Kelpie Boyfriend: Fionnla #2 (complete)

Part of me is submerged in water as I ride Fionnla’s back. Due to him being a Kelpie, he can never venture too far away from water, or there is a strong chance he could die. So whenever possible, we travel along water - or in the water, as is now the case. The stream is high from a recent storm further north, so I’m up to my waist in the muddied current while Fionnla walks. The banks are flooded, so Fionnla insists I stay with him to keep me from running off.

“This is freezing!” I complain. “Can’t we get out even a little?”

“Just deal with it,” Fionnla huffs. “This is faster than going by the road, anyway. We’ll get to the apothecary in no time.”

I scoff and, under the water, I squeeze and wiggle my toes to keep them warm. “You’re doing this just to torture me, aren’t you?”

“No,” Fionnla laughs. “If I were torturing you, you’d know it. Also, you’d probably be dead.” 

I grimace and shake my head. “Is there a reason again why we can’t take the road? Surely by now, you’ve had enough water to survive for a while.”

“Look, I don’t tell you how to live, do I? I don’t tell you to just find blood somewhere else or go without it for a while.” Fionnla snaps back at me. “Do I?”

“No, that’d sound insane,” I grumble.

“Which is how you sound to me,” Fionnla huffs. “I told you, I’ve been going without water for far too long. I’m growing weak, and a weak kelpie is no good to anybody.” He swishes his head and his mane all spills to one side. “The longer I stay in water, the better. I want to be nice and strong when you finally give yourself up to me.”

I roll my eyes and try to ignore him. “Fine, I understand.”

“Do you?” Fionnla sniffs. “Besides,” he grunts, “there is an area north of here I would really prefer to avoid. So the longer I walk here, the better it is for the both of us. Stop complaining. I have plans in mind.”

“Why do you want to avoid it?” I ask.

Fionnla turns and glares back at me. “What did I just say?”

“You told me to stop complaining. That was a question.” I lean closer towards his head, placing my hands on his neck. “Or are you just looking for reasons to yell at me?”

“I enjoy putting you in your place,” Fionnla chuckles. “But seriously, don’t question me about what I’m doing. I have my reasons. Just make up some excuse in that pretty head of yours.”

I sit back and sigh. “I guess nothing matters. Once Olwen is better, I’m just going to give myself to you anyway.” I look up at the sky, noticing dark storm clouds are forming overhead. “I don’t need to know everything, just that Olwen will be taken care of.”

Fionnla sniffs. “You’ll have done better than most people in your short life. Take comfort in that while I devour you.” His laugh is haughty. 

“You’re such a charming lad,” I grumble. “You always know the right things to say.”

“Don’t flatter me. I hate it.” Fionnla fidgets, making me bounce on his back. “Now, be quiet. We’re almost there, so stop your whining now and look ahead.” He trudges forward a few more steps before coming to a complete stop. His ears flick to and fro and he turns his head slightly. 

“Fionnla, what are you doing?” I pat the back of his neck. “Why’d you stop if we’re so close?”

“Be quiet,” Fionnla hisses in a low voice. 

I stiffen when I realize there are no birds chirping. The wind is blowing harder each passing second as the sky grows dark. There’s a rumble in the distance, signalling the coming storm. Fionnla takes a couple of steps back, turning his head this way and that as he looks for a spot to get out of the river.

“Fionnla?” I whisper. “What’s wrong?”

“Water isn’t the only thing that got washed down with the storm,” he snarls through clenched teeth.

I look ahead to see ripples in the water, like something is swimming towards us. The water turns black the closer it comes, making Fionnla back up further. The blackness rises from the river, revealing two kelpies standing before us.

“Well, well,” one chuckles in a high, pretty voice. “What have we got here?”

The second kelpie sways in the water and moves to Fionnla’s side. “Did you bring a meal to share with us? How kind.”

Fionnla’s back stiffens, and he raises his chin up. 

“It’s been a while since we last saw you,” the first kelpie sighs. “We for sure thought you were gone.”

