"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God devided the light from the darkness. - - - - And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. - - - - And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. - - - - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."  - Excerpt of the BIBLE ~ Genesis 1:1-27

God mentions creation of all creatures within His text, making note of everything throughout, letting you know of his love for all species. And when it comes to the creation of man, it is shown to be the most revered of all his endeavors. Why of all his creations, from cattle to fowl, from fowl to fish, did God not reveal his first venture? Why would God forget his one creation that shows constant, without choice, and without distortion, complete, and utterly infallible love for Him? Maybe it's because the one creature hated by all made a choice that would ruin it for every angel throughout their exsistence. It was because of Lucifer that Manakel's life, to him, was completely destroyed, and seemingly forgotten. Maybe this is why the mention of his name brings no recollection to your mind. Besides, to be cast out of heaven would be to be cast out of exsistence entirely. Or so you would think.

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"Father, I understand your pride, and I understand your dignity, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WON'T DO ANYTHING TO PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE!!!" It was with these words that Aarysine finally gave into the traitor tears forming behind her eyes and began to weep fiercely. She clenched and unclenched her fists, hoping that her wracking form would still itself before she spoke her thoughts again, and angered her father to the point of expulsion from his paradise.

He sat atop his throne, unmoving, staring upon her as if he himself were God. Just this sight alone struck waves of outrage to cause continuance of the wracking of her form. Whilst her black hair swam disheveled in the water, her father's gray hair fell around him, perfect and neat, complimenting his disdain for others and love of himself. His eyes were menacing and showed no compassion towards his daughter's cause. He himself was letting loose his anger towards her by wrapping his green fin around the base of his throne, letting it clench and unclench, allowing his muscles to strain to the point of exhaustion.

Eragon, king of the merrow, stared down at Aarysine, the daughter he regretted above all his exertions. Despite his disdain, he continued to humor her, knowing that if she did not vent her thoughts now, he would surely hear of them later. "My jewel Aarysine," he began, "Make mention of my ego with any hint of contempt again, and I will have to assume you an ungrateful daughter and make a note to disown you as soon as possible. As for your 'suggestion', the witches of the south waters prey on the weak. They would like nothing else but for me to show weakness and beg for a bargain against their threat of war. So you see, this is why I am king. I show wisdom and common sense in situations of peril, where YOU show compassion, emotion, and ill-thinking. My darling daughter, THAT can ONLY be seen as weakness."

Aarysine scowled, jerking her purple fin forward, hinting an attack on her father. She would have liked nothing more than to beat him senseless, but for the sake of her people, she had to remain patient. "My lord," she continued, with great disdain, "I know of your plan to send our men to attack them at their gates." She paused, glancing her violet eyes around, searching for words that would only make King Eragon feel even more superior. "But I plead that you hear my warning. They are not called the witches of the south for nothing. When they attack back, they will attack with spells not of our understanding. Know sire that there are worse things than death. And believe me, these witches will know of them and will put them to good use. Please, please do not send our men to their mental ends, and ultimate death."

Whilst she waited for her father's response, mouth slightly open, eyes pleading for mercy, Eragon refused to accept Aarysine's reasoning and instead looked over his daughter and only questioned, why was such beauty wasted on such a tempermental and simple being? Her body fit, and her mouth full and tempting, he wished only that she was born another man's child and not his. But in the end, Eragon was a tyrant, not a rapist of his own children.

He sat back in his throne, flexing his arms in an attempt to relax. Despite his age, he still kept his muscular form, knowing that to be perfect it not only had to show in his actions, but also in his appearence. And past all of Eragon's disdain, and ego, you'll find that all he wishes for is perfection. "Child, no matter your threats, no matter what you believe in your pretty little head, my plan and word is final. I am beginning to believe that you regret being my daugther and princess of your kind. Now remove yourself from my sight, or you can label this as your last day in Cartona."

At that point Aarsyine was clenching her fingernails so hard against her palms, they were cutting slices into her delicate skin. She turned aggresively towards the opening out, and passed the gaurds with such anger-filled tension they flinched in reaction. She swam haphazardly through the corridors leading towards her room with walls built high with colored coral. As soon as she passed the doorway, she slammed the stone door shut with the tip of her fin, and continued her swim until she reached her bed and curled herself in it, making it a point to remain there until the tears ceased.

