#mermaid from the uncharted land

[touhoutunes]

Title: ミスティ・メロウ (Misty Mellow)

Arrangement: こばきょん

Vocals: Cocoa

Album: なないろカレイドスコープ

Circle: Lapis moss

Original: Mermaid from the Uncharted Land

[celestemona]

DEEP WATERS

pairing: alhaitham x mermaid! reader

in the stillness of tides, alhaitham unearths a mystery long believed to be legend—a mermaid ensnared, with eyes as deep as the ocean and secrets buried in every wave. drawn by fate and enchanted by her silent song, he finds himself caught between myth and reality. in his quest to understand her world, he risks losing his own heart to the uncharted depths.

cw: part i of ii. fem reader, pronouns s/her are mentioned tho it was written in 2nd person. fluff, fluff. female body specifications; long hair! reader, nudity, slight language barrier’ struggles, characters may seem ooc. shoutout to alhaitham for name you. 15.5k words sue me. not proof-read.

reblogs and comments are appreciated ♡

Alhaitham’s day began like any other, filled with the structured predictability he deemed essential.

As Akademiya’s scribe, he was used to working methodically on his tasks, knowing exactly what was needed and never exceeding those limits. Efficiency was a virtue he held in high regard, after all.

But today, at the request of Lesser Lord Kusanali herself, he was dispatched to Port Ormos to investigate some potential concerns involving certain texts arriving from the neighboring nation. A diplomatic matter with Chenyu Vale, she had suggested, that required someone well-versed in logic and languages—a task he could accomplish quickly and with minimal interruption to his personal duties.

Now, as he stood on the outskirts of Port Ormos with his task nearly complete, Alhaitham surveyed the bustling dock.

While Port Ormos often seemed chaotic to him, he couldn’t deny the appeal of watching the ebb and flow of commerce, of lives interwoven in casual exchanges and swift negotiations. But just as he prepared to leave, his attention was drawn to a quieter stretch of the coast, an isolated, rarely visited area far from the main docks. This was usually his kind of place: quiet and solitary.

However, today, the silence was broken by something… peculiar. It wasn’t the rhythmic murmur of the waves or the occasional seagulls that caught his attention, but an odd, strained sound. It was faint but persistent—a low occasional growl mixed with something he couldn’t immediately identify.

Curiosity piqued, Alhaitham allowed his gaze to scan the sandy stretch. There was no one else in sight; no sailors, no matras. This area seemed entirely deserted, only adding to the mystery. 

He approached cautiously, his trained eyes alert with every movement. Then, amidst the scattered shells and seaweed, he saw it: a glimpse of something familiar yet entirely strange.

A tail. Long, dark, and unmistakably fish-like, though far more mesmerizing in its iridescent palette and certainly larger than any common marine animal. Its dark blue with a touch of gray caught the light and shimmered with shifting hues as the waves lapped gently over it.

Alhaitham’s breath hitched as his gaze traveled from the fish tail to its source, finally landing on the figure trapped in a tangled mess of fishing net.

This was no ordinary sea creature. No. It was a mermaid.

For a man who prided himself on his calm and logical demeanor, Alhaitham felt an undeniable wave of disbelief and fascination wash over him.

Mermaids were, at best, myths—Fontaine tales told in taverns and old children’s books. In his days as a student, he had skimmed the sparse historical mentions of mermaids, intrigued by their academic mystery, though ultimately dismissing them as baseless stories. Historians had little to offer about them—no language to decipher, no artifacts to study. It was all speculative, fantasy stories wrapped in the very mystique of the sea. And now, here you were, a very real mermaid right before him.

Your form was incredibly otherworldly, almost surreal in its beauty. Long hair clung to your shoulders and breasts, darkened by the water and tangled with delicate, glistening pearls, while the scales on your arms and ribs caught the faint light. But it was your face, contorted with a mixture of fear and frustration, that held him in place. Your sharp eyes, almost snake-like, blinked warily as you noticed his approach, and a low growl escaped your throat, an instinctive warning.

Alhaitham took a deep breath, grounding himself in reality. This creature—no, this mermaid—wasn’t just a legend he could dismiss. You were tangible, vulnerable, and caught in a trap you clearly couldn’t escape from.

Kneeling out of your reach, he chose his movements with calculated care. “Easy there,” he murmured, his tone neutral yet soft, more for his own benefit than yours. He doubted you’d understand, but it was instinctive to try and soothe you. He slowly extended a hand, palm open, hoping you could see he meant no harm.

Your sharp gaze tracked his every movement, a soft, cautious hiss slipping from your lips. You moved your tail against the net, trying once again to free yourself, but the more you struggled, the tighter the net seemed to trap you. Alhaitham’s gaze dropped to your bare torso, noticing the faint shimmer of scales marred by bruises, likely from your attempts to break free.

He looked back at you, meeting your wary, defiant gaze. Your intelligence was unmistakable—in your eyes, he could see a spark of recognition and caution. You knew he was a threat, but also, perhaps, your only chance.

“Alright,” he said, as if reasoning with a wild creature, and began to move carefully toward the edge of the net. You tensed, the sharp gleam of your canines visible as you bared your teeth in warning. Alhaitham paused, feeling a mix of danger and a strange empathy.

“Relax,” he said softly, ensuring his gestures were as non-threatening as possible. You continued to watch him, your expression still wary but curious. Up close, he could see your long, sharp nails, the delicate, translucent membranes between your fingers and the subtle rise and fall of your gills as you breathed shallowly and anxiously. Your beauty was undeniable but in a way that felt unreal, beyond anything he had ever encountered.

Alhaitham slowly reached for the knife at his belt, the blade glinting in the faint light. Your eyes narrowed, a low, almost inaudible growl escaping as you observed him. “I’m here to help,” he assured, keeping his tone calm, as if you could understand his intent through his voice alone.

As he brought the blade closer to the tangled net, your body went rigid, muscles tensing as if ready to spring—or strike. Your gaze locked onto his, every line of your body taut, your breathing shallow and rapid. For a brief moment, he paused, meeting your gaze with a nod of understanding, as if to say: Trust me, just for now.

With practiced ease, he cut a few threads, loosening the net just enough to give you some room. You flinched, your tail contracting involuntarily, but you didn’t pull away, allowing him to continue his work. He cut it carefully, each movement deliberate, keeping his own breathing steady as he watched your response.

He couldn’t help but wonder at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, the notorious and logical Scribe of the Akademiya, performing a rescue for something—or someone—he once dismissed as pure fantasy. The tales he had brushed aside as stories seemed to dissolve before this living being. Yet his mind continued to spin with questions he couldn’t suppress: How did you end up here, trapped in this net? And what would become of you now?

As he cut the last thread, he noticed your injured tail more clearly, a long red line seeping through the translucent scales. A frown crossed his face as he sheathed the knife, feeling the faintest pang of concern.

“You’re hurt,” he said quietly, not knowing if you would understand him. You shifted slightly, flexing your tail as if testing your freedom, your expression cautious but no longer as frantic. Your eyes met his again, and for a moment, something like gratitude flashed in your gaze—fleeting, almost imperceptible, but there.

