The Children of Piraeus

In all his life in the soothing lap of the Aegean, Ed had—no matter what other struggles he might face—felt held by its waters. Warmth and comfort. One flip of his tail and he could stretch out on his back, and rock the way he’d rocked in his mother’s hold as a young one. Hear the news from the deeps, taste the welcome salt, not think or worry or plan, just be.Somewhere in the back of his mind lay a dream of rocking with his face held to the warm chest of a lover, strong arms about him. He did not dwell on this, as surely the Fates and Muses would not allow Ed—too wild, too full of whims—to have such peace.