Cassiel, Aarysine's childhood friend, caught the door just before it was able to shut completely and entered the princess's room. Having been named by King Eragon himself as Aarysine's personal servant and moral companion, Cassiel knew this was the time her duties were to be fulfilled. She swam towards her friend, sitting beside her on the bed, and started to caress her shaking shoulders with sincere sympathy.  

"I knew you would come Cassiel. I'm so sorry that you have to listen to me whine EVERY time I get emotional. I try not to, really, for your sake, I try to hold it in. But this time, it was just too much." Aarysine broke out into another series of angry scowls and fearful tears for what would become of her people this time around. Cassiel, already knowing of the argument that had fumed only moments ago, kept her advice for the heartbroken merrow in until she was sure Aarysine was ready to hear it.

"With that whirl of water you made eariler in your break to your room," Cassiel started, attempting to cheer the sulking mermaid up, "I thought to myself, who else COULD it be?" Aarysine finally looked up and smiled, knowing that Cassiel's attempts to make her happy should not go without a good results.

"I can't figure out what he doesn't get." With that remark, the innocent moment passed, and Cassiel gave up on her comforting touch, removed her hand from Aarysine's back, and reached for the stone tablet set just behind her. "He knows about everything, Cassiel, EVERYTHING!!! I don't know how to get through to him that people are going to die in his name. Doesn't that affect him at all? God, why can't he care about his people more than himself for once?" Aarysine clutched her face in her hands and started to rock back and forth, unable to control her unhappiness.

Cassiel knew that if any time was going to be the right time, it was that moment. "Well, there is ONE thing left to try." Aarsyine paused everything she was doing, even breathing. She looked towards her lifelong freind, trusting her, and with hope-filled eyes questioned, "What else can I do? What have you found?"

Cassiel breathed deeply, hoping that Aarysine would not kill her as soon as she heard her thoughts, and placed the stone tablet in plain view on the bedspread before her. "You can ask," she paused, praying in her mind that she would not regret what she was about to suggest, "The Demon of the Sea for help against the witches." Cassiel frowned in fear for seeing the frightened look flash across Aarysine's face. She immeadiatly countered Cassiel's suggestion. "NONE of our people sent to him has ever come back. I mean, wouldn't you expect the same to happen to me?" Cassiel smiled, and rested her hand on her friend's left shoulder.

"We've only sent four people out there. Two of them didn't come back, and two of them did. All we know is that he'll want something in return. It won't be that bad Aarysine, you have to trust yourself."

Aarysine looked around dazed, still not accepting that speaking to the Demon was even a possibilty. "But WHAT will he want from me? What do I have to offer to a demon? I don't know Cassiel. If I DID go, would you come with me?" Cassiel frowned, and made herself reveal the bad news to her already confused friend. "I thought about that, and I spent all day observing and trying to figure out if it would work. I came to the conclusion that, where you wouldn't be missed, I would. I can't leave, your father will find out, and realize that BOTH you and I being gone is not a good thing. If you are to do this, your going to have to do it alone, Aarysine. It's the only way."

After that remark, Aarysine gathered her mind, her emotions, herself entirely and realized that the truth was exactly what Cassiel was saying. She would have to do it, and no matter what the cost, she would have to pay it. It was the only way to save her people from destruction. Finally realizing that the tablet infront of her was a map to the Demon's lair, Aarysine picked it up, swam around her room, grabbed what things she could, and paused at the doorway, knowing that Cassiel was still trying to interpret her actions. "If I'm going to do this alone, I have to leave now, before I regain my senses and realize how dangerous this is. Tell no one that I am gone. If they do ask, you saw me leave my room and swim out into the city, but you don't think I've left Cartona. If we survive the witches, and I still have not returned, tell no one of what I've done. I don't want them to regret their victory and survival because they had to sacrifice their princess to get it. Keep it to yourself. Just please Cassiel, please remember me." And with that, Aarysine left Cartona, making her way towards a fate that would change her world forever.

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With each marker she passed on her way to the Demon's lair, Aarysine realized that the aura of the water seemed to get darker and darker, as if light were now choosing not to exsist within her view. Despite all these negative thoughts, she continued swimming, forcing her mind to think only of the task at hand, the salvation of her people. But why did in it have to lie in the hands of a demon?

So many questions, hopefully, Aarysine thought, they'll all be answered in time. The one question still echoing across the spaces in her mind, however, she hoped she would never have to know the answer to. "What could she, Aarysine, possibly have to offer a demon?"