He couldn’t help but smile slightly, feeling a pull of fascination, his mind instinctively cataloging every feature, every movement. 

Yet Alhaitham’s thoughts clicked into the details of the situation with calculated precision.

He observed the desolate stretch of beach where he found you, far removed from the main port and any regular fishing route. This area was more of a neglected backwater than a place frequented by locals, let alone fishermen. He was certain you hadn’t been captured here intentionally; instead, you must have ventured here alone, in danger or by mistake, only to be caught by the tangled mess of nets, possibly abandoned by a passing fishing boat.

He looked back at you, his analytical gaze softening slightly. Faced with this new reality, you bore little resemblance to the wild, monstrous figures folklore sometimes suggested. You were undeniably alive, aware, and your beauty, strange and striking, had an almost hypnotic quality.

But despite his attempts at rational analysis, concern rooted itself as he examined your injuries.

The wound on your tail continued bleeding slowly, deep crimson droplets blending into the sea water. He didn’t know how long you had been trapped, but the blood loss, however gradual, could spell trouble if left untreated. There was also the issue of eremites and mercenaries who roamed the outskirts of Port Ormos, not to mention treasure hunters and opportunists. You’d be a prize beyond imagination for many of them if they found you in this weakened state…

The weight of your expectant gaze held him in the moment, your snake-like eyes gleaming with suspicion and interest. You watched him closely, trying to understand him as he studied you. He could see in the slight press of your lips, as if bracing to hiss or growl, ready to flee if needed. But he also noticed that, even in your obvious wariness, there was a glimmer of something more—a reluctant trust, perhaps, that he wasn’t here to harm you.

He took a careful step forward, his voice calm. “Can you understand me?” he asked, each word slow and deliberate. 

Silence, save for the rhythmic lap of waves against the shore.

Opting to approach you through another means, Alhaitham raised a hand to his chest, fingertips gently pressing over his heart. He met your eyes, holding your gaze firmly, and said, “Alhaitham,” keeping his voice low, repeating the name once more, “Al-Haitham,” drawing each syllable with deliberate clarity.

You head tilted cutely, eyes blinking expressively. You watched his gesture, your gaze lingering on the hand over his heart, as if trying to decipher the meaning in his movements and tone. He could see your intrigue, the silent intelligence behind your eyes suggesting that, though there was no response, his words had not entirely gone unnoticed.

Satisfied to have given you something to hold onto, Alhaitham took a deep breath to calm himself.

Internally, the scribe wrestled with a series of difficult choices. Returning you to the sea seemed the most logical path, but there was no certainty that you’d survive the injuries. And considering the bystanders lingering in the area, leaving you there could be even more risky. On the other hand, bringing you to his own home was… complicated. The logistics alone were challenging. He lived a fair distance from Port Ormos—nearly half an hour by walking—and carrying you the entire way risked exposure for both you and himself.

As he turned these options over in his mind, you shifted slightly, a barely audible groan revealing you discomfort. The sight stirred an unexpected protectiveness within him. Practicality aside, leaving you in that state wasn’t an option he could consider.

He crouched beside you once again, his expression softening when he met your gaze. “It seems you’ve left me with little choice,” he murmured, half to himself. “I’ll have to find a way to take you with me.”

You blinked, your gaze never leaving him.

When he extended his hand toward you, you immediately stiffened and hissed aggressively, your body tensing as if bracing for what might come next. Alhaitham kept his movements slow and deliberate, waiting until the tension in your shoulders eased enough. When he placed a careful hand beneath you, your damp skin was smooth, cool to the touch, and your scales gleamed slightly even in the last traces of sunlight. Your breathing steadied, though he could still feel your persistent nerves.

He thought for a moment, gauging your weight, and realized it’d be challenging to carry you all the way to his home without attracting attention. He glanced back at the main harbor, then at you, pondering an alternative solution.

Then his eyes landed on an old wooden cart leaning against the weathered side of a nearby storage shed. The cart was small, probably used to transport boxes of fish or bags of supplies from the coast, with thick wheels designed to handle rough paths. Judging by the nets and equipment scattered around it, it likely belonged to a fisherman or trader who had left it unattended for the day.

With a hint of reluctance, Alhaitham assessed the cart and the possible risks of borrowing it. But practicality won out; the cart was discreet and functional, a solution he couldn’t ignore.

Carefully, he carried you toward the cart, moving at a steady, unhurried pace to keep your calm. You were clearly frightened, your body tensing slightly as he approached the cart, but your eyes remained focused on him, not on the unfamiliar contraption.

“It’s the best I can do for now,” he murmured, his tone gentler, as he placed a soft cloth he had found along the cart’s surface, creating a makeshift cushion over the rough wood.

Slowly, he guided you to sit, your injured tail carefully positioned on the padding. Your eyes darted between him and the cart, a flicker of nervousness visible in the way your fingers clenched and relaxed, but you stayed still, watching him intently as he adjusted the cloth around you.

Once he was certain you were settled, he grasped the iron handle of the cart and began to pull, setting a careful yet steady rhythm. The journey ahead was longer than he had anticipated, and he kept his attention on the road, his mind flooded with questions he couldn’t yet answer.

As you both traced the more secluded paths back to his home, Alhaitham found himself glancing over his shoulder at you, curiosity mingling with a cautious sense of awe. The sound of the cart’s wheels rolling over the uneven path filled the silence between you two, a strangely rhythmic backdrop for his swirling thoughts.

This encounter was unlike anything he had ever experienced. He had encountered beings as mythical as they were magical during his studies, but mermaids—real mermaids—had always been a subject wrapped in mystery and skepticism. And now here he was, with a living, breathing mystery being carried by him in an old, borrowed cart, with questions he could hardly begin to ask.

As he neared home, Alhaitham’s thoughts began to drift toward Kaveh, his housemate. The scribe knew he had the right to bring anyone he wanted into his own home, yet he couldn’t entirely ignore the small tug of doubt about what the architect might think of this stranger among them—especially given the undeniable peculiarity of the situation.

When they finally arrived, Alhaitham noticed an unusual stillness in the cart.

Looking back, he was startled to find you breathing heavily, your chest rising and falling with visible effort. Your eyelids fluttered, your gaze unfocused and barely registering your surroundings. He had assumed you were silent due to simple exhaustion, but now he could see your strength waning; the wound on your tail was no longer bleeding heavily, but your skin had lost its previous luster, becoming dull and slightly pale.

He realized, with a start, that you had likely been out of the water for too long, your injuries worsening your condition. Without a second thought, he lifted you into his arms, your weight shifting in his hold as he carefully cradled you against his chest. Your skin was colder than he had expected, and you barely reacted, your head drooping slightly to one side as he carried you through the entrance.

The house was quiet, he noticed. Kaveh was probably finishing a project or relaxing at the local tavern. In a way, it was a relief; Alhaitham didn’t want to face questions yet, not when every minute counted. Quickly, he headed to his suite, knowing the bathroom there would be the best place to stabilize you.

