"I see my fifth niece hasn't quite recovered yet." Auntie had come to the rescue.
"I don't understand", said Eric as he cradled the sobbing Allia. "It was all so -- so -- wonderful. What happened?
"
"When did you learn to swim Eric?"
"I've always been able to swim.
"
"Really? And how long have you been a mermaid?"
"B-but that was just too much calamus - wasn't it?
"
"No Eric it was anam cheile. You have all her memories in your head and she has yours." Eric looked blank.
"Life is simple for mermaids - hatch, eat, sleep, swim, spawn and die - but not you humans. Your heads are full of things we can't even begin to understand and some of them aren't very nice. It can be a terrible shock the first time."
"W-what can I do?"
"Just give her time and lots of love. Oh, and Lay Low is a suppressed memory that you picked up by accident. Don't mention her. Don't even think about her. She'll remember when she's ready.
"
And with that she disappeared back into the water. Eric thought a while --
"Allia", he said softly, "Once is not enough.
"