“I’d rather check you out and have it be a false alarm than let you continue your day not feeling well and potentially causing permanent damage,” he adds, an edge of concern in his trillingvoice. It’s clear that he takes his role as the head medic very seriously.
Zethe nods in agreement beside me, his concerned eyes never leaving me. He seems intent on memorizing every word, every instruction. “I will make sure nothing else happens to her,” he promises Eaen, his voice firm and resolute. Then, he turns to me, his gaze softening, “And I’ll make sure to page you right away if anything changes.”
The Head Medic seems satisfied with Zethe’s assurance. He nods, his brightly colored feathers rustling with the movement. “I hope you have a wonderful remainder of your stay, Rey,” he tells me, his tone genuine. “And it was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Thank you for your time,” I say gratefully. His advice and attention have already made me feel better.
“We’ll keep in touch,” Zethe adds as we turn to leave, his tentacles propelling us toward the door.
Eaen’s melodious farewell follows us out, but I hardly notice. All I can focus on is the feeling of Zethe’s tentacle wrapped protectively around me, his eyes on me with a level of care and attention I’ve never known.
I wonder what he has planned for us the rest of the day… and the rest of my trip.
Eight
Zethe
Relief floods through me as we leave Eaen’s office. Rey is on the mend, and there are no immediate concerns about her health. The Head Medic didn’t find anything wrong with her, and I couldn’t be more relieved.
Just saying her name in my mind brings a rush of warmth.
Guiding Rey gently, I lead her toward the beachfront. It’s a short walk to our destination—Sora’s Seaside Shack, my favorite dining spot on the resort. Nestled between the lively volleyball courts and the picturesque lagoon where Merfolk love to congregate, Sora’s is a hub of lively chatter, hearty laughter and irresistible smells.
The restaurant is an outdoor setup, tables under a canopy with the open sky above and a panoramic view of the beach. The cooking station is a raft anchored in the water between the breakwater walls, protected from the waves yet close enough for easy access by both aquatic and terrestrial clientele. It’s a unique experience, one that guests always love.
“I hope you’re hungry, Rey,” I say as we find a comfortable table sitting beside the lagoon. The tables are made from reclaimed driftwood, polished to a mirror sheen and decorated with vibrant coral and shells. “Sora is a dear friend of mine, and she’s always delighted when guests try out her dishes.”
Curiosity sparkles in Rey’s eyes as she surveys the place. “What does Sora serve?” she asks me, her eyes meeting mine.
A playful smirk tugs at my lips, as I lean in closer. “You’ll just have to wait and see,” I tease her, my tentacles drumming a playful rhythm on the tabletop.
Sora’s Seaside Shack is abuzz with customers. Aquatic monsters, predominantly, their scales and fins shimmering in the tropical sun. Some Birdmen, with their vibrant plumage, are scattered about as well, all of them deep into their meals, animatedly chatting and laughing with their companions.
The atmosphere is vibrant and full of life, as diverse as the creatures who have gathered here. I always marvel at the interplay between all the different kinds of species, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the resort’s community.
To the side at the cooking raft, Sora’s twin Kraken chefs are at work. They chop and dice with a fluidity and precision that’s almost mesmerizing to watch, their tentacles moving in perfect harmony. Fish, seaweed, vegetables, and other unfamiliar but tantalizing ingredients are skillfully prepared and transformed into mouth-watering fusion dishes.
Our attention is drawn away from the kitchen by the approach of a figure from the lagoon.
Sora herself glides over to our table, her majestic tail sweeping through the water with practiced ease. Her long, white hair is held back by a decorative hairpiece fashioned from a net and shells. It makes her aqua eyes stand out brilliantly, a contrast to her dark brown skin, which is adorned with sparklingwater droplets that make her jade and silver scales glisten in the sunlight.
“Welcome, friends!” Sora greets us warmly, a wide, friendly smile gracing her lips. She reaches out and grasps Rey’s hands, her tail flicking happily behind her. “What’s your name, dear?”
I know Sora is well aware of Rey’s name. The whole resort’s staff is. But this is Sora’s way of making Rey feel welcomed, special. It’s why I brought Rey here. Sora has a knack for making everyone feel at home.
“Rey,” Rey introduces herself, her eyes shining with interest as she takes in Sora.
“Rey,” Sora repeats, nodding approvingly. “I’m Sora. What brings you two here today?”
Rey’s eyes flit to me briefly before returning to Sora. “Zethe brought me here. We’re both hungry, and he suggested this place.”
I decide to add to that, smiling at Sora. “I wanted Rey to try something truly unique at our resort. I thought your fusion cuisine would be a perfect start.”
Sora’s eyes twinkle with delight as she asks Rey, “So, are you willing to try anything?”
Rey doesn’t hesitate. She nods her head confidently. “I believe in trying everything at least once before making a decision.”
Sora claps her hands together, her laughter ringing out like a chorus of holiday bells. “Perfect. I’m going to make you something special then!” She flips around and swims away with a wide grin, leaving a trail of bubbles in her wake.