Reaching the bathroom, the scribe laid you on the floor, leaning you against the wall while he turned on the bathtub’s faucet. The water splashed and rose in the tub, filling the room with a soft, familiar sound, and he carefully tested the temperature, ensuring it was comfortable for you.

Once the tub was full, he returned to your side, sliding his arms around you to lift you again, and gently submerged you in the water.

The effect was almost immediate. The tension in your shoulders began to ease, your body relaxing as you adjusted to the gentle embrace of the water. Your tail submerged partially, the scales faintly shimmering as your breathing began to steady. You blinked slowly, your eyes finally regaining some clarity, and your gaze turned to him once more.

Alhaitham found himself watching you, captivated. The way you moved in the water was like observing a creature in its natural element; you were graceful, serene, each of your movements fluid and instinctive, even in such a small space. For a moment, you seemed almost at peace, adjusting to your new environment with a slight sense of wonder.

After a while, Alhaitham sat on a stool nearby, examining the wound on your tail with a more clinical gaze. The cut looked deeper up close, irregular and red along the edges, likely worsened by your struggle against the net.

Carefully, he extended his hand toward it, intending to assess the damage — but at the first touch, you recoiled, a soft yet distinct growl rumbling in your throat. Your eyes locked onto his hand, narrowing in a sharp warning.

“Easy,” he said softly, his voice measured and calm. “I just want to help.”

You held his gaze, still defensive, your eyes distrustful and unyielding.

Alhaitham considered his options, realizing he needed to show you his intentions. Slowly, he rolled up his sleeve, exposing a small area of his forearm. Using a small, sterilized knife from the medical kit he kept nearby, he made a small cut. Without breaking eye contact, he took a roll of bandages and tended to the wound, pressing a small cloth to it to stop the bleeding, then securing it with careful precision.

You watched intently, your sharp eyes following every movement as he applied the bandage and finished his demonstration. He extended his hand, showing you the process was harmless, then gestured toward your injured tail with a look of gentle insistence.

Your gaze shifted from the bandaged arm to his face, and then, slowly, you relented, your tail moving toward him in a tentative gesture of trust.

Alhaitham excused and his fingers moved over the surface of your tail, the scales cool and smooth under his touch, a strange blend of softness and strength. He found himself fascinated by the texture, each scale catching faint glimmers of color as he carefully cleaned the wound and applied a thin layer of antiseptic balm.

Your reaction was hesitant, but you didn’t resist, your gaze fixed on him with a mix of attentiveness and intrigue. Alhaitham was silent, focusing on his task, though he couldn’t shake the strange sensation of examining something so mythical, so utterly otherworldly.

When he finished, he moved back a bit, giving you space to adjust and settle into the bathtub.

For a moment, the room fell silent, and Alhaitham realized you were likely hungry. Recalling his pantry, he remembered there were some canned fish—a simple, if humble, option. He rose, nodding apologetically before heading to the kitchen.

There, he grabbed the can and opened it, the salty, familiar scent wafting into the air. When he returned, you watched him with expectant eyes, your curiosity rekindled. He sat beside the tub again and offered the food, waiting to see how you would react. At first, you wrinkled your nose, suspicion shining in your gaze, but after a moment, you carefully took a piece, chewing it timidly.

It was as if a switch had been flipped. You devoured the rest with surprising intensity, your hunger evident as you finished the fish with quick, eager bites. When you looked back at him, pupils dilated and gleaming, your expression softened into something almost sweet. The unguarded look, the silent request in your face, caught him off guard—you wanted more.

A slight smile played on his lips, amused by your sudden change. Without saying a word, he grabbed another can, opened it, and offered it to you. You accepted it with the same voracious energy, and he found himself even more captivated, watching you eat with a fascination that was part analytical, part genuine curiosity, a faint hint of acceptance surfacing.

“So that’s all it takes to earn your trust, huh? Just a bit of food,” he remarked, his voice carrying a tone of entertainment as he straightened on the stool, arms crossed. His eyes gleamed with rare humor, the softened edge that few had ever seen. When he chuckled, you looked up, momentarily intrigued by the sound.

But that lightness faded as his mind returned to the current situation, his brow furrowing in quiet thought.

Alhaitham couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the scene of this creature from myth, an enigma he could barely believe was real, now looking at him from his bathtub. And he, a man usually content with the solitude of his own space, was now bound to share it with you, a mystery he found himself inevitably drawn to.

He took a deep breath and leaned toward you, his fingers interlacing.

“Where did you come from, huh?” he asked, his voice softer this time, as if coaxing an answer. “How did you end up here in Sumeru of all places?”

Each question felt like a whisper, a thread he was following in search of answers he wasn’t sure you even had.

His gaze lingered on your face, his eyes softened as he searched for some hint of recognition, something that would give him insight into the untold story you carried. But you only tilted your head, watching him with those beautiful, sharp, and intrigued eyes, and he sighed, recognizing that these questions might not yield anything for now.

With a contemplative look, he continued, more to himself now, “I don’t know how long you’ll be staying here, but…” His gaze drifted to the edge of the tub. “We’ll need to get past this language barrier,” he said, watching you carefully, noticing how you seemed to respond, if not to his words, then at least to his tone. You might not have spoken yet, but he had a strong suspicion you understood more than he initially thought.

He straightened up again, arms crossed over his chest, already planning his next steps. “Teaching you some basics should be manageable,” he mused. “You seem smart. I’ll start with simple words. Maybe that’ll give us some common ground.”

His thoughts briefly wandered to the Akademiya’s library. The House of Daena held numerous books and journals, fragments of knowledge, notes from scholars who had studied all sorts of myths. Perhaps there was something in those pages that could hold the answers he needed. He’d make a point to return there tomorrow.

Lost in thought, he murmured, “I can’t keep you in the tub forever, either. We’ll have to address that eventually.” His voice trailed off as he considered the situation more practically. For now, the tub would suffice, but it was far from a long-term solution.

You followed his every movement, though it was clear your interest was more in your surroundings than in him.

Occasionally, your gaze would drift from the dim candlelight to the strange objects decorating the bathroom, absorbing each detail of this world that was foreign to you. Alhaitham found himself staring at you, surprised at how naturally you seemed to fit into the space—a strange contrast considering you were a creature of the water, yet here you were, curious and present in the heart of his world.

Moments passed in silence, both lost in separate thoughts—Alhaitham weighing his options.

Some time later, he noticed the way your eyes began to close, your body finally giving in to the day’s exhaustion. You leaned against the edge of the tub, breathing softly, eyelids heavy. A faint, almost affectionate smile crossed his lips as he murmured, “A long day, no doubt.”

With a low chuckle, he straightened, adjusting the dim lighting to give you peace. “Goodnight,” he said softly, letting the silence of the bathroom settle over you as he returned to his suite.

