Oystercatcher Tide Pools bittersweet arrival

it took some time before she recognized his words. her life, up until she had left her birthplace behind, had been spoken almost all in her native tongue: greek. in the outside world, they spoke differently. it was a harsh sound, grating to her ears and like poison to her soul. she did not like it, but the nymph knew she must communicate in a way that others would understand. it was part of the nereides way.

seawater for ritual, she explained, no wash in it. the siren shifted herself up so that she was now on her haunches rather than being completely prone.