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Days like these are hard to come by. Perfect sunny weather, little wind, and, of course, clear waters.
You suppose there’s nothing you love more than the ocean. The reefs, the corals. There’s just so much life, so many colours.
You don’t know how long you’ve been floating here, just staring at the scenery beneath you, but you’re sure you could keep it up forever.
There’s always something new to see, like the tiny fish, the skittish shrimps, the moving red coral-
Wait a minute.
Snapping out of your trance, you look a bit closer. Seemingly sprouting from behind a big rock is… hair?
Suddenly, the hair moves, revealing it is in fact attached to a head. You startle violently by the sudden appearance and accidentally breathe in a big gulp of sea water.
You’re so busy almost drowning, you almost don’t notice two arms pulling you up and onto the big rock.
“I thought humans to be smarter than to try and breathe underwater.” A light voice that seems to be right on the edge of a giggle teases you.
Still coughing up seawater, you manage to take a teary glance at your saviour, and you almost choke again.
In the water, staring up at you with a slight smile, is the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen. Long, auburn hair falls down her shoulders, perfectly framing her face. But then your gaze falls on her body below the waist and-
“Holy shit, you’re a mermaid.”
“Well, nothing goes past you, does it?” She giggles. You blink at her, still trying to decide whether the lack of oxygen got to your brain or if this is somehow real.
“Right.” You cough, wiping some water from your face. “Um, thank you for saving me? And I apologize for disturbing your rock?” Gods what is wrong with you.
She tilts her head, amused. “Well, it is a very nice rock. Prime sunning spot. Excellent view. Little to no human interference, until just now at least.”
“Hey, in my defence, I didn’t know this rock, like, belongs to you.” You argue, still a little breathless. “And for the record, I wasn’t interfering. I was appreciating the ecosystem.”
“Oh, of course.” She says, nodding solemnly. “A scholar. How foolish of me to nearly let a great mind perish.” You roll your eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I’ve been told.” She grins wider, clearly pleased with herself. You can’t help but laugh, and she joins you, the sound bright and airy.
For a moment, the two of you just look at each other. The water laps gently against the rock, sunlight bouncing across her hair like copper.
“So…” You say slowly. “Do all mermaids lurk behind rocks and watch unsuspecting idiots drown, or am I just lucky?”
“Oh no.” She says, smiling sweetly. “Usually we sing them to their deaths. I made a special exception for you.”
“Why, thank you ‘Your Majesty of the Sea’, I’m truly honoured.” You snort sarcastically.
She gasps softly, placing a hand dramatically against her chest. “I like that. ‘Your Majesty.’ Has a certain ring to it.”
You squint at her. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Oh, immensely.”
You shift on the rock, managing to relax slightly now that the burning feeling in your chest is gone. “So, do you have a name?”
She leans her chin on her hand, studying you like you’re the most interesting thing she’s seen all day before answering. “Margaery.”
You blink. “Margaery? That’s… surprisingly normal.”
“Would you prefer something more dramatic?” she teases. “Mistress of the Midnight Zone? Siren of the Sapphire Shore?”
You huff a laugh despite yourself. “I’m-”
You tell her your name, and she repeats it, softer, like she’s trying her hardest to commit every letter into her memory. There’s something oddly warm about the way she does it.
“Well…” She starts after a beat. “Now that you’re alive and properly introduced… what are we to do now?”
You hesitate, then shrug. “Maybe you could… show me around?” Her eyes light up immediately, a spark of excitement replacing the teasing calm. “Oh, I could do that.”
“Hey-”
She darts away, laughing, and you find yourself following without thinking.
You’re definitely coming back tomorrow. And probably the day after that. You might never leave at all.