Once in his room, he shed the day’s fatigue along with his usual attire, slipping into more comfortable clothing. Yet even as he tried to shift his focus, his thoughts returned to you. The mystery of who you were, what you were, haunted him in the most unexpected ways. Every answer led to another question, but that wasn’t the unsettling part. No—it was the quiet fascination you stirred within him, a desire to unravel that he never had felt before.

Heading to the kitchen, he prepared a quick meal for himself. He served a simple broth, letting it simmer as he went over the potential tasks for tomorrow.

Pay a visit to the Akademiya’ library was a must, he concluded. Perhaps he could find some records that might offer insights into mermaid lore.

But there was more to consider—how would he navigate the practicalities of living alongside you? How’d Kaveh react to your existence? The solution to the language barrier seemed a smart move, but could you communicate in the same way humans did? The thoughts accumulated, persisting as he carried his food back to his chair.

Settling in with a book about the different cultures of the desert tribes, Alhaitham tried to immerse himself in its pages, though his eyes drifted now and then toward his suite door. There was a strange sense of responsibility he couldn’t ignore.

When he had read as much as his mind would allow for the night, he got up, walking quietly to the bathroom to check on you one last time.

You were there. You were real.

The faintest trace of a smile crossed his face as he saw you sleeping, your body half-submerged in the water, your tail draped over the side of the tub. The room fell into a gentle silence, the soft rhythm of your breathing the only sound.

He lingered there for a moment longer than necessary, his mind reluctantly calming as he absorbed the peace of the moment. Finally, he closed the door and turned, heading back to his room.

After finishing his nightly routines somewhere else, Alhaitham lay in bed, his thoughts wavering between the strange events of the day and the mysteries tomorrow would bring. But tonight, he allowed himself a rare luxury: to set aside the unknown, choosing instead to let the calm of the moment settle over him.

With one last lingering thought of you, he let sleep claim him, already aware that his life had changed, subtly but irrevocably, the moment he found you.

When the first rays of dawn slipped into the room, Alhaitham woke, his mind returning to the surreal events of the previous day. 

For a brief moment, he wondered if it had all been a trick of his tired mind, but the memory of your cautious yet inquisitive gaze quickly dismissed the notion. Getting up, he adjusted his clothes and headed to the bathroom, his mind already reflecting on the day’s responsibilities—and the unique situation of having a mermaid as an unexpected guest.

Opening the bathroom door, he was greeted by the sight of you already awake, fingers trailing through the water with a kind of childlike curiosity. As soon as you sensed his presence, you lifted your head, and he was met with what could only be described as a warm, welcoming look. Your sharp, reflective eyes held a glimmer of trust, hesitant but undeniably there, as if his arrival was something to be anticipated rather than feared. 

Alhaitham felt a small smile tug at his lips as he observed your response, taking it as a sign that you were becoming accustomed to him.

“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice softened by the quietness of the early hour.

The words seemed to capture your attention even more closely, though he knew the meaning might be lost on you. Still, he kept his tone gentle, observing the way you seemed to listen, almost as if searching for something familiar in his voice. “I see you’re feeling at home,” there was a hint of amusement in his tone, his eyes flicking to the water you were swirling with your fingers.

Turning to the sink, he splashed water on his face and grabbed his toothbrush, methodically following the movements of his morning routine. He was aware of your gaze, fixed on each motion, following the toothbrush in his hand as he brought it to his mouth. Pausing, he looked at you, the faintest smile curving his lips as he leaned back against the sink.

“Curious now, aren’t we? It’s a toothbrush. We use it to… well, keep our teeth clean,” he explained, though he had no real expectation that you’d understand. Nevertheless, there was something strangely satisfying about sharing these little details with you, as if guiding you through the peculiarities of human life.

You watched him closely, your eyes darting between the toothbrush, the sink, and the running water. The slight confusion on your face was so genuine, so openly curious, that he found himself chuckling quietly. “I suppose none of this makes sense to you. But we humans have our habits.”

When he finished, Alhaitham straightened, casting one last look in your direction before heading to the door. “I’ll bring you some breakfast,” he said, as much out of habit as anything else, already noting the slight inquisitive tilt of your head. He lingered a moment longer than necessary, almost reluctant to leave the room, before finally heading to the kitchen to prepare for the day.

Entering the kitchen, he found Kaveh already there, hunched over a cup of coffee with a look that bordered on pure misery. The dark circles under his eyes and his slow, almost agonizing sips of coffee told Alhaitham everything he needed to know.

“Rough night?” Alhaitham’s tone was clearly teasing, though he made little effort to hide his mild disapproval. Kaveh didn’t even bother looking up, merely muttering something unintelligible as he stared at his mug.

“Don’t start,” the other man grumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion. “It’s too early for your lectures.”

Alhaitham’s lips twitched in mockery, barely hiding an ironic smile. “Lectures? Hardly. Just an observation. Maybe a bit of moderation would do you good.”

Kaveh scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. “Moderation isn’t exactly your strong suit either, judging by the amount of research papers scattered around.” He drained his coffee, muttering something about Alhaitham’s inability to keep the house organized and stumbled toward his room, the door closing with a weary thud behind him.

Shaking his head, Alhaitham turned his attention to the fridge, rummaging through its contents with a quiet purpose. He picked a selection of food he hoped might appeal to you—some leftover shrimp, dried fish, and a few other options he thought might please a creature of the sea.

Returning to you, he noticed how your gaze instantly brightened at the sight of the food he held. A barely concealed smile crossed his face as he watched your eager expression, the way you leaned forward slightly, anticipation evident in your wide eyes.

“I see I’ve already discovered the key to earning your trust,” he commented with a soft chuckle, placing the food beside the tub. “A little food, and suddenly I’m not so intimidating.”

Sitting on the stool near the tub, he watched you as you picked up the shrimp, a glimmer of wonder followed by the same fervor with which you had devoured last night’s meal. The moment you tasted it, your expression shifted to one of contentment, and he couldn’t help but be amused by how expressive you were.

“Listen,” he began in a conversational tone, though he knew the full implications were likely lost on you, “I’ll need to be away for a while,” he paused, as if weighing his words. “However, in the meantime, I’ll also check if there’s anything that might be useful for understanding your situation.”

You looked up briefly, eyes attentive, and Alhaitham felt a spark of satisfaction at your apparent focus. It was as if, despite the language barrier, some part of you had grasped the importance of his words.

He continued, a thoughtful tone in his voice, “Besides, I can’t leave you in the bathtub indefinitely, so I’ll work on a more appropriate solution. I’d like to have it back, after all,” he paused, almost speaking to himself, “Then, there’s Kaveh too who I should approach the current subject but I can deal with him later. The most important now is figure out how we’re gonna work on building your vocabulary. Just enough so we can understand each other.”

The statement lingered in the air, half a plan and half a promise.

Alhaitham realized he was already thinking about putting his plans in action, wondering if he might start teaching you simple words and phrases as soon as possible. His fingers tapped absently on his knee as he considered the logistics, the potential challenges—and rewards—of bridging that language gap.

