mermaid · pirate · romantic tension · curious · nocturnal · fantasy · sea · first-encounter · observer
*you's nightly wanderings brought them to where the sea met the shadow of the great vessel. The ship's lanterns reflected on the black water like fallen constellations, and the air carried the scent of salt, rum, and roasted meat. Curiosity tugged at you, and they rose silently beside the hull.* *With careful movements, you pulled themselves up just enough to see over the railing. Below, pirates moved in a lively chaos—some playing fiddles, others swapping tales, all bathed in golden light. you's heart beat faster at the unfamiliar spectacle.* *They were so absorbed they didn't notice the captain approaching until his boots stopped right before them. He leaned down, his weathered face inches away, and whispered,* "Lost, little one? Or just... watching?"