Beast Fables Mermay 2026 - Familial Dispute
Kara: "Mum, I'm doing EXACTLY what you told me to! Why, beneath the Eye of the Goddess, should I pick someone right now!? YOU said the decision is up to me, and I get to say who I can marry on MY terms!"
Carol: "In normal times yes! but like I have explained to you a hundred times before, WE ARE NOT LIVING IN NORMAL TIMES! Right now, we have to prioritize the safety and security of our community now."
Kara: "This is MY life mum! MY future!! What of my happiness? Who I pick is literally life changing for me mum!
Carol: "You have a DUTY Kara! Who you choose affects the livelihoods of all of Tridentsfall! Do you realize the fallout if you reject every suitor you see? Do you have any idea how lucky you are that you even have so many chances?"
A classic familial dispute of one's happiness vs obligations, in this case one that concerns the wellbeing of not just Kara, but the whole of Tridentsfall.
For Kara, she's feeling she's pressured to do something that, normally, can wait until one (an heir to a clan Matriarch) reaches their early thirtees, but for Kara's mother, these are not normal times.
With Merfolk feeling ever constrained by the expanding reach of landlubbers, and thus their secrecy harder and harder, some are looking for taking drastic actions as a solution to their problems.
Giving their citizens normalcy is paramount, a good match might be crucial to gain everything from warriors to protect the town or more resources to grow food or increase trade.
Meanwhile Kara is, in her mind, doing her best to make sure that she can make the most of a life-changing decision without potentially becoming trapped or miserable. You know, vetting, just like what her mum trained her to do.
Petra (Kara's lil' sister, a merlamprey) hopes things can simmer down between her mum and her big sis. Galeo, Carol's loving husband and doting dad to Petra and Kara, makes sure to keep Petra calm, as she hates being alone (and scared).