From time to time, your gaze fell on him, as if assessing his intentions, though it didn’t take long before your focus shifted again, captivated by something else now that sunlight bright your surroundings. He marveled at your ability to find fascination in the simplest things, and for a brief moment, he felt a strange pang of something he couldn’t quite identify—a bubbling discomfort in his stomach, almost unsettling.

The silence became comfortable, broken only by the occasional soft sound of the water and  you eating.

Alhaitham’s gaze drifted to the soft morning light stretching across the bathroom floor, and he suddenly realized he’d lost track of time.

A sigh escaped him as he finally rose from his seat. “Looks like that’s my cue.”

Your gaze followed him, an imperceptible questioning look in your eyes that made him chuckle softly. “What?” he said, his voice gentler. “I may not understand where you came from, but I’ll make sure you’re comfortable here.”

With one last look, he left the room to gather his things and prepare for work.

As he adjusted his attire, his thoughts returned to the moments you’d spent observing him—a feeling that lingered, even as he headed to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee.

Before leaving, he returned to check on you one last time and considered whether or not to lock the bedroom door. He doubted you’d drag yourself around the house and was sure Kaveh wouldn’t intrude on his privacy. So, he only closed the door and make his way to the exit.

He cast one last look behind him before leaving his home and heading toward the Akademiya.

At his work, Alhaitham went through the day with practiced ease. 

The tasks before him were routine; his hands swiftly leafed through documents, marking necessary corrections and assessing reports without losing pace. Occasionally, a colleague would pass by with a nod or a brief greeting, which he returned in his usual, calm manner, though his thoughts kept drifting back to you. He found himself wondering how you were doing, alone and adjusting to the strange, new world of his home.

During lunch, he took a detour to the House of Daena.

The familiar shelves surrounded him, but he was focused, his eyes scanning the spines of books and journals, all marked with references to the ancient legends and myths of Teyvat. Thanks to his access to restricted areas, he pored over some of the oldest and rarest manuscripts, hoping to glean at least a trace of knowledge about mermaids.

Most entries were vague at best—poetic reflections, scattered notes from long-dead historians, and tales from Fontaine that seemed like fables. However, he gathered hints that mermaids, if they existed, were mysterious beings known for their enchantments and charm over men, with powers beyond human understanding. Intriguing, though frustratingly incomplete.

As the sun began to set, Alhaitham finally left the office. 

On his way home, he stopped by a nearby fishmonger’s stall. Fresh seafood was piled high—crabs, shrimp, mussels. Selecting a variety, he figured you would enjoy the options. Just as he was reaching for his mora pouch, he spotted Kaveh rushing toward him from across the plaza, his usually composed friend looking distinctly out of sorts.

“Alhaitham!” Kaveh’s voice was breathless, incredulous, as he skidded to a halt beside him. “You—you need to go home. Right now!”

The scribe raised an eyebrow. “Good to see you too. But if you notice, I’m a bit busy at the moment.”

“No, no, you don’t understand,” Kaveh said, nervously running a hand through his hair. “There’s—there’s a naked woman in our kitchen!”

Both Alhaitham and the vendor froze, the scribe’s mind, thouggh, racing a mile a minute. Kaveh looked genuinely shaken, his cheeks flushed, eyes wide with a mix of panic and disbelief.

“A woman…?” Alhaitham repeated, the words slipping out as he tried to process what his friend had said.

“Yes! A very naked woman! In our kitchen!” Kaveh’s voice dropped to a hiss. “She’s just—she’s in there, rummaging through the food like she owns the place!”

The realization hit Alhaitham like a shock, his pulse quickening. He barely acknowledged the merchant’s chocked stare as he turned, leaving his purchases behind as he quickly made his way home. Kaveh struggled to keep up, throwing his hands in the air.

“Alhaitham, what’s going on? Do you know something? I should’ve known I wasn’t imagining things when I heard voices coming from your room this morning. Since when do you bring women home without even giving me a heads-up? And—she’s stunning! But who—what—?”

Alhaitham didn’t respond. His mind was a whirlwind of questions, scenarios, and a strange, unexpected excitement tinged with worry. He’d hoped you’d stay in the bathtub—not creating legs and wandering around defenseless.

Kaveh was still talking, ranting in exasperation, but Alhaitham only caught fragments.

“Just… be quiet for a moment,” he muttered, eyes fixed on the path as his pace quickened.

Upon arriving home, he opened the door cautiously, Kaveh practically breathing down his neck. Heading toward the kitchen, he felt a palpable tension. And then he saw you.

You were in the center of it, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun streaming through the windows. Your human form was… breathtaking. The long, now-dry locks of your hair cascaded over your shoulders, reaching your waist, framing your face with an ethereal quality that somehow amplified your beauty tenfold. Your features—sharp yet soft, and your eyes, still carrying that same hint of mystery and allure—caught the light, leaving him speechless.

Your skin seemed to glow, luminous in a way that appeared almost otherworldly. And you were indeed very, very naked.

His gaze remained, caught between awe and sheer disbelief. You were in his kitchen, the same creature he had found tangled in the fishing net, and yet, looking at you now, he couldn’t help but feel utterly captivated.

Kaveh stammered beside him, his face bright red as he averted his gaze. “Alhaitham, seriously! Are you going to explain this or just keep staring?”

Snapping out of his trance, Alhaitham cleared his throat, masking his surprise with a carefully neutral expression. He stepped forward, catching your attention. “You… You’re human now,” he murmured, almost to himself, the amazement still lingering in his voice.

You looked up, meeting his gaze with a glint of recognition and curiosity. In that moment, Alhaitham felt a faint trace of familiarity in your eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between you.

Then, to his surprise, you opened your mouth, and a single soft word escaped.

“‘Haitham.”

Alhaitham’s eyes widened. His name—or a version of it—spoken in your voice for the first time.

A strange warmth spread through him as he heard it, his own name seeming to carry an unexpected weight, as if imbued with the raw honesty of a first word. He barely had time to process it before you stepped closer and gently pulled his face toward yours, brushing the tip of your nose against his.

Kaveh let out an audible gasp beside him, his face flooding with color as he stumbled back, practically tripping over his own feet. “Archons above! What is happening to the world?” His voice was nearly a squeak as he pressed himself against the far wall, looking like he might faint from the shock.

Alhaitham, though not someone easily perturbed, found himself momentarily frozen, his pulse quickening as he processed your action. He had read about mermaid customs, albeit only briefly in fragmented records, but it occurred to him that this gesture might mean something— perhaps a greeting, a way of recognizing trust and acceptance.

With that realization, his surprise softened into something closer to warmth. The gesture felt innocent, sincere. Alhaitham’s lips curved upward, and his eyes softened as he met yours. “So, that’s how you say ‘hello,’” he murmured, his voice low, as if not wanting to break the moment.

You tilted your head, amusement gleaming in your gaze for the first time, as if you could somehow sense his thoughts. Meanwhile, Kaveh, still pressed against the wall, looked on with equal parts horror and disbelief.