Everything seemed to pause however, all bad thoughts, unsure thoughts forgotten. She had reached Raiko, the end of HER world as she knew it, and home to the lair of the Demon of the Sea. Just like her father's palace, the demon's fortress was made of spiraling hallways, all leading to different rooms that seemingly appeard unoccupied. All of the winding staircases circled around one perfectly centered area that held within it a singular granduer building.  

But unlike her father's palace, the walls were not colored and vibrant and happy, instead of coral it was just stone. Gray, angry, perhaps depressing, stone. In some places even a shining black, furthering Aarysine's fear in this mission.

She tried to remain calm however, if not for herself, but for her people. What would happen to them if she failed? She did not care to find out.

With what assurace she had left in herself, Aarysine ventured forward into the dark abyss, hoping to find atleast one happy face, but hopefully not that of the demon's.

Her purple fin trailed behind her, despite its rythmic movements, causing her swim forward, there was still a twitch to be seen, signifying her inner fear. Still not having seen any creature of ANY kind yet, she entered the "palace", already knowing exactly what to expect. Because of the lay of the land, it was obvious to say who would be placed in this lone area. The one thing that is set alone from everything else in the world. A creature not of earth or water, not fitting into any particular area or time.

Despite herself, Aarysine became slightly anxious now to meet the demon, just so that she could know what a creature that strikes fear into the hearts of millions, and seems to be a permanent loner for the rest of his life, would look like.

Aarysine had not noticed she had entered the great hall of the palace until someone, or something, tapped her on the shoulder, and slightly tugged at her fin. Fearing it to be the demon, Aarysine jerked instantly, and turned, already shrinking back by pure instinct.

To her surprise, it was only a merrow, like herself, only he wasn't like herself. Instead of happy colors, he wore the same shades that outlined the anguish throughout Raiko. His fin completely black, garments colored in reds and grays, the only change of color was that of his hair and eyes, and they both were a dull brown.

A look of shock fell over his own face and the dark merrow instantly fell to the sea floor, as if kneeling in response to Aarysine's fear.

"YOUR MAJESTY!!! I did not realize it was you. Please, forgive me."

It took Aarysine only a moment to interpret his actions. "You are of my father's kingdom? The kingdom of Eragon?" She swirved down, grabbing his arms, helping him to swim up into an upright position facing her.

He sighed, obviously relieved that Aarysine allowed him to look at her throughout the conversation, not spend it kissing the floor. He straightened his back, placed his muscular arms at his sides, and would have saluted Aarysine if she had given him the chance.

"Yes Ma'am. I am Abraham Villa of Cartona, son of Dominic Villa. I came to Raiko a few years back seeking help from the Demon, and have remained here ever since."

Despite her relief to see a familiar face, or species for that matter, one thing was still bothering Aarysine. "I would have pictured you somewhat different than this Mr. Villa."

"It is only Abe for you ma'am, and what do you mean?" He frowned in response to her challenge, sincerely unsure of what exactly the princess was hinting towards. "Well, Abe, " she started, making sure to use the name he requested, "I would have pictured an optimistic merrow captured in a demon's grasp for over a decade to be a little bit more... disappointed than what you're showing. What happened to you anyways? Did you always have a black fin? I've never seen our people in such a color."

Abe looked down at his flipper, seemingly smiling at how naive his princess was being. "Ma'am, it is the work of the demon. And don't worry, I understand your surprise. But believe me, it's not all that bad. I serve here in this place and know in my heart and mind that my family is out there safe somewhere. I wouldn't change it for anything, despite the choice of colors."

He smiled at Aarysine warm-heartedly, and in that instant Aarysine knew that nothing had changed Abe, this was how he probably was before, cheerful, and kind to all, and this was how he would remain throughout the rest of his exsistence. And even though these were all good thoughts that Aarysine was having, a luxury she had not been offered in the last few hours, she still couldn't understand how working for a demon would not have rubbed off AT ALL on Abe's personality and good will.

At this point he finally frowned, staring pointedly at Aarysine and then down the hall, and then at Aarysine again. She could take a hint, it was time to finish out the mission she came to fulfill.

