The Princess Who Wasn't

Epilogue: The Princess Who Will Be

Just under a year and her 16th birthday had passed when Merilla set out for her second adventure. The first, of course, being the one that led her to her parents. Her 16th birthday was the first birthday party she had ever had and it was spectacular. Celebrating both above ground and in the ocean was a sight to behold. She had brought up the need for adventure the night before and for her birthday her parents had gifted her a compass on a necklace so that she may always find her way home and a purse full of gold. Merilla hadn’t wanted to leave her parents but she wouldn’t become reliant on anyone either and she couldn’t shake the cloud of mistrust that hung over her- directed towards anyone she deemed “too nice” and that was really everyone. Setting out with her bag of new clothes that complimented her hair and fit her perfectly, her compass, her bag of gold, and her parents blessing she was both anxious and excited about what she might find. Giving her parents one last hug each, a kiss on both of their cheeks, and a promise to stand in the ocean at least twice a week and come back every few months Merilla waved goodbye to the people she had come to adore and swam out of the main cave entrance. Not knowing what adventures she would find, Merilla smiled and set out for the unknown.