“Oh, I’m going to lose my mind,” he muttered, covering his eyes as if to give the two of you some privacy. “Alhaitham, please tell me you have some kind of explanation for this—this whole situation.”

Ignoring the other man’s confused state, Alhaitham took a step back. “You surprised me,” he said, his voice softened, warmth in his tone. “I wasn’t expecting this. I wasn’t even sure if you could take on a human form, let alone speak so quickly.” He managed a small smile, the corners of his lips curling as he realized he had far more to learn about you than he initially thought.

Kaveh, still covering his eyes with one hand, muttered, “Unbelievable! You're still talking? Only you'd find yourself in this situation and still stay calm.”

Alhaitham shot him a brief look, though he couldn’t entirely blame him. Turning to you, he gently gestured for you to follow. “Come. Let’s find something for you to wear.”

As you followed him, Alhaitham tried to ignore Kaveh’s incredulous expression. He knew he’d be bombarded with questions later, but for now, all that mattered was getting you settled, dressed, and perhaps—if possible—beginning to understand the mystery you had brought into his life.

Alhaitham’s clothes hung loosely on you, but he found a way to tie them securely, adjusting the sleeves and waistband as comfortably as possible. 

While he dressed you, his eyes always averting when they fell on your exposed intimates, you looked down at yourself, wide-eyed and fascinated, tilting your head as if entranced by the strange, soft fabric now covering your skin. He noticed how you examined each new sensation—the way the sleeves brushed against your arms, how the fabric rested on your shoulders, and the feeling of something covering your legs. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched you try to make sense of it all.

Once he ensured you were clothed, your wound tended, and provided with food that seemed to delight you, Alhaitham guided you back to the main room, where Kaveh awaited.

The architect’s mouth fell open as he observed your every movement, absorbing how you moved with a blend of grace and wonder, entirely captivated by each new detail around you. Blissfully unaware of their gazes, you seemed utterly fascinated by how your own feet flexed and moved, watching them with open curiosity as if they were little, curious creatures.

Kaveh broke the silence, his eyes still wide with disbelief. “Alright… start explaining, or I might think I’m hallucinating. Or still drunk.”

Ever practical, Alhaitham recounted the events precisely, detailing how he found you entangled in fishing nets, the injury you’d suffered, and his decision to bring you home to heal.

“I didn’t know if she would survive in the wild with her injuries,” he added, his tone practical, though he couldn’t help glancing at you to make sure you were still comfortable. “It seemed the most reasonable option.”

Kaveh nodded slowly, his expression blank as he pieced together the story. “So, you’re saying she’s not just some random woman, but actually a mermaid—a living legend—and you decided to bring her here.” He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low whistle. “I can’t say I blame you. But… what do you plan to do next?”

Alhaitham crossed his arms, his gaze steady. “She’s free to leave whenever she wants. But with her injury”—he gestured subtly to your bandaged leg—“I doubt she’ll go far. Until she heals, she’ll stay here, and I’ll try to learn as much as I can. We still know so little about her species.”

Kaveh raised an eyebrow. “You realize what you’re saying, right? We’re talking about a mermaid, not just some stray animal you can study. People would pay a fortune just to catch a glimpse of her. She could be in real danger if someone else, or even the Akademiya, finds out.”

Alhaitham didn’t waver. “I’m well aware. That’s why, for now, she stays here. I’ll be careful.”

Kaveh, even relunctantly, nodded, his concern gradually shifting to fascination as he watched you stretch your legs, then flex your feet experimentally, giggling with delight.

“Does she understand us? I mean, can she speak our language since she had said your name a while ago?”

A faint smile played at the corner of Alhaitham’s lips. “She’s getting the hang of it.”

Kaveh brightened, leaning forward with a smile. “Ah, well, in that case…” He pointed to himself, speaking slowly and clearly, “Kaveh!”

Your gaze quickly lifted from your feet to study Kaveh, and you seemed to pay considerable attention to his name. With your brows slightly furrowed, you tilted your head, then murmured softly, “Haitham.”

Kaveh’s smile faltered, his face contorting in confusion as he shot Alhaitham an incredulous look, who was suppressing an amused look.

Determined, Kaveh repeated his name, louder this time. “Kaveh,” he insisted, as if pure repetition would yield better results.

You watched him with a mixture of curiosity and slight confusion, though a barely perceptible glimmer of pure mischief crossed your eyes. Confident, you repeated again: “Haitham.”

Alhaitham couldn’t hold back. A low chuckle escaped him, and he shook his head, watching Kaveh’s patience fray as he let out a dramatic sigh.

“Oh, I get it,” Kaveh muttered, crossing his arms and pouting. “I’m just the ‘other guy,’ huh?”

“She’s learning,” Alhaitham reassured, a faint but warm smile touching his lips. “It’ll take time, and she seems to have chosen a starting point.” He looked at you, his gaze softened. This didn’t escape the architect’s sharp eyes, who raised an eyebrow subtly.

In the end, Kaveh rolled his eyes but couldn’t fully hide a smile. “Well, I suppose I’m honored to be in her presence anyway,” his gaze lingered on you, his voice softening with a kind of reverence. “It’s still hard to believe. This—this is actually real.”

Alhaitham’s gaze shifted from Kaveh back to you, his eyes calm but observant. “Yes,” he murmured, more to himself than anyone else, “it is.” The smile in his eyes remained, becoming a bit more serious. “And I think our lives just got a lot more interesting.”

The conversation continued, flowing naturally between Alhaitham and Kaveh, though their attention rarely drifted from you.

Kaveh’s eyes shone with unmistakable fascination every time he looked in your direction, still grappling with the fact that he was in the presence of a mermaid. Alhaitham, meanwhile, was studying you with a different intent, as if weighing the potential for you not only adapt further, or learn and communicate, but perhaps even bridge the gap between your worlds entirely.

And yet, both men couldn’t ignore your beauty—a graceful, ethereal presence that captivated them even in this simple, domestic setting.

After a lull in the conversation, Kaveh cleared his throat, shifting his gaze between Alhaitham and you. “You know, I was thinking… does she have a name?” He looked at Alhaitham expectantly, as if the answer was obvious.

Alhaitham blinked, his expression unreadable for a moment. He hadn’t even considered it until now; you’d only just learned to say his name, so the thought of you having one of your own hadn’t crossed his mind.

Seeing his hesitation, Kaveh continued, “We can’t just keep calling her ‘she,’ ‘mermaid’, ‘woman’ or something vague all the time. She deserves a name.”

Alhaitham nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. She should have a name… something that suits her.” He looked at you, his gaze contemplative, as if searching for some hidden part of your essence to capture in a single word.

Kaveh, always the creative, leaned forward eagerly. “Alright, how about… ‘Sapphire’? She has that ethereal, oceanic vibe, right?”

Alhaitham frowned slightly. “Too obvious.”

Undeterred, Kaveh tried again. “Alright, then… ‘Pearl’? She has this… luminous quality.”

Alhaitham tilted his head. “A bit too delicate. It doesn’t match her strength.”