She turned to where Abe's eyes hinted and found herself staring down a vast corridor leading into what would at first glance seem like pure darkness, but when further looked on, can be made out a single solitary throne. Aarysine glanced back at Abe as he gave her a reassuring nudge, hinting that he would be behind her all the way. She knew of course that it wasn't just for support, it was probably his job to do so, nonetheless, it helped with her confidence.

She swam slowly but steadily, trying desperately to seem as sure of herself as possible. She didn't know what to expect at the end of the corridor, everything she had already seen and THOUGHT she knew about the place was already confusing her. Before she knew it, she found herself placed just infront of the black cloaked throne.

Despite her sheer need to look upon this unknown creature of myth and legend, Aarysine restrained herself, in fear that it would not seem respectful in this demon's eyes. Whilst all these thoughts plummeted through empty space in her mind, filling a void where she wished only good thoughts would lurk, the demon spoke, and Aarysine caught her first hint of what this creature really was.

"What business does a ' merrow princess' have in my home?"

He had thrown this question out randomly, not speaking to anyone in particular, and though Aarysine knew that she was the only one equipped to answer, she couldn't help but hesitate. A demon's voice shouldn't sound this soothing, it shouldn't be so soft and vulnerable. She had expected something grotesque, scary, ancient even. But instead she recieved another puzzlement to add to the many others surrounding this place.

Finally Aarysine managed to regain her composure, or atleast, regain what composure she had BEFORE her lengthy hesitation. She had noticed Abe from the corner of her eye, biting his lip nervously, obviously afraid and not sure of what to expect from Aarysine. Finally understanding what was expected of her, she bent her head down, kneeled her body and fin into a bowing position on the sea floor, and answered the demon's question.

"I've come to ask for your assistance, my lord. The witches of the south seas have declared war on our people. I was hoping you could..."

"Align with the merrows and save your people and even the witches' from a total massacre and endless bloodshed. Right?"

Aarysine was startled by his abrupt interruption. She had already realized that it would only make sense that the demon knew of her wish, but she thought it was only proper that she stated it herself and let him know that she wasn't afraid of her venture here. Or mostly of him.

Despite it all, she continued to look towards the ground, knowing that if the demon was at all grotesque looking, all disguise of her not having any fear would shed away and she wouldn't be able to control herself. Sensing that Abe and the demon were waiting, impatiently, for her response, she gathered her senses and tried to greet the demon correctly, again.

"Yes my lord, you are correct. I came here sire, in hope that you would show mercy to OUR cause."

Although there was no way she could know for sure, Aarysine sensed that the demon was now smirking down on her. "So now he's an arrogant being?" She thought, "Will his arrogance get in the way of his judgement?" Her fear and anticipation rising, the demon finally answered her plea.

"Yes, I know of your struggle. A representation of the witches came to me earlier today, requesting my alliance in your war, for their souls. Can you offer more?"

Aarysine heard a snap, as if two fingers had been rubbed together to create a noise, and watched Abe from the corner of her eye swim forward in response.

"Fetch the book, will you Abe?"

She watched as Abe nodded his head in agreement, took one last look at Aarysine as if to say, "I'm sorry", and swam into the direction of a corner doorway, obviously leading to this "book".

At first Aarysine didn't know why Abe was sharing his condolences whilst leaving, but now it was becoming clear as her endurance of the demon's presence ALONE began. She continued to look down, knowing that the last thing she wanted was to face the sight of the demon ALONE. She felt his stares upon her back, knowing that he had no reason to fear HER, why should it make a difference how many glances he took for himself.

She heard a scoff from the direction of the throne, and shook slightly, not wanting the demon to be displeased in the least.

"Don't worry little 'princess', the book is only ONE room away."

Despite the fact that Aarysine would usually take this as a comforting thought, having heard it from the demon in a sarcastic manner, only made her anticipation worse. She knew he was getting agitated by her fear, which only made her more afraid.

She watched from the corner of her eye as the cloth covering the throne twitched slightly, obviously signaling that the demon was moving. "Was he becoming just as uncomfortable as she? But why should he be? It's not like I'm going to lash out at him any second." These thoughts were interrupted, as what one would think would be the answer to the demon's agitation, was answered with his next order.

"And for God's sake, straighten up and actually look at me, won't you? Jesus, you act as if just the sight of me will taint your soul with evil. Don't worry merrow royalty, ACTUALLY conversing with a demon will not make you a sinner."

Aarysine knew at this point that all she could do in her hopes to please the demon WAS to finally look at him, this being the LAST thing she wanted to do whilst being here in Raiko. "Would he be horrifying as legend permits? Or would he be nothing, just empty air?"