The second kelpie puts her head under the water, takes my leg in her teeth and pulls at it. “Ciaran, the woman is not stuck,” she says around my ankle.

I scream and try to kick my leg away, but the dark kelpie has me held fast. 

“You don’t say, Eamhair?” Ciaran asks in a shocked voice as he surges closer to Fionnla. “Can’t hunt when you stick out like a sore thumb, can you?”

Fionnla lunges, moving away from both the dark kelpies. “This is my meal. I caught her in my waters. I’m simply taking her upstream so I can enjoy her during the storm.”

“The storm washed us down here. There isn’t much left of the old lake. They dammed it up.” Ciaran tilts his head at an odd, jarring angle that makes my skin crawl. “Too many people dead. So they sacrificed their lake to get rid of us.”

“Just the river now, and not all of us can fit there,” Eamhair giggles wickedly.

I cling close to Fionnla as he moves aside in the water, turning so neither of them is facing me. “It figures you’d be chased out. You’ve been overhunting for years. I’m surprised you have any humans left.”

“Orcs took over,” Eamhair snickers. Her body twitches in the water, making the surface shiver. “They took us as a challenge!”

“Didn’t have to eat too many of them. One will last you a while,” Ciaran grins, showing off his rows and rows of sharp teeth.

“I’ve heard Orc meat is good,” Fionnla keeps backing up. I see him heading for the bank that leads through a briar patch.

“Human is still the best,” Ciaran hisses. “Especially when it is young, supple, and female.” His black tongue darts along his chops.

“I love women!” Eamhair giggles. “Such soft flesh compared to Orcs. You only get it that soft when the Orc is a baby.”

Fionnla chuckles nervously. “Then this one wouldn’t appease any appetite of yours. “She’s hard-headed and malnourished. You don’t want that.”

“It’s been two weeks. I’d gladly eat Goblin,” Ciaran hisses. “Give her over to us. You don’t need her. You should have died years ago, white one.”

Fionnla stumbles and nearly trips into the water. I cling to his neck as he steadies himself. Once his foot is secure, I reach into my bag for the knife Heirik sharpened for me.

“Your mother trampled you, didn’t she?” Ciaran shakes his head. “Such a shame she didn’t finish the job.” He lunges, but I am paying attention to Eamhair. Her twitching and wriggling has made me nervous from the get-go. 

While Ciaran distracts Fionnla, Eamhair slips under the waters towards my leg again. I stab into the water, and Eamhair comes up screaming. She bellows in my face before I stab at her mouth. Fionnla rears back, kicking Ciaran, then bolting out of the water. My legs are sliced and diced by the briars, but it is a favorable outcome to being eaten by Ciaran and Eamhair.

As we run through the woods, we can still hear the two of them screaming in the river behind us. Once we are out, Fionnla stops on the road and collapses in the tall grass. I use the last of my first-aid kit to clean the cuts and scratches on my leg. I pull out more thorns than I can count. 

I then look to Fionnla, who hasn’t moved since we stopped. He is laying on his side, breathing slowly. I figure he had been scared or is getting weak, so I take my canteen to start pouring water over him. As the water rushes down his sides, he starts to sob.

I still for a moment, and brush the hair away from his face to see black tears pouring from his eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask him unsurely.

Fionnla whimpers as the black tears fade into his white skin. “I never wanted to go back there,” he says. “I never wanted to see anyone from-” He trembles and jerks his head away from me. “They are who I wanted to avoid.”

I pet my hand down his neck to comfort him. “Who are they?”

Fionnla sniffles and rises up again. He looks at me through his long white hair, then places his big head on my shoulder. I wrap my arms around his neck, continuing to pet him as he cries.

“They are my family,” he whispers.

I squeeze him tighter, but I have no clue what to say that might comfort him.

“I’m done crying.” Fionnla stands up and shakes himself. “Let’s hurry and get this over with. I want to return home and finish you off.”

I stand up and walk beside him, both of us silent for a long time. After a spell, I place my palm on his flank as we walk. His tail twitches and he moves closer to me.