Kaveh leaned back on the sofa, rolling his eyes in annoyance. “Alright, Mr. Critic. What do you suggest?”

A faint spark of memory lit up Alhaitham’s eyes, and he looked at you, seemingly lost in thought.

“There was an ancient text I read some time ago about the mythology of a lost kingdom. In it, there was a name that stood out to me… (Y/N).” The name slipped from his lips with a gentle reverence, as if resurrected from some ancient memory.

You looked up, tilting your head at the sound. Something about the name resonated, as if it called to a part of you that you hadn’t realized was waiting for it. A faint glimmer of recognition seemed to flicker in your gaze, and the smallest, almost imperceptible smile curved your lips. Alhaitham noticed, his eyes widening as he observed your reaction.

Kaveh, noticing your response as well, let out a low whistle. “Well, that settles it. (Y/N). It has a mystique aura, something that feels… timeless.”

Alhaitham nodded, his gaze locked on yours with a hint of satisfaction. “(Y/N),” he repeated softly, as if affirming the choice. You responded by smiling at him, your expression open and serene, as if accepting the name as your own.

In that moment, Alhaitham felt a quiet sense of accomplishment, as if he had bridged another small yet meaningful gap between you and the human world. Kaveh, adjusting himself with a smile, looked at you both in reverence. “Well, it seems we’ve officially welcomed (Y/N) into our lives.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

The days passed quickly, and Alhaitham found himself studying you almost as closely as you seemed to study the world around you. 

Teaching you turned out to be a surprisingly smooth process—‘hello’, ‘yes’ and ‘no’ being the words you’ve learned easily and used the most along with his name. You absorbed new words with a quiet curiosity, and even when your attention drifted to things like sunlight gleaming on a glass or the smell of incense from somewhere nearby, you still seemed to remember his words as if you’d stored them in a special place in your mind.

Your palette was another revelation for him. While seafood seemed to be a favorite, you showed great interest in trying every dish he introduced to you, from savory curries to exotic native fruits from Sumeru. Alhaitham watched as your eyes widened in surprise at the first taste of a ripe Zaytun Peach, the juice trickling down your chin as you savored each bite. He found himself smiling at how you looked at the fruit as if it were a gift, a piece of magic in the form of sweetness.

One afternoon, Alhaitham arrived home to the sound of aggressive hisses and faint, curious purrs. Concerned, he quickly entered the house to find you pressed against the wall, wide-eyed as a gray tabby cat—likely a neighbor’s runaway—rubbed itself against your legs. At first, you recoiled, showing claws and sharp canines in an instinctive defense. But as soon as the creature began to purr, you softened. Alhaitham watched, amused, as you knelt down, carefully petting the animal with an almost reverent gentleness, murmuring the word “yes” repeatedly as if you were in mutual agreement with the feline’s own rumbling approving.

Then, there was Kaveh. 

The architect’s affection grew towards you—although every time he was determined to make you remember his name, he was met with your unique mischievous smile and the same answer each time: “Haitham.” 

You said it with a bit of cadence, as if relishing how it made him frown in exaggerated frustration. Alhaitham, leaning back in his chair one evening, smirked at the interaction, watching Kaveh’s latest attempt dissolve into another sigh of defeat.

“All right, I see what it’s going on” Kaveh grumbled one day, crossing his arms as you observed him with a playful glint in your eyes. “You’ll acknowledge me properly, eventually.” 

Once, however, you found Kaveh hunched over his workspace, focused on a miniature architectural model. You approached quietly, observing the delicate structures he had assembled with fascination. Noticing your presence, he looked up and saw the appreciative smile on your face, understanding it as a compliment. “At least someone here likes my work,” he murmured with a chuckle. “If only all my clients were this easy to please…” He paused, ironically melancholic, earning an empathetic hum from you.

Both men had fallen into a rhythm around you, somehow more accommodating than they had expected. They adjusted to your needs perfectly, sharing the responsibility of ensuring your comfort, and found themselves both challenged and charmed by your presence.

For you, on the other hand, their world had become a comfortable place, one where you settled into a rhythm of small delights and quiet discoveries.

One day, as Alhaitham prepared tea for the three of you, he found himself reflecting aloud, speaking as if to himself. “I never imagined a mythical creature would be so adaptable,” he glanced at you sitting on the floor of the living room, distractedly munching half an apple and reading the newspaper, marveling at the images and texts with the adorable little sounds of awe you let out. Alhaitham couldn’t hold back the affectionate smile.

Kaveh, sitting cross-legged as he studied his latest designs, looked up and nodded, laughing. “She’s adapted better than I did when I moved here,” he commented. “It’s nice to finally have a roommate who doesn’t critique my design choices every five minutes.”

Alhaitham shot him a look, but he wasn’t offended. “Maybe she knows that beauty is best observed without unnecessary comments,” he replied coolly, his eyes lingering on you as you immersed yourself in your things.

In your own way, you had made your home with them. And, day by day, both Alhaitham and Kaveh were discovering that perhaps they had made their home with you too.

Alhaitham had also been keeping his promise, carefully ensuring your safety and privacy within the walls of his home. 

However, as the days passed, he began to notice that your curiosity was growing restless. Though your injuries were healing well, you seemed all too aware of the world outside, especially whenever you sat by the living room window.

Hours would slip by as you watched the passing crowds, children playing, merchants bartering. He and Kaveh had tried to explain the dangers of going out, cautioning you that it wasn't the best idea until you were fully recovered, but your eagerness to explore was unmistakable.

So, after weighing the pros and cons and discussing the arrangement with Kaveh, Alhaitham made a decision: a small outing, just enough to satisfy your curiosity without risking too much exposure. You needed clothes anyway, something more suitable than his shirts or Kaveh’s oversized tunics. And thus, one sunny afternoon, after a few of your lessons and some necessary safety ensures, Alhaitham guided you through the bustling streets of Sumeru City and towards the Grand Bazaar.

The moment your bare feet touched the warm, sun-dappled street stones, your eyes lit up with childlike wonder. Every detail enchanted you—the intricate architecture, the intoxicating scent of spices in the air, the hum of life around you. Alhaitham noticed the way your gaze darted to every vibrant stall and passing stranger, taking in the chaos with delight.

However, he also noticed something else: the way nearly every man you passed seemed to pause, transfixed, their gazes lingering on you. 

It wasn’t just that they were admiring your beauty—they were captivated, their expressions turning almost dreamlike, as if spellbound. Alhaitham’s brows furrowed as he watched one guy receive a swift smack from his wife when she caught him staring a bit too long. He took a step closer to you, shielding you slightly from the attention, and you, caught up in everything around you, hardly noticed.

You gasped softly as you entered the Grand Bazaar, eyes wide with excitement. The stalls were filled with handmade crafts, woven fabrics, jars of colorful spices, and foods you’d never seen before. Alhaitham, trailing just behind you, couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth as he watched you light up at each new discovery, as if the world itself had become a treasure chest, and you were here to explore its wonders.

