Triton raced through the water, kicking his tail fins as hard as he could. His friend, Jay the dolphin, swam along side him, moving fast and gracefully through the palace of Atlantica. Deciding to take a different route to the garden, Triton twisted down further into the water, going down into the kitchen, crashing into a pretty mermaid with bright red hair and green eyes.
" Sorry! " Triton stammered. " Let me help you. ". He started picking up the little shells she had in a basket.
" No no, your highness I've got it. " The mermaid immediately swooped down and swept them into her arms nearly all at once and set them in her basket.
" I really am sorry, I shouldn't be down here anyways , it won't happen again. " Triton grinned slightly as a few shells fell of the basket. He bent down and placed them in the basket again, only to have them fall again.
" Its fine, your highness. Forgive me for being in the way. Is there anything I could do to make it up to you? Do you need something? " the mermaid replied, a slightly amused look in her eyes and patience in her voice.
" I insist it's my fault. I don't need anything, but it looks like you need some help with that basket. I won't take no for an answer. " Triton, as stubborn as ever, took the basket from her and held it up against his shoulder.
" Where do you need it? "
The mermaid replied, " In the concert hall, your highness. Thank you very much. "
As soon as they arrived to the concert hall, Triton set it down and grinned. The mermaid grinned back.
" Thank you, your highness. Your help will not be forgotten. " the mermaid smiled, a grateful expression on her face.
" Anytime. " Triton said. He realized that he had not stopped grinning.
They both stood there, somewhat awkwardly staring at each other. Triton finally gathered his courage and asked,
" What are you doing with these? "
" I'm hanging them up on the walls and making pearl wreaths. " the red-headed mermaid gestured at the bag on her waist.
" This wasn't required, but I thought it would be a nice touch. "
Slightly surprised at her thoughtfulness, Triton gave her a thumbs up.
" That's real cool of you. "
" Thank you, your highness. If you will excuse me, I must be getting back to work. "
Triton noticed a slight blush of pride to her face.
" Alright. See you around, I guess. "
As Triton turned to leave, he noticed he didn't know this girl's name. He turned around to find her picking up a pretty ivory pearl.
" What's your name? "
The red- headed mermaid with green eyes grinned teasingly.
" Athena. "