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A merchant stumbles on a grotto, lost. He eats his last apple. The merchant plants the seeds the next day to provide food for future lost travelers. 

And so, the nymph Theanore is born.

She would grow from a tiny seed to a splendid apple tree. She would meet many friends. Theanore will try her hand at being a merchant like her father. And she will get to know her lifetime companion, the merman Marinus.

But as every farmer can tell you, apple trees live only for about 150 years and so, with her tree dried up, so will Theanore die.

 But before that, she will live.

The Apple Grotto Nymph (Dungeon Core Fairy Tale)

When Theanore saw Marinus coming towards her, she dropped the basket with nettle she was carrying and rushed to hug him.

She hugged him tightly as they both laughed.

"You came back! Luca has been here for a week," Theanore said, and Marinus smiled into the hug.

"Of course I did! Didn't you get the missive from grandpa Thinker that I am coming back? And, besides, I am tough. It will take more than a few mermaids to separate me from you!"

He couldn't help it. He tickled Theanore's sides, and she swatted at his arms.

"Mari, I am very happy! But I refuse to let you go alone like this again! Promise me you will never leave me again!" Theanore said in her sternest voice.

The effect was a little muted as she still mispronounced the r's as l's.

"I promise, silly! Besides, I got what we needed. Did Luca show you the life-extending ring?"

Chapter 76: Work to redeem yourself!