly aware of the fact that he was unarmed and attempted to look around for anything that could be used as a makeshift weapon. Cate moved in front of Quentin, positioning herself between them and the creature, a small dagger in her hand, her hair now falling loosely around her. With a start, Quentin realized that she must’ve used the dagger as a way of fastening her hair that morning.

As the creature continued its advance, Quentin’s mind raced. His eyes scanned the market, hoping to find something, anything, that could help him in fending off the creature. In the chaos, Quentin’s gaze fell upon a long algae-tipped torch on the ground. It has been discarded, likely knocked over in the chaos as others fled. It wasn’t the most ideal weapon, but it was sturdy enough to serve their purpose. With a swift movement, he lunged towards it, grasping it tightly in his hand.

The Viper’s glowing eyes locked on Cate, its body coiling like a spring about to snap. Quentin’s heart raced as he dove for the torch, barely gripping it in time to block the creature’s attack. The impact reverberated up his arm, but before he could strike back, Cate was there, her dagger flashing through the water, missing the Viper by inches.
Lyra sought cover behind a large rock. Wide-eyed and trembling with fear, she watched the unfolding scene with a mixture of awe and terror. Meanwhile, Cate stood her ground, her eyes locked on the creature. There was a fierce determination in her stance, a readiness to defend herself and those around her. As the creature drew closer, she tightened her grip on the dagger, her knuckles white with tension.

With a sudden burst of speed, the creature lunged towards them, its jaws snapping menacingly. Quentin stepped forward, brandishing the torch like a makeshift spear, ready to deflect the creature’s attack. But before Quentin could move, Cate sprang into action. She thrust the dagger forward, aiming for the creature’s vulnerable underbelly. Her strike missed its mark, the creature agilely dodging aside at the last moment, the dagger glancing harmlessly off the creature’s scales. Cate stumbled back.

The creature let out a piercing screech, its glowing eyes fixed on Cate as it prepared to retaliate. Seizing this opportunity, Quentin lunged forward, driving it towards the creature’s flank. With a flick of its tail, the creature dodged Quentin’s attack, narrowly avoiding the blow. It snarled menacingly as it prepared to renew its assault.

Before they could react further, a group of merfolk clad in elaborate sapphire robes appeared seemingly out of nowhere. They moved with purpose and authority, surrounding the creature, and corralling it with practiced ease. Quentin grabbed Cate’s hand and pulled her towards Lyra’s hiding spot. They crouched behind them, peering over the edge, watching as the three worked in tandem.

“They’re the Council of the Elders,” Lyra said in a hushed tone, her eyes wide with awe and reverence. “They’re the ones who govern and protect Seidonis.”

As the Council of Elders intervened to quell the chaos, Quentin, Cate, and Lyra watched in awe as they sprang into action. The three council members, each bearing distinct characteristics and wielding unique powers, coordinated their efforts to subdue the creature.

The first council member, a regal mermaid with a commanding presence, wielded a trident adorned with intricate runes that shimmered. As she raised her weapon, bolts of lightning cracked and danced along its length, illuminating the area with electric energy. With a swift motion, she directed the lightning towards the creature, sending arcs of energy coursing through the water. The creature recoiled from the onslaught; its movements momentarily stilled by the electrifying assault.

Beside her stood a mermaid of graceful bearing, her flowing robes billowing around him as she moved with grace. She extended her hands towards the creature, and the water itself seemed to respond to her command. Currents surged and swirled, forming a water barrier around the creature, and confining it within a liquid embrace.

The third council member, a formidable warrior with a steely gaze and a determined expression, wielded a gleaming obsidian blade. Its jet-black surface seemed to absorb the surrounding light. With each calculated strike, she engaged the creature in a fierce battle. Her movements were swift and decisive, her every action a testament to her prowess in combat. With a final blow, she delivered a strike to the creature’s heart.
With the creature subdued, Quentin, Cate and Lyra approached the Council of Elders, their expression a mix of admiration and curiosity. As they neared, the council members turned their attention to the approaching trio, their demeanor shifting from battle-ready to composed and welcoming.

“That was incredible,” Quentin breathed, his voice filled with awe.

Lyra grinned, her eyes shining with admiration. “Indeed.”

Cate nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting a newfound respect for the council members. “What was that?” she asked.

“Neptillian Viper. They’re nasty things, but this one was still young, not nearly grown to its full capacity,” said that council member with the obsidian blade.

The council member with the electrified trident spoke next, her voice resonating with power. “You are visitors to Seidonis,” she stated, her gaze piercing yet welcoming. “We apologize for the disturbance you have witnessed. Our city is usually peaceful, but occasionally, we face threats from creatures like the one you just witnessed.”

