The queasiness in your gut had reached a high. What felt like sea-sickness was merely a consequence of a rough portal trip. It’d been quicker than the usual, as if there was some urgency needed, which of course there wasn’t. Melody was a spontaneous Fae though, so unlike Mae that there was no comparison.
The place was just a beautiful as you remembered, but this time the Water Nymph took the time to acknowledge the unpleasantness that came with being soaked to the bones from an unexpected drop into a vast pool of water. Mockingly, you mused what kind of mood she’d take to today. Unfortunately you found, with a bit of dismay, that there was no cheery laughter or bright, shining face to greet you. Instead, Melody floated below the surface of the water in what seemed like a catatonic state, her form resting against the crystals at the bottom. The gills at her neck and ribs breathed periodically, but there was no other sign of life. Her opalescent white hair was separated into floating streams of iridescent beauty, and by all appearances Melody was dead.
Faeries don’t just die. Scowling, you dipped into the water, finding that it was much deeper than the crystals let on. Your feet didn’t even touch the bottom! Luckily, she seemed to be on some sort of a dune, so carefully you swam over. Instead of going under, you began making rapid motions with your feet, stirring the chilly water and creating currents just above the Nymph. “She isn’t dead, just sleeping.” Your head snapped to the side where Iris was sitting, a royal blue color against the dark and rainbows. Apparently the Dragonet had a book in her claws - a book of spells! You were immediately uninterested in that, but you did find it odd that Iris was a late speaker.
“It would seem now that you’re the one watching her!” It was a casual comment as you hauled yourself back onto the islet with the portal. “Was there a particular reason why I was drug here so abruptly?” Quirking a brow, you watched the green eyes of the Dragon scan the pages for a moment before speaking. “Nuh-uh, but I figured I’d test something.” There was a certain mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Test what?” With a splash of water and a bit of ice, you were thrown backwards with much force, sprawling through the portal. You could hear a faint echo of words behind you, reverberating in your ears: “Oops.”
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