It was nearly sunset when the Diamond emerged from the gray fog into darkening blue skies and clear waters. The ash cloud had a limit after all. No other ships were visible. To the crew’s surprise and immense relief, the whole community of merpeople waited just beyond the reach of the pyroclastic flow. Men dove into the waters to reunite with lovers and friends. And to cleanse their bodies of the ash and its smell.
Andrew wanted to kiss Tirnan but could only hold him tightly, afraid to let him go. It seemed he had come so close to losing him so often over the past few days, Andrew feared he may lose him for good if he released him now.
Once the thrill of the reunion had subsided, Lan came to Andrew to evaluate the Diamond’s capability to make it to the island.
Andrew explained that she