The mermaid gestured towards the Neptillian Viper, now being escorted away by a group of guards. Quentin couldn’t help but notice the viper’s diminutive size compared to the prowess displayed by the council members in defeating it.

“We are the Council of Elders,” the mermaid continued, “tasked with maintaining order and protecting our people. I am Nerissa, the Guardian of the Depths.”

Beside her, the mermaid who had controlled the water continued. “I am Niamh, Keeper of the Tides,” she announced, her voice as calming as the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean.

Finally, the warrior mermaid stepped forward, her obsidian blade still gleaming faintly.

“And I am Thalassa, Sentinel of the Abyss,” she declared, her tone firm and resolute.

Quentin, Cate, and Lyra bowed their heads before introducing themselves to the council members. As they straightened, Lyra took the lead, her voice steady and respectful.

“We are honored to stand before the esteemed Council of Elders,” Lyra bowed stiffly.
Cate and Quentin exchanged looks before following suit.

Nerissa inclined her head graciously. ‘It is our duty to protect our home and its inhabitants,’ she replied. ‘Now, however, we must ensure there are no other threats lurking about.’

With that, the council members dispersed. Niamh lingered a moment. ‘I believe we will be seeing each other again,’ she said before turning to follow Nerissa and Thalassa.
As the commotion settled and the marketplace resumed its bustling activity, Quentin, Cate, and Lyra exchanged glances, each contemplating the events that had unfolded.

Quentin replayed in his mind the Council of Elders display of power and unity – it had been a work of art. Despite the gratefulness he felt for the council, a part of him was disappointed that he had been unable to defend himself or Cate and Lyra. What would have happened if the Elders had not shown up?

Cate seemed to be lost in thought. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes took on a focused intensity as if she was mentally dissecting every aspect of their encounter with the Neptillian Viper and the Council of Elders.

Lyra, on the other hand, seemed exhilarated by the day’s events. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, mirroring the enthusiasm that radiated from her every word, as she explained to others what had happened. With each retelling, she added her own embellishments to the story. Quentin started to think that he had imagined the stiffness in Lyra when she addressed the council.

“I think it’s time we head back to the castle,” Quentin suggested.

“It’s been quite a day,” Cate said, a faint smile tugging her mouth.

Lyra’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly, replaced by a contented sigh. “I suppose you’re right,” she conceded. “There will be plenty of time to explore more tomorrow.”
With a collective nod, they turned their backs on the city and made their way back through the streets to the castle. Quentin and Cate were quiet on the way back, each lost in their own thoughts, as Lyra continued to ramble.

When they reached the grand entrance, a sense of relief washed over Quentin. The familiar sight of the towering spires and shimmering walls filled him with a sense of comfort, a sense of safety within its walls. With a tired smile, Quentin pushed open the ornate doors, revealing the warm glow of torchlight within. They swam into the castle’s grand foyer, the sound of their swishing tails echoing against the polished floors.

They bid each other farewell before making their ways to their rooms. As he made his way to his room, Quentin couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. Tomorrow promised new discoveries and challenges, but for now, he was content to rest and recharge, grateful for the exploration of the enchanting underwater world.

___

The next day, Quentin, Cate, and Lyra found themselves in the quiet alcove once again, the soft glow of the bioluminescent algae casting gentle shadows on the walls around them. They sat in a circle, their tails swaying lazily as they exchanged glances.

“So, that was quite the day yesterday,” Quentin began, breaking the silence that hung heavy in the air.

Cate nodded; her expression serious. “I still can’t believe we encountered that creature. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

Lyra’s eyes widened with excitement. “I know, right? And the way the Council handled it was incredible! Did you see the way they worked together?”

Quentin nodded, his mind still reeling from the display of power he had witness. “It was like watching a dance.”

“But why do you think the creature attacked in the first place?” Cate wondered aloud; her brow furrowed in thought.

Lyra shrugged, her gaze momentarily distant, “Who knows? May it be just hungry or felt threatened.”

Quentin sighed, leaning back against the smooth stone wall of the alcove. “Maybe…”
Cate’s gaze hardened with determination. “Well, whatever the reason, we need to be prepared for anything.”

Lyra chewed absentmindedly on a piece of seaweed.

“We have to be able to protect ourselves in case another viper appears out of nowhere again,” Quentin said.

Cate nodded in agreement, “We need guidance, answers,” she added.

But Lyra shook her head, her features drawn with concern. “I understand your concerns, but seeking out Elysia could lead to more trouble than it’s worth,” she cautioned, her vice laced with unease.