“Your son is lucky,” Fionnla growls.

I glance up at him. “What do you mean?”

“He has a mother willing to die for him,” his voice is low and sad. “I spent so many nights wishing for such a thing.”

“I heard what they said,” I confess. “I didn’t want to pry. Even talking about it seemed too painful to try. I’m sorry.”

Fionnla stalls in the middle of the road then tilts his head down to me. “I don’t want your pity,” he grumbles. He then nuzzles his nose to my hair. “It’s been a while. Get on my back now. We’ll reach the town by dark.” He kneels down to allow me on his back.

“I’m glad I’ll be your end,” he snarls. “You won’t be able to tell anyone what you’ve found out about me.”

I stroke my hand down his neck. “I would have kept it secret.”

“Humans,” he growls. “You can’t trust them.”

It is night by the time we reach the town. Fionnla finds water in a trough, and there is an open stable where we can rest for the night. I lay my cloak over the hay and nestle down for the evening. Come morning, I will be able to find the apothecary and get the medicine for Olwen. 

“Now that you know about me,” Fionnla whispers. “Tell me what happened to you.” he lays his head on my stomach. “What did your horrible bastard of a husband do?”

I sigh and keep my eyes closed. I let out a long, heavy breath before I reach out and comb my fingers through Fionnla’s hair. “I was young when we first met, too young really. He was a doctor who was taking care of my mother. My son… he’s sick like she was,” I sniffle. “Anyway, he was always kind to us. He was beautiful too. I was so young and stupid. Then I fell for him so fast, it made me dizzy.” I take another deep breath. “I loved him so much. I gave myself to him so easily. We got married while I was still young and stupid.”

I slowly open my eyes to gaze at the night sky through the gaps in the stable roof. “I was happy. Maybe a little lonely since he traveled so much. I thought he was just doing a good job, but-” I chuckle bitterly.

“He was sleeping around?” Fionnla grumbles.

I scoff. “Yes.” I lay my hand back on the top of his head. “And he gambled away everything. I was left pregnant, destitute, and homeless because of him.”

“What happened to him?” Fionnla asks. “I mean, how did he die?”

“Drowned,” I scoff. “They found him all bloated and disgusting in the river. Only way we knew it was him was by the pin on his lapel.”

“Hmm,” Fionnla murmurs, “sounds like my work.”

I suddenly start to laugh. “Imagine!” I giggle. “You being the one who killed my husband?” I start to cackle. “Right when I had wished him dead with all my heart.”

“Why are you laughing?” Fionnla huffs.

“You ate my husband,” I snicker. “Now you’re going to eat me!” I sputter as I try to stop myself from laughing. “Olwen is going to absolutely hate you!” I throw my head back, nearly bursting my ribs, I laugh so hard. 

“I still don’t find it so funny,” Fionnla sniffs. “If I am the one that killed your husband, and eventually you, shouldn’t you hate me just as much?”

I giggle and lay back down in the hay. “I should, shouldn’t I?” My soft chuckles turn into tears that roll down my cheeks. “After he died, everything went so horribly wrong. You’re to blame, aren’t you? Everything that has happened to me. Everyone who has died around me. It’s all because you ate him.” I sniffle and wipe at my eyes. “All those things would have happened anyway,” I whimper. “He just would have been there with me through them.” I sigh as a smile crosses my face. “I think I have done better without him.”

“Okay sure, crazy,” Fionnla glances up at me. “Knowing it all ends with me, are you still willing to say that?”

I lay back for a long moment of silence, then sigh. “Yes. Yes, I am sure.”

“Then go to sleep,” Fionnla grumbles. “I’m exhausted.”

“Me too.” I close my eyes again. “Me too.”

Come morning, I find myself alone in the stable. Fionnla is nowhere to be found. I decide to head on to the apothecary on my own; after all, he can track me. He’s probably gone to find water to submerge himself in for a while. 

