When Merrkan came to he wasn't sure he was alive.  His eyes were open but blackness pervaded his sight.  Slowly his eyes adjusted and he was aware of a faint white glow that was the only source of light.  He twisted his neck looking at the light to the right of his bed.

His body folded in half as he jerked upright, and moved himself to the side of the bed next to his.  Viidela lay on her stomach, her wings curled tightly against her back.  The light flickered, leaving Merrkan in the darkness for a moment.  His breath caught in his throat till her wings glowed again.

"Merrkan..."  A voice came from behind him.  Vaguely familiar, but in tone only.

"Annandra?"  He turned slowly.  A starfish came to life, emitting a light to reveal a blonde woman with a blue skin-tone.  The starfish wiggled twisted a little and suctioned itself back to the area over her heart.

"Hello again, Merrkan."

"I see you've taught Khayden a new trick." He nodded to the starfish.

"Indeed, he proves his worth to me every day."  The light from the creature faded into a red tinted purple.  Annandra smiled into the light as it passed back into the normal white.  "As you can see, his mood tint effects the lighting."

"Annandra..."

"I know Merrkan.  Neither of us had a choice."  Her voice was still soft, but carried well through the water.  It still affected Merrkan.

In the silence their eyes met, and they swam to each-other, embracing passionately.  The kiss spread through their bodies causing the hair on their heads to dance magically around them.

Viidela opened her eyes to see the two embraced Merrkan's dark hair tangled loosely in the Annandra's blonde locks.  She couldn't see their faces, but knew a kiss was hidden within.  She smiled, moaning as the muscles in her body protested.

The lovers broke their kiss, and turned to Viidela, their hands still clasped together.

"You're awake."

"Yes,"  She winced, sitting up.  "It's good to see you two back together."

They looked at each other and smiled.

"I wish Veridean had warned me that she was going to tap into my power.  I feel so drained."

"She tapped into everyone to break the curse and return Merrkan to youth.  You were closest and she pulled the most from you.  Thankfully you are the strongest of us all.  If anyone else had been in your place they would have died."

Viidela sighed into the question she often asked of Veridean.  "She didn't tax herself too much did she?"

"She asked as much of herself as she could, but less than you.  She has recovered completely, and is waiting in council with the others. They sent me for you to see if we could begin discussion."