Folktale

The Songs

• 
  These might merely be the mermaid's thoughts rambling in her head, or they could be scribbles in the sand--
  whatever they are, they are not in any language familiar to human tongues.

• Scribbles in the Sand

  • [size=2]Wet[/size]

    There was another fight in the pen. I don't remember if I started it.
    
    My back is on fire. It is raw--it feels like the time I got caught by the sharp coral near my cove. I had twenty lashings as my punishment.
    
    I counted.
    
    I did not attack anyone today for fear of getting more, but I did yell. I almost made a friend, but I yelled at her too. She called herself a keeren and smelled like dirt and flowers.
    
    The orange giant returned--I tormented him, teased him, tried to break his will...
    
    ...and in so doing, I forgot what my goal even was. What do I want with him? He is as lonely as I am. Maybe I just want the company. He does not trust me, though. He is right not to trust me. But I want him to trust me...
    
    It has been five days.

  • [size=2]Giants and Horses[/size]

    I think it has been four days...
    
    I attacked the loud slave today. I could not help it--the urge to kill her was too strong, and I have been hungry since they've refused to feed me the food my body craves.
    
    If I am to be a slave, will I be kept alive, or am I just here until my body gives out and I die, dried up and withered, nothing more than a husk?
    
    I was pulled off by a giant. He punished me--he punished both of us.
    
    In him, I see something that I might exploit.

  • [size=2]An Odd Meeting[/size]

    I was taken from the cages. My heart soared. I thought they were freeing me--
    
    they weren't.
    
    It was just a woman who looked like a cat, her coat made of smoke and ash, who wanted my company. I got to sit on her lap and she freed my arms for a time. Her fur was so soft. She did not mind me touching it, but we ended the night by yelling at each other. She was lucky she is a woman--I do not eat women.
    
    Usually.

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