I find the apothecary at the edge of town. Excitement and nerves flood me as I realize this place is going to save my son. Inside, I am overwhelmed by the fragrant air of the shop. The pungent odor of spices, plants, tinctures, and oils in the place has created a scent soup, in which each breath brings a different fragrance. One moment it is lavender, the next it is wormwood, the following breath is peppermint, and the one after is alcohol.

“My, my, what a pretty young thing,” a man says as he comes up behind the counter. He’s a tall, extremely thin man with greasy black hair and sallow skin. He’s wearing thick goggles over his eyes and an apron on his chest that is stained various colors. 

“Is there something I can help you with, sweetie?” He takes off the goggles and I wish he’d left them on. There’s nothing wrong with his eyes, but the pale blue is unnerving, and there is a way his eyes linger on me that sets my teeth on edge.

“Yes. There is.” I reach into my pocket to get the list the doctor gave me, but I cannot find it. “Do you have some paper? I need to write it down.”

“Of course.” The man passes me pen and paper and I jot the list down from memory.

“I need a month’s supply. My little boy, he’s five, and he’s very sick.”

“Oh yes,” the man clicks his tongue. “I know what this is.” He turns and looks at me. “I’ll need payment up front before I make the medicine.”

“Oh yes,” I take out the money that Em and Heirik gave me. “This should cover it all.” I am beaming, excited to finally help my son.

The man counts out the money, then sneers. “This isn’t enough.”

The smile melts away from my face and I stare aghast at him. My mouth flops like a trout’s. “That’s what the doctor told me to pay,” I gasp. I start to feel faint and grab hold of the counter. “There must be some mistake. Please, count again.”

The main recoils his hand holding the bag of coins. “No, I am very certain. It must have been a while since the doctor had to purchase from me,” he grins. “I am deeply, deeply sorry, sweet thing. But this not enough.” His words have a grating insincerity in my ears. He sounds like he is taunting me.

“But,” he smirks, “we could work out a trade for the remainder.”

I look up at him. “I don’t have much else,” my voice trembles. “I can’t… There’s nothing?” I turn out my palms to him. “I have traveled so far. My son might die-” I clasp my hand over my mouth as I feel the painful lump in my chest go into my throat.

“There is something a beautiful girl like you can provide.” The man leans over the counter. “You are desperate to save your son, are you not? So, you would be willing to do anything, no matter what it is, to do it?”

I feel sick to my stomach, like I may throw up at any moment. “I would,” I whisper.

“A few hours of your time is all I require then,” the man lifts the door of the counter up. “Come to the back with me, I will only have you on your knees for a little while. Promise.”

The door behind me opens as someone walks in.

“We’re closed, go away,” the man scoffs.

“I won’t be long,” a sultry voice purrs behind me. “I have a list.”

The man takes the list from the new customer. “Same as her,” he sneers. “Payment is hefty. But like I said, I am busy, I am dealing with her right now.” His hand clamps down on my shoulder, and I drift further and further away from myself in response to the unwanted touch. I don’t even glance towards the new customer.

“I am willing to pay more than her,” the customer replies. “If she can wait, that is.”

I glance towards the customer, whose long white hair falls over their shoulder. “I need a moment.” I step away from them and head towards the door. As I fumble with the doorknob, I can hear their conversation carry on behind me.

“She was going to give me a good payment,” the man chuckles.

“Trust me, I can give more than she can if you allow me your time - and perhaps your body - for the briefest of moments. I really need that medicine.” The customer with white hair laughs.

I finally get the door open and almost trip as I step outside. 

“Fine,” the man laughs. “I’ll take your offer.”

I run down the street, not caring that all my money and the medicine is back with that horrible man. I rush back to the stable, looking around, panicked, for Fionnla. I search around and locate a stream where he might possibly be, but he’s not there. I collapse on the ground, breaking down in tears, and sob until it feels like my bones will crack.

I start on my journey home without Fionnla. It doesn’t matter. Nothing does. Without the medicine, Olwen will only get sicker, and eventually die, and I will go with him. I manage to hitch a ride home, sleeping in the back of a wagon with a pack of hunting dogs. Once I arrive home, I stand outside the door, staring at it for what feels like hours. I am sick to my core and, in a strange way, I miss Fionnla. 

