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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: HEIR/HEIRESS (04/07/22)
Lori Lang came home with a basket of kelp for her mer-step-mother, Gwelly, to use for dinner.

No sooner had Lori put her burden down than Gwelly swam to her, bubbling excitement, “Lori, wonderful news! The Council priest came by today and informed your father and I, that you are to marry his son and heir! Is it not exciting?”

Ignoring her first reaction to an arranged marriage to a candidate for the Council priest, Lori asked, “Why me, mother?”

Gwelly excitedly explained, “The priest was reading an old prophecy that said a woman from the surface will marry into the priestly family and all the people will be heirs of prosperity. As you are a surface woman the prophecy must mean you. At least that what Eersirahp thinks, when you wed his son, Eecuddas, then our family will be heirs to the priestly lifestyle, no more foraging for food!”

“Gwelly!!” Lori shouted to try to bring her step-mother back to the sea floor, “I don’t even know Eecuddas, I’m not sure I want to get married so young.” And certainly not to someone who doesn’t share my faith, she silently added.

“Dward, “ Gwelly whined, “Come here and talk sense to your daughter.”

Dward said to Lori, “Let’s go outside for a swim and discuss this.”

Lori had never heard such a hopeless tone from her father before and followed him as he swam away from their home. Halfway to the beach she used to live by before she became a water-breather, her father stopped and hung his head. “Lori, there’s not a whole lot of choice in this. The Council priest can simply announce that you and Eecuddas are married and that’s it. If you refuse then the only thing our family will be heirs to is the open sea.”

“That’s not fair, Dad!” Lori shot back.

“Perhaps not, but it’s the reality of the situation.”

So, Lori thought, either I marry this priestly brat or my family is exiled to the open seas. So much for their ‘compassionate’ religion. Out loud she asked, “Can I at least meet him before I agree?”

Dward bubbled in relief, “Of course, he is coming over after dinner with his father to discuss your marriage.”

After dinner Lori and her family greeted the Council priest and his son. Lori looked at Eecuddas and decided he was handsome enough, though she was keenly aware that it was not the main reason to marry someone.

Eersirahp looked down his nose at Lori and asked, “I understand you aren’t certain you want to marry my heir?”

It took all the grace Lori could muster to politely respond, “I mean no disrespect, but arranged marriages aren’t customary on the surface world.”

Eecuddas spoke for the first time, “Lori, I find you exotically attractive, is there something wrong with me that makes you uncomfortable with marrying me?”

Remembering what was said at her recent trial for blasphemy, Lori decided to just come out with it, “Yes, there is. You will inherit the title of Council priest, and I don’t believe in your religion. And I’m worried that it might cause friction in the household.”

Eersirahp frowned at her, “Ah yes, you surface faith. Your willingness to accept banishment over your convictions is a testament to your strength of character. Now I have a question for you, if you bear any heirs will you allow them to be raised in our faith or would you insist on teaching them your surface beliefs as well?”

Lori measured her words, realising that as far as Eersirahp was concerned her marriage was a done deal. “I would expose them to Christ while Eecuddas teaches them about Curi.”

Eersirahp clapped his hands together and his face relaxed into something like a smile, “You see, Eecuddas, she will be a good wife for you. She will keep you from failing into the sin of arrogance.”

Lori was uncomfortable with her being discussed as if she wasn’t there. But she recalled a Bible study lesson where the idea of a believing wife should stay with an unbelieving husband to sanctify their children. She wasn’t certain if this arranged marriage qualified. With the unspoken threat hanging over her head, she decided to attempt a real mission field. “Very well, I’ll marry Eeduddas.” In her mind she added, just as long as he understands I’m not going to roll over and be a totally submissive wife.

******
Author’s note: Lori is recalling 1 Corinthians 7:14
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This article has been read 243 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Robert Rutaagi 
04/15/22


Wow!!! Excellent piece of work! However, avoid repeating the topic or title as this is against FW.com guidelines unless they have changed recently. You repeated the topic [Heir] six times.Check this out. I will, too, just in case. Well done!
Sue Botte 
04/17/22
I enjoyed this entry and found it well written.

I could picture your submission in a children's story book.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/19/22
This is a sweet, fun story. The dialog moves the story along and creates a picture for the reader. Although the dialog could be more authentic. People (even merpeople probably) don't always speak in complete sentences and use contractions. Although you do use the topic words a lot, there are no rules against it, but I often challenge people to try and write on topic without using the topic word or using it sparingly. You definitely wrote on topic, held my interest from beginning to end and wrote a good message outside of the box.