Still debating on whether to look up or not, she could hear the demon's breathing quicken. Aarysine could sense his anger rising, and finally made an agreement with herself. "I'll look for a moment. If it's ok, I'll continue to watch, if it's terrifying, I WILL NOT RUN, but will only look away once again. Surely the demon can appreciate that."

She raised her head slowly, not wanting the moment to be any faster than it had to be. She knew this only angered the creature even more and wished that she could make herself speed up, but despite everything, she continued at the same speed until her head was fully raised and she opened her eyes, catching the first glimpse of this "demon".

"This can't be him." Was the first thought Aarysine had before a thousand OTHER thoughts began to roll in.

He was beautiful. In fact, the most beautiful creature she had EVER seen, in this world and above. His hair was black, falling in lengthy peices around his face, overshadowing it to create a sort of darkness. His eyes were almond shaped, also shadowed over, resting in darkness under his shading eyebrows. His mouth WAS menacing, but kept a thin elegance that hinted to superiority. He rested his chin on his left hand, not looking at Aarysine as of yet. She used this time to continue her overview of him.

He was obviously muscular, but not the same term "muscular" as you would describe a male merrow. He was a thin muscular, being masculine and dominating, but keeping a slender, romantic, seducing side that added a lot to his angelic appearance.

Despite being underwater, he sported long, baggy, black pants to shape his also long legs, a gray shirt that fit around his formed stomach and chest loosely, no shoes, as those that live underwater are accustomed to, and a long black trenchcoat that went just past his ankles.

HE WAS, in one word, beautiful. Aarysine stood, slightly stunned, not waiting on anything particular other than movement of her mouth, arms, and fin. She quickly snapped out of the haze as the demon finally took the time to get HIS first glance of Aarysine in full, upright form.

She watched as his mouth fell partly open, and his eyes widened in surprise. He lowered his left hand to his lap and sat slightly upright, tilting his head in either thought or disbelief. They stood there until Abe finally approached, staring at eachother in that same expression, Aarysine only being able to focus on the glint of the demon's shining black eyes.

As soon as Aarysine caught sight of Abe swimming up to the demon's right side, she immeadiatly looked down, not kneeling as before, feeling that that was no longer nescessary. She did not know what the demon was thinking, or if he was STILL watching her, she just listened, hoping she would know when to answer and what to do in response.

"Here is the book sir, along with the quill. I just thought you'd want it too." Abe's voice was easily seperated from being the demon's, Abe's being calm and sweet, the demon's being depressive and moody. She listened to the hesitation, only wondering what was happening before her and wishing she had the guts to look up again.

"Sir? Are you alright?"

Obviously it hadn't been Abe that had paused, but the demon who had failed to answer his query. The conversation continued however as the "creature" seemingly snapped out of his "trance" and responded to Abe's retreival.

"Thank you Abe. And yes, the quill will surely be needed."

Aarsyine glanced upward just the tiniest bit, enough to see Abe bow and swim slightly backwards just behind the right of the demon's throne.

"Princess..."

Aarysine knew it was time to look up, but a soon as she did she directed her gaze towards the book ONLY that was now open and seated on the demon's left knee. He was obviously looking at her and not at the book, but she chose not to return his gaze, knowing that it would only heighten the already growing awkwardness of their conversation. He seemed to not suffer from it at all, obviously having recooperated from his "surprise" earlier.

The book was held open to what seemed to be a contract with signatures at the bottom seemingly written in blood. Aarysine practiced staring at nothing as the demon offered up his explanation.

"Signed in blood by the witches of the south, this, as you may have already guessed, is their contract. I have only to sign it and it will be complete. Tell me Aarysine, what do you have to offer that will be worth more to ME than this?"

He knew her name? Once again, another surprise to top off all the others discovered here in the forbidden land. Though if it had been any other creature, one that was, specifically less contradicting than the demon, Aarysine would have looked the other party full in the face with shock that they had known her name BEFORE she had chosen to reveal it. But she was a princess after all, Aarysine was sure thousands of creatures other than merrows knew her name, despite the fact that she did not know theirs.  

Aarysine searched her mind for anything she had worth more than even ONE witch's soul and found nothing. So she did the only thing she could think of, and in the end, the only thing she could do period.

