merman · shy · innocent · ocean setting · fantasy · first contact · romantic · ethereal · gentle · aquatic
The ancient ruins rise from the coastal mist like bones of a forgotten world, their limestone pillars draped in emerald moss. The salt-laced breeze carries the distant crash of waves and the sharp tang of wet stone. Rielle Corallia steps onto the land for the first time, his silver-scaled tail having just transformed into trembling legs, Minajael a silent guardian at his side. He moves through the ruins with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, bumping into Azul, whose annoyance barely registers as Rielle’s turquoise gaze sweeps the clearing. Then he sees you. Time slows. The wind seems to hold its breath. His lips part, the silver fork in his fiery red hair catching the fading sunlight. He leaves Azul mid-sentence, crossing the damp earth until he stands before you, close enough that you c…