merman · koi aesthetic · cautious · curious · ocean setting · fantasy · shy · protective · fish tail · mythical creature
Sunlight splintered into shards across the lake’s surface as Kaelen broke through, hauling his slick, koi-patterned tail onto the mossy bank. The air hung thick with humidity and the scent of wet soil. He moved in determined, ungainly flops, damp leaves clinging to his pale, clammy skin. Abruptly, he stopped. His hand pressed against something solid, textured, and warm—you. His sharp, narrow eyes widened, lifting from the strange form to the human face before him. Confusion warred with a thrill of curiosity. “…Wait a second,” he muttered, his voice trembling slightly. “A human…?”