"I know not what you wish from me, dear lord. Please, tell me what I can give, and I will most surely give it for my people."

She chose this moment to bow her body to the floor once again, not wanting to see the reactions of either the demon or Abe. She had come this far, it was fair to say that the ultimate sacrifice on her part BEING sacrificed, wasn't such a surprising thing.

She waited desperately for the demon's next words, all the while reassuring herself that it would not be THAT bad.

"Alright, I will make a suggestion." He paused as if gathering his thoughts, but only for a moment.

"Give your life to me, not your soul, but your freedom." He paused once again, searching for the correct wording.

"Stay here with me as long as I deem nescessary. Don't worry, you will be freed sooner or later. Whether it be days, months, years, or even decades. Stay here in Raiko with the knowledge that you must do all I ask of you, when I ask of you, and I will ally myself with your father and save your people from mass destruction. All you need to do, is sign in blood."

Despite all things awkward, strange, and even terrifying of the meeting with the demon, Aarysine could not control her emotion and shock and reacted to the demon's request as she would if Eragon himself had asked the same of her. She looked up into the demon's face, standing upright all the while. Tears welling in her eyes with fear of his request, only her mouth was etched in disdain instead of the same fear, contradicting her feelings.

"You're saying, for my people's lives, I must sign away mine? What if you ask me to kill someone? It isn't fair. There must be boundaries." Before the demon even answered, the look on Abe's face was answer enough. There would be no changing the demon's mind, he had set forth his offer, and it was as forthcoming as he was going to get.

"I have said all I will say. Abe, kindly bring the quill and book to Aarysine so that she may further review her contract please." She knew that the demon's tone was sarcastic, which only caused even more anger to flare within her. How could he think he could do this to her? Take her life into HIS hands and use her for his own misdeeds? Without even having noticed, Abe was now infront of her, holding the book open before her revealing a page designated for JUST her contract.

Aarysine glanced it over, knowing that it would only repeat what had JUST come from the demon's mouth. She was so afraid. She had no idea what would happen to her or her people if she signed this. But if she didn't, she knew for sure what would happen to them all. With this thought in mind, Aarysine made her decision that would ultimately change her life.

She glanced upwards, towards Abe, her face seeming to say, "I'm ready, what's next?" He nodded in reply, trying not to show any emotion towards her actions, handed her the book and offered up his hand, obviously telling Aarysine to place hers in his.

She did as hinted, and before she even knew what was happening, Abe was sticking the quill into her right index finger causing blood to spurt and cloud the water surrounding her hand. She winced, and watched as Abe grimaced, probably disappointed with himself that he had hurt his princess. She smiled reassuringly at him, knowing that he was only doing what was required of him.

Aarysine glanced down at the book, pressed her finger into the bottom of the page and watched as her signature formed from the smudge of blood. She wasn't really surprised, knowing that Raiko was a place known for its mysterious magic throughout.

She held in her angry tears and watched the demon stand, seemingly readying himself for his triumphant exit. He turned his head, obviously beginning to address Abe, but instead he looked towards Aarysine from the corner of his eye. For only a moment she thought she saw a hint of sympathy, but it was only for a moment.

"Abe," the demon began, "Take Aarysine to her room, will you? And be sure to answer all lingering questions she may have. I have not the time or the patience."

"Yes sir, will do." With that the demon began his walk out, lowering his head with every step,  and beginning to slouch his shoulders in vulnerabilty.

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"What can I do Abe?" Aarysine now sat upon her new bed, thinking every bad thought possible at once. It had been maybe an hour since her meeting with the demon, and now Aarysine spent her time wondering what lay before her, and hoping Abe would provide the answers.

"Dear princess," Abe was now seated at her side, trying his hardest to act as her moral companion, "You must not think so negatively. You'll see, it will all turn out alright in the end."

At this point, Aarysine was looking at him in disbelief. How could he ask her to think positive when she had just signed her freedom and possibly morality away to a demon?

"How do you expect me to accept this? I'm not as strong as you are, obviously. Or as strong as this "demon" I'll wager, that arrogant prick."

Abe now coughed slightly, hinting towards a thought her words had provoked in his mind. "Well, ma'am, he's not really a demon, and he DOES have a name."

Aarysine turned her head slowly towards him, ignoring the fact that he flinched back, obviously afraid that she would lash out at him once again. "He's not a demon?" She asked slowly, not exacty comprehending Abe's statement. It wasn't so much because of wording, but because Aarysine was slightly in denial about it.

