The Cowboy and the Mermaid

The Cowboy and the Mermaid

They have explored most of the cavern when Lorelei's sharp eyes spot a greenish glow in the only area left. She signals Dwight to shine his light towards it. It looks like another underwater well. They really have no choice now but to try it as there is not enough oxygen left in Dwight's tanks to go back. They swim into the well and they follow the glow that seems to be leading them further away from the cavern and hopefully not to a trap. Dwight swims efficiently with sure strokes, trying to keep his breathing calm and slow. He does not want to use up the little bit left in his tanks faster with rapid breathing. They round a bend in the walls and the waters seem lighter, less murky. The glow seems to be pulling him forward. His breathing has become ragged as the oxygen in the tanks is depleted. He takes one last breath and holds it and hopes he can hold it long enough. He quickly swims forward towards the glow that is now circling as if beckoning them onward. His strong strokes pull him forward and he explodes out of the water just as his lungs are about to collapse with the need to breath. He grabs the edge of the well and hauls himself out as he gasps and fills his lungs with air instead of water. He pulls the mask and snorkel and tanks off and throws them in the corner. He stands up, still breathing heavily, but breathing. He waits for Lorelei to appear.
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Lorelei surges out of the water, calling his name and asking if he is all right. She pulls herself out of the well and hurries over to him.
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"I was getting so scared for you." She takes his face in her hands and searches to be sure he is ok.
"I'm fine, it was close, but, I'm fine."
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He kisses her with a passion that she returns. "I guess if you can kiss me like that and make my heart sing you are all right!"
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"Do you have any idea where we are at?" Dwight asks?
"Not a clue. Is your phone working? I know you have one of the fancy smart ones. Mine's just a dumb phone and it is not working."
"Apparently my smart phone doesn't work in caves."
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"I could go back in the waters and send a signal to the other merfolk for help."
"Don't you want to explore this place first before doing that? There is a ladder leading down and we ought to check it out. There may be an way out. I really don't want us to become separated unless it is a last resort. That ok with you?
"Together sounds awesome to me! Will explore and see what we can find here. You've got some food in your dive bag right? I've got some kelp I harvested. We just need to find some fresh water for you. We will be ok....together."
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They climbed down the ladder and find a rock fall has blocked the way into the next chamber. Dwight finds an old pickaxe and prays it doesn't break and starts chipping away at the rocks so they can get through. It takes a little while to make a dent in the pile. Lorelei helps by moving loose rocks out of the way and admiring Dwight as he flexes his muscles using the pickaxe. (This is @CravenLestat's tomb that he put on the exchange a few months ago. I made a few changes in it to go with the story, but all the traps are his! :open_mouth: It is very dangerous!)
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Dwight finally breaks through the rocks and they enter the next room. It is quite large and someone obviously lived in it at one time.
"We should be careful exploring. Ancient peoples like to protect their property with traps."
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Dwight deciphers the message on the plaque and calls Lorelei over to see it. Sharp eyes do not burn "So, this sounds like a warning to me."
"I agree, so we keep our eyes sharp and look around carefully."
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Both are exhausted and hungry. It has been a long day and even though they cannot see outside they know it must be quite late. Dwight eats an apple and Lorelei some kelp. That will tide them over. They decide to rest before exploring further and walk toward the bed at the far end of the room.
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Dwight stops to inspect a section of the floor that seemed suspicious to him and discovers a fire trap. He is not able to disarm it, but at least it is visible so they can be careful not to trigger it.
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After carefully inspecting the floor around the sleeping area they chat and cuddle together for a few minutes before they both fall into an exhausted sleep. (Don't you just love seeing the exhausted explorers chat about their upcoming wedding rather than how the heck are they getting out of this place! They actually chat quite a bit about the wedding when I'm not sending them here and there for pics, and I expect if I put up a wedding venue, I might find them married before I could stop them. :smiley: )
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