The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

It is not that kind of sickness...

*The mermaid smiles and whispers*

I am with child...

*She sighs and opens a box of combs*

Let me comb your hair a bit and let the worries leave you. It is very soothing.

*The mermaid looks sad but smiles*

Perhaps your parents are still alive? My scribe is taking the name of every child that is here and will read it out at the village. Those whose parents are alive and well will have their children returned, and those who are orphaned will be found new loving homes.

*She strokes the girl's hair*

Do not let the hope die in your heart, for once the last ember has faded I do not think it can be restored. You will end up like me, a crushed soul in a living body.

*The mermaid sighs and combs the girl's hair*

I let my hope die. I was in love once with the most handsome knight you ever saw. He was kind and honourable and loved me as intensely as I loved him. Whenever I was scared and losing hope, he would take me in his arms and promised me that all would be well. He even won a duel so he could marry me... but the fates separated us and I began to lose hope that he would come for me. When my father made me marry Lord Thranmere...

*She glances down at her large ruby wedding ring. The mermaid does not notice Kalvos opening the door and watching as she combs the young girl's hair.*

It felt like I was dying in my immortal body... almost all hope was gone except the tiniest glimmer. Then I heard that my knight was dead and my soul broke into a thousand pieces. Now I have no hope... no hope that love will win, no hope I can be forgiven for my bad decisions, no hope that he will still love me when he sees what I have become...

*She shakes her head*

Don't be like me... keep hoping.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

*The girl grows sleepy as Philomena combs her hair with a magic comb. As she sleeps soundly, the mermaid picks the child up and carries her into the bedroom.*

*Sousie puts down a tray of food next to Kalvos. The man starts and she smiles apologetically*

Sorry Master Venn, I didn't mean to wake you. The Princess thought you might need some food and a nice cup of tea.

* She pours out some tea.*

Do you take sugar? Milk? I am Sousie by the way, Princess Philomena's new maid.

*She looks a bit nervous*

Would you mind if I stayed in here for a bit... that Saygin Baal frightens me a little... the Princess is brave to be in the room alone with him.

Princess Philomena spoke fondly of you, she said she would come and take care of you once she was finished talking to Master Baal. Said you was injured... Master Jett wanted you to go to the hospital wing but she was having none of it.

*She sits down*

You must know her from before? Her and Master Jett? He says you are a nobleman but you kill people for money... He also says I ask too many questions.

*She blushes*

But Master Jett is very kind and patient with me. You need to eat your sandwiches... I can get you something else if you'd prefer. Let me pour you more tea, my ma used to say tea can mend everything except a broken heart. You look like you could do with some mending.

*Sousie looks thoughtful then whispers*

The serving wenches downstairs say the Princess has a broken heart, that there was some man she loved before she married and he died. I don't know if that is true but she used to sing everyday, the music would fill the castle ... beautiful songs they were but often a little sad. Then one day they just stopped.

*She looks wistful*

Shame, it was the only bit of beauty ever to reach that grimy kitchen.

A noble killer... that's what Master Jett said. Although he may be teasing. He wasn't in a right good mood when he left. Probably worried about the Princess.

*She looks the sandwiches*

You really must eat something. The Princess told me to make sure you ate... If you don't eat then I would have failed her. Please eat.

*The maid pours some more tea*

Not sure the Princess sees much of blood and war, Lord Thranmere protects her from all that. Never wanted her to know what happened to the old Master of Stormrock, told us that any servant who spoke his name again would have their tongue ripped out.

*She looks thoughtful*

I've never seen an ocean, not even seen a lake before. There's a small pond in the gardens but I guess that ain't the same. Wonder why she would stay here rather than return to the sea?

*The girl gives him a gentle pat on the hand*

You're looking for love? There's lots of pretty serving girls in Stormrock, I am sure you will find a girlfriend! They don't really like the Kanaran men, they are a bit uncouth but a fine gentleman like yourself will be in great demand. You might even find a girl who can read, like Lizzie Bede the old librarian''s granddaughter. They keep themselves to themselves the librarian staff, but I am sure you can go and pretend to borrow a book like. Full of books that place is, Old Man Bede knows every one!

Oh you poor man... you look so sad. Perhaps when you are recovered from your wounds, things will seem a bit better.

*The maid looks at him concerned*

Maybe books and poetry won't mend ya heart, but I sure the love of a good woman would... or man if that's ya thing. I've heard in said that love conquers all. I can play matchmaker if you want? It will be fun.

*She bites her lip anxiously*

Don't be telling the Princess about Lord Rackham now, it will make her sad. She has sadness enough what with being away from them peaceful oceans and missing her Pa and stuff. Best you keep it secret, although if Master Jett knows then he might tell her. He's loyal to her, fierce loyal but he won't stop to spare her feelings.

*The girl sighs*

There is room for goodness in this castle, the Princess shows us that. Things were horrible when the old Master fell, we saw him skewered on his on sword... but when she came and married Lord Thranmere, life got better. Life got better for lots of people in and out the castle.

*She glances at the door*

Hope she's all right with that creepy old man. Turns ya skin cold he does.