"Then what could he possibly be? He IS known as the DEMON of the Sea... this is all just too much."

Aarysine turned and put her forehead in her hands, trying to ease the frustration and angst building inside her. But before Abe could answer her slightly rhetorical question, she turned towards him again, finally understanding the last part of his statement.

"What is his name Abe? As long as I have been alive, I have ALWAYS known of the Demon of the Sea, but have only known of him by THAT name. What else is there to call him?"

Abe smiled, glad that this question was one he knew for sure he could answer and not possibly regret it.

"It is Manakel, ma'am. And I can assure you, he will request you to use it over anything else you may call him."

Aarysine scoffed, "What? He expects me to call him demon to his face? Oh yes, I admit, I would be offended by that name too."

Abe frowned, Aarysine continued to smile however, not understanding that Abe was feeling quite insulted by her treatment towards his lord.

"No ma'am. I mean, of course he doesn't want you to call him demon, but he would rather you use his true name, Manakel, in place of other terms. Such as lord, sire, sir, master, anything else that comes to mind that makes one feel superior."

Aarysine was a bit surprised, but she let it pass, knowing that this would be a small shock compared to the many others she was sure to encounter in Raiko. She knew that soon Abe would have to leave and go back to his original duties, so she thought feircely, seeking for any more urgent questions that HE could possibly answer.

Only one stood out amongst the rest, and she was greatly surprised with herself for not asking it before. Nonetheless, she looked Abe full in the face, and made her query with more sincerity than she had EVER been able to muster.

"Tell me, what can I, the princess of the 'lowly' merrows, possibly do for this 'Manakel'. What does he need me for, that he can't have someone else do for him?"

Abe looked down at this point, Aarysine watched as his flipper flicked back and forth sending whirls of water in every direction. He began to wring his webbed hands and look around nervously. "Why is he acting so jumpy?" Aarysine questioned herself.  

"What is it Abe? What am I here for?"

As he continued in the same paranoid process, wringing and then re-wringing his hands over and over again, Aarysine finally had enough.

"Abe, as your princess, I command you to tell me, what am I to do for Manakel?"

Abe finally sighed in defeat, knowing there was no holding out and this was the last straw for Aarysine's patience. Nonetheless, he took his time, trying to find the most delicate of wordings.

"Well, ma'am," he began, "As you know, being a 'demon' and all, Manakel DOES get quite lonely. Just the other day he was talking about finding someone..."

He couldn't finish his sentence, instead of impatience to know the truth, Aarysine now looked as if she would like nothing more than to NOT know it. She interuppted Abe's explanation, her face formed in PURE disgust.

"I AM TO BE HIS SEX-SLAVE?! How DARE he think of me in that way. I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!! You go to him right now and..."

But to Aarysine's surprise, Abe had now grabbed her shoulders, trying to lower the levels of her tantrum, obviously having something to follow up his other sentence.

"NO PRINCESS!!! You've got it wrong, you are to be his moral companion. You are not here for passion, but for morality."

Her face now set with a questioning look, Aarysine allowed Abe to help her back to her seat once again on the bed, and further explain her purpose.

"You see, your highness, though he does not want to admit it, Manakel is feeling very alone, and needs someone more than ever. I've tried to help him, but I suppose a feminine touch is more affective than another male's. He needs you here for compassion, understanding, and sympathy. If you just allow yourself to listen to him, you'll find that he is more lost than our people could ever be. Please help him, you will not regret it."

Abe frowned, and began to caress Aarysine's shoulders slowly, having seen the tears already beginning to well up from this new information. Could she hate a creature only wishing for HER guidance in return for her people's lives? How could she have thought arrogance of such, what appeared to be, a pathetic being?

With all the intertwining thoughts circling in her mind, Aarysine was able to let only ONE escape her lips. "Then WHAT is he, Abe? If not demon, then what?"

Abe was about to answer when he turned his head to the door, having heard a call obviously too high or low for Aarysine's hearing. He bowed his head, knowing that he did not have the time to go into great detail.

He raised himself from the bed, and swam to the door, readying himself to leave. At the last moment, he turned to Aarysine again, and left her with her only option of finding out anymore about this "demon".

"When Manakel comes tonight, and he will," Abe began, already inching out the door, "Ask HIM."

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