Quentin frowned, his brow furrowing in frustration. “What do you mean?” he pressed.
Lyra hesitated, her gaze shifting between Quentin and Cate, a flicker of something passed flashed in her eyes before returning to their usually earnestness. “Elysia… is unpredictable,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “She’s lived for centuries, seen things that I can’t even begin to imagine. And sometimes… her methods can be… extreme.”

Cate’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze flickering between Quentin and Lyra as she processed her words. “You mean she’s dangerous?” she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Lyra nodded solemnly, her expression grave. “Elysia… she’s done things before. Things that might make you question her motives. You should be careful. Sometimes power… changes people.”

Quentin’s mind raced with conflicting emotions as he absorbed Lyra’s words. On one hand, he understood her concerns about Elysia’s unpredictable nature, and the potential dangers involved in seeking her guidance, even if he had not seen that side of Elysia. But on the other hand, they needed to be able to protect themselves.

Despite the warnings and concerns, Quentin couldn’t shake the feeling that seeking out Elysia might be their best option for training. He leaned forward, his gaze meeting Lyra’s with a determined look. “I hear what you’re saying, Lyra, and I understand the risks. But we can’t ignore the fact that we need to learn to defend ourselves,” he said firmly.

“Quentin’s right. We may not fully understand the dangers involved but we can’t sit back and do nothing,” Cate added.

Lyra’s expression softened, her eyes betraying a hint of concern. “I understand your reasoning, but I just want to make sure you’re know what you’re getting yourselves into,” she said.

Quentin gaze softened as he looked at Lyra recognizing the weight of her apprehension. He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “We appreciate your concern, Lyra. We don’t make this decision lightly, but we truly believe that seeking out Elysia is our best chance at learning to defend ourselves,” he said, his voice steady.

Lyra sighed, her gaze flickering between Quentin and Cate before nodding in reluctant acceptance. “Very well,” she conceded, her one resigned. “Just promise me that you’ll be careful.”

Quentin nodded solemnly. “We won’t take any unnecessary risks,” he assured her.
Cate flashed a reassuring smile. “And if things start to get too dangerous, we will turn back.”

Lyra sighed, her initial resistance melting away. “Fine,” she conceded, her tone softening. “Just… be careful, okay?”

Quentin grinned. “Careful is Cate’s middle name,” he teased.

Cate rolled her eyes. “Very funny,” she retorted.

Lyra managed a small smile. “Just promise me you’ll watch each other’s backs,” she said.

“We will,” Quentin affirmed, exchanging a knowing look with Cate. “We’re in this together.”

___

“Where do you think we’ll find her?” Cate whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as they passed by the towering columns and intricately carved archways.

Quentin glanced around. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, scanning the grand halls for any sign of movement. “But we have to keep looking.”

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the castle, they encountered other residents of Seidonis. Quentin and Cate stopped to inquire about Elysia’s whereabouts, their questions met with nods and cryptic gestures towards the far end of the corridor. “She’s usually in the library,” one of the servants offered, his voice a mere whisper in the vast expanse of the castle.

Quentin and Cate continued through the corridor.

Finally, they reached the entrance to the library, the heavy doors creaking open to reveal a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient tomes and artifacts. At the far end of the room, seated at a grand desk, sat Elysia, her golden hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of moonlight.

“Elysia,” Quentin called out, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Elysia looked up from her work, her eyes alight with curiosity. “Quentin, Cate,” she greeted them, her voice a melodic echo in the quiet room. “What brings you here?”

“We need your help,” Cate spoke, her voice steady. “We want to learn how to defend ourselves.”

Elysia regarded them with a knowing gaze, her expression unreadable. Her eyes reflected the flickering light as she considered their request. There was a moment of silence, during which the weight of their please seemed to hang in the air like a palpable force.

Finally, Elysia spoke, her voice a melodic resonance that filled the chamber with its commanding presence. “I understand your desire to learn,” she began, her tone carrying a hint of solemnity. “And I am willing to offer my guidance.”

Quentin and Cate exchanged a glance, relief flooding through them at Elysia’s words. They had expected resistance, perhaps even hesitation, but Elysia’s willingness to help filled them with a newfound sense of hope.

“Thank you,” Quentin said, his voice filled with gratitude. “We appreciate your generosity.”

Elysia nodded. “Learning to defend yourselves is a noble pursuit,” she said. “But it will not be easy. Are you prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead?”

“We are,” Cate affirmed.

“Very well,” Elysia said, her gaze lingering on them with a mixture of pride and caution. “We shall begin tomorrow morning.”

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