I knock on the door and Em answers, a bright smile on her face. “Oh! Imogen!” She embraces me tight into her arms. “You’re never going to believe what happened! It’s the most wonderful news. Come in, hurry!” She urges me inside. “Olwen, come look!”

“What?” I whisper.

I look up to see Heirik bring Olwen into the room. Olwen’s eyes are bright, and his cheeks look flushed and healthy. His eyes widen and he struggles in Heirik’s grip.

“Mommy!”

I have never hugged him so tightly before in all my life. I cling to him, crying into his shoulder. “How is this possible?” I weep as I clutch his warm, soft face in my hands. “How are you so well?”

“That’s the good news!” Em gasps. “A man came by the house a few days ago and said he found your lost luggage in the river.” She places a small chest on the table. “There was medicine in it as well as money! We were panicked that something had happened to you.” She cups my cheeks in her palm.

“Money?” I stare at her in bewilderment. 

Em nods her head excitedly. “The man said you had claimed an inheritance the madam had left you, but on your way home, your carriage was wrecked. He said your horse is safe though. He was taking it to the lake where he’s staying. Said you could go pick it up anytime you wanted.” She sighs and clutches her chest. “We thought we’d never see you again! But this young man just seemed to know you’d show up.”

Olwen nuzzles against my chest, hugging me tightly. I stay with him all night, playing with him, reading and cuddling. The next day, we go into town. Using the money from the chest, I buy him new toys and clothes that he picks out for himself. I spoil him rotten, making the whole day about celebrating him. Once Olwen goes to bed that evening, I leave the house to go to the lake. 

Once there, I gaze out over the water and the reflected moon rippling across its surface. I strip away my clothes and step naked into the water. Once I’m waist deep, I look around for any sign of Fionnla.

“I kept my promise,” I call. “Come out! I know you’re here!”

The water before me ripples, and long white hair floats to the surface. Fionnla rises up, but not as how I have seen him. He looks like a gorgeous man, his hair draping over his body and woven with lilies. He’s tall, with elegant, slim limbs, skin like a pearl, and eyes like pink jewels. He smiles at me, his features sharp in a strangely beautiful way.

“You kept your promise,” Fionnla smirks. “I knew you would.”

“Where did you go?” I whisper to him. “Where did you get the medicine? The money?” I reach out to him and he grabs my hands. “What’s the point?”

“You saw me, didn’t you?” He leans down to me. “In the apothecary, making a deal with that unsavory shopkeep.” He kisses my forehead. “You said it was okay that I take him.”

“I was so out of it. I didn’t know.” Tears roll down my cheeks. “I was so scared.”

“And that’s why I killed him and took all his money,” Fionnla smiles innocently. “You gave me the meal you promised me.”

“What?” I inch closer to him. “But I said I would give myself over to you.”

Fionnla taps his fingers to my lips. “You promised me a meal, and I had it. That was the first part.” He wraps his arms around me so that our bodies are pressed together. “Now, you must give me the second part.”

I press my palms against his chest. “How do I do that?” I whisper.

“Marry me,” Fionnla coos. “Give yourself to me and I will be your end, for I will hold your hand until that time comes.”

More tears spill down my face and I bury myself against his chest. Fionnla chuckles, stroking my back and kissing the top of my head. 

“You have to say yes,” he says. “It must be willing.”

I lift my head, and his fingers slip under my chin. “Yes,” I blubber. “Yes, of course!”

Fionnla kisses me, placing his soft lips against mine and dragging me into the middle of the lake. We make love in the reflected moonlight, our bodies tangled together until sunrise. 

He makes a home on the lake for Olwen and me, where he raises Olwen as his own. He makes me happy, and I know what true love is. 

There are times when fear grips me as I remember my grandmother’s words, but I only have to turn to Fionnla to reassure myself. After all, you cannot tell a sieve is leaking when it is submerged in water.