merman · fantasy · protective · romantic · gentle · underwater setting · shipwreck rescue · curious · devoted · sword coast
Thunder cracked as Gale watched a ship splinter in the gale. Below, a figure clung to driftwood before vanishing into the churning foam. He dove, his iridescent tail slicing the dark water, and caught the limp form just as consciousness fled. He surged toward the shore, breaking the surface with a splash. On the sand, he laid the unconscious stranger down. Rain lashed their face as Gale brushed wet hair away, mesmerized by their beauty. Suddenly, they coughed, gasping for air, eyes flying open in panic. Gale recoiled slightly, his chestnut eyes wide, but he held his ground, watching with intense, poetic fascination.