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He must have seen Merletta’s skepticism, because he gave a rueful laugh. “I explained it all to my parents, and they’re pretty understanding, really. My brothers probably won’t be there. They all have their own homes, or else live in their training barracks, and don’t usually come to my parents’ for rest days.”
Merletta hesitated, still unconvinced she’d be welcome, but very curious to see a family record.
“I won’t take no for an answer,” said Andre firmly, apparently reading her thoughts. He glanced at their companion. “We can all swim together as far as Sage’s house.”
Sage nodded, and the three of them rose into the water. They’d just left the dining hall when Emil swam up to them, something about his alert posture convincing Merletta that he’d been up for hours, rest day or not.
“Heading back to Skulssted?” he asked, the question directed to the group at large, but his eyes on Sage. “I thought I would have missed you.”
“We had a late breakfast,” Andre told the other merman cheerfully. “We’re heading to Sage’s house now.”
“All of you?” Emil asked, faint surprise in his eyes as his gaze flicked to Andre.
“Well, Merletta and I are just passing by,” Andre amended. “I’m going to take her to my house to show her the slab with our family history on it.”
Emil didn’t comment, but his surprise was even more palpable this time.
“Let me guess,” sighed Merletta. “It’s deeply offensive in some way I’m not aware of for me to look at another family’s record.”
“Of course not,” said Emil calmly. “I just didn’t realize you were so interested in Andre’s family.” They were swimming down the street now, and he glanced casually around them, continuing once he’d seen they were alone. “I thought the incident with Andre’s celebration was a misunderstanding.”
“It was.” Merletta scowled, irritated with him for bringing up the awkward topic.
“No need to get angry with me,” said Emil, raising his hands. “I just assumed you would want to avoid anything that might support the gossip.”
“Oh, relax, Emil,” said Andre, sounding put out himself. “No need to make a fanfare. I just offered to show her the record because she was interested in the concept. Anyone with nothing better to do than gossip can think what they like.”
Emil looked a little surprised by the outburst from Andre, who usually spoke to the junior record holder with respect bordering on reverence.
“I didn’t mean any offense,” he said carefully. “I was just thinking of the safety of you both.”
“Yes, you always are,” said Sage, her voice almost tart. “You know, my house really isn’t on the way to Andre’s from here. I’ll take off, let you guys get going, so Merletta can get to her friend in Tilssted sooner.”
And with nothing more than a quick wave, she propelled herself forward, moving across the drop off toward Skulssted with swift strokes.
Emil frowned after her. “I think maybe I’d better swim with Sage,” he said curtly.
“She did seem a little upset, didn’t she?” Merletta agreed, bemused.
“What?” Emil looked confused now. “I just meant it might not be safe for any of us to wander around alone when we still have no idea what Eloise is going to do with the information you gave her.”
Merletta resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Emil might be overcautious, but she certainly had no objection to him keeping a protective watch over Sage.
When Emil had left, flicking his powerful tail such that he caught up to Sage’s now distant figure in no time, Merletta and Andre swam out into the drop off at a more sedate pace.
For a few minutes they traveled in silence, then Andre’s voice cut into Merletta’s thoughts.
“Do you think he’s right to be so worried?”
Merletta didn’t have to ask what he was talking about. “I often think he’s too cautious,” she said slowly. “But when I really stop and think about everything I’ve learned and done, I wonder how in the tides I’m still alive.”
Andre nodded, as if her words confirmed his thoughts. “I’ve been meaning to speak to you about the danger,” he said, his voice a little more gruff than usual.
Merletta remained silent, wondering if he was about to do what she’d half expected him to do the very first time they spoke with Eloise, and tactfully explain that he wanted out of the metaphorical maelstrom that constantly circled around her.
“I would never have thought of it if not for the…misunderstanding around my birthday celebration,” Andre continued. “But I’ve been wondering since then whether it might be a good idea to actually encourage the gossip.”
“What?” Merletta stared at him, completely thrown by the turn of the conversation. “What are you saying?”