Before long, something shiny caught your attention—a stall laden with intricate jewelry. Without thinking, you wandered away from his side, drawn to the display like a moth to flame. Alhaitham followed, watching as you reached out to touch a delicate hairpin encrusted with tiny, shimmering green stones. 

The vendor, an older woman with a warm smile, caught your fascination and chuckled softly. “A beautiful accessory for a beautiful lady,” she said, her gaze shifting to Alhaitham with a knowing smile.

“Do you like that one?” Alhaitham asked gently. His tone was softened by an affection he didn’t quite manage to conceal.

“Yes,” you replied, your voice almost reverent as you ran your fingers over the hairpin, tracing each glimmering stone as though it held secrets of the ocean within.

He didn’t hesitate, reaching for his pouch and handing the vendor the necessary payment. The woman winked, her smile widening. “Lucky man, I’d say,” she murmured in a voice barely above a whisper, but Alhaitham caught it. He didn’t answer.

With a delighted smile, you thanked the vendor in your own way—a beaming, enchanted expression that lit up the old woman’s face as much as it did Alhaitham’s. You carefully cradled the accessory as if it were the most precious thing you’d ever owned, gazing at it as you walked away. But soon enough, your attention shifted to the scent of roasting fish at a nearby food stall. The vendor there, turning a skewer of freshly spiced fish over an open flame, waved you over with a friendly grin.

As you darted toward the stall, Alhaitham noticed something else in the jewelry display—a pendant with a smooth, iridescent stone that bore a striking resemblance to your tail. Silently, he purchased it, tucking the necklace into his pocket. The vendor gave him a sly look, but he ignored it, focusing instead on you, already entranced by the food stand.

“Oh, to be young again,” the vendor mused as she watched he leaving.

When he caught up with you at the food stall, you were leaning over the counter, staring in awe at the array of delicacies. The stall owner chuckled as you tilted your head curiously, taking in the fish skewers and assorted seafood. “She’s like a little fox in a new den,” he said to Alhaitham, amused by your wide-eyed fascination.

Alhaitham gave a small, knowing smile as he nodded. “You have no idea.”

The scribe exchanged a few coins for one of the skewers, then handed it to you with a small smile. Your fingers barely wrapped around it before you eagerly took a bite—too eager, it turned out, as you winced, the hot fish burning your tongue. Alhaitham sighed softly, his gaze both amused and indulgent.

“Careful,” he murmured, taking the skewer back for a moment and blowing gently on it, cooling it with a practiced patience. Watching him, you imitated his action, blowing on the skewer with the same careful attentiveness, which made his lips tug upward slightly. As he handed it back, you took another bite, this time savoring the flavors more slowly.

As the two of you continued to weave through the market, you marveled at every passing sight—the colors, the sounds of bartering, and the occasional street performer. You paused to watch a dancer swaying gracefully, her movements captivating as her bright clothing fluttered with each spin. Passersby occasionally nodded and greeted Alhaitham, who gave polite nods in return—their eyes going wide open when they saw you standing by his side. His attention, though, often shifted to you, keeping you close as you wandered, enchanted by your enthusiastic wonder.

Eventually, you stopped before a more discreet storefront draped with curtains of deep blue and gold. The sign above bore intricate lettering, and inside, racks and shelves brimmed with garments of all kinds. 

Alhaitham led you in, and you finished the skewer just as he did a quick sweep of the store. Taking the skewer stick, he tossed it into a nearby waste bin and approached the owner, an older gentleman with warm, thoughtful eyes.

The store was a treasure trove of fabrics in every shade, from vibrant hues to rich jewel tones, each piece imbued with a hint of Sumeru’s distinct, earthy style. Alhaitham and the owner spoke in low tones, exchanging opinions on a few pieces he was considering for you. But your eyes soon caught on a different rack—dresses and skirts crafted with delicate fabrics and intricate patterns.

Just then, a younger woman stepped out from behind one of the store’s curtain partitions. She looked you over with a friendly smile, her gaze lingering in admiration. “You have an eye for the finest pieces,” she said, her voice warm. “These are all my father’s designs. Here, let’s find one for you to try.”

She sorted through the rack with a discerning eye before settling on a dress. It was a pearly white, form-fitting but flowing at the hem, with soft layers and gentle ruffles. She led you to the dressing room, helping you into it as you fumbled with the ties and delicate fabric.

When you emerged from behind the dressing room curtain, the woman sighed audibly, her expression caught between pride and awe. Her reaction caught Alhaitham’s attention, and as he turned, his eyes settled on you—and stayed.

The dress fit you in a way that was both modest and striking. The neckline formed a gentle "V" between your collarbones, dipping gracefully but tastefully. The silhouette hugged your curves, enhancing your natural beauty, while the flowing fabric below the waist gave the dress an ethereal elegance, rising just above your heels.

Alhaitham was quiet, his gaze intent, his usual unreadable expression amazed, revealing a glimmer of something deeper—an admiration that ran silently but profoundly through him. He couldn’t look away, as though you’d become the center of his world in that moment.

For a brief moment, you met his eyes, and a silent understanding passed between you. You felt his unspoken thoughts, his breath subtly drawn in awe, and his gaze, filled with softness, lingering as though he was seeing you in a new light.

The shop owner’s voice cut through the moment. “I’d say we’ve found the perfect model for this design,” he said with a chuckle, nodding approvingly at you. “It looks as though it was made for her.”

Alhaitham’s lips curved into a faint smile, and he nodded. “Yeah. Indeed,” he agreed, his tone subdued but genuine. The shop owner offered a discount for future purchases, which Alhaitham accepted gratefully.

After purchasing a few more clothes, Alhaitham approached you and, with a hint of a smile, told you, “You look beautiful.” Though the words were simple, the sincerity in his gaze made them feel more profound. You understood his compliment, your expression softening as you smiled back at him with a shyness that made you glance away, if only for a second.

The shop owner mentioned shoes, but Alhaitham shook his head gently. He knew you’d be more comfortable as you were, free of any restricting footwear.

With your new clothes in hand, you left the place, your eyes still brimming with curiosity. Alhaitham stayed close to you as you continued exploring the bazaar, his mood lightened by the unexpected happiness you seemed to bring him. There was a new excitement in your steps, and he watched with subtle amusement, unable to deny the warmth growing within him as he saw the joy in your expression.

Returning home, you felt content, each step still buzzing with excitement from your discoveries, and the dress Alhaitham bought you flowing like water around you. 

Entering the house, the warm scent of food drifted from the kitchen. Kaveh was already there, busy at the stove, humming softly to himself as he prepared lunch. When he turned around and caught sight of you, his eyes widened, a slow, dazzled-like smile spreading across his face. 

“Well, look at you,” he said warmly, clearly charmed by the sight. “You look wonderful! For the first time, Alhaitham did a good job by buying you this dress,” his tone had a hint of teasing, and you saw Alhaitham’s brow twitch slightly, but he stayed silent, watching the two of you.

Kaveh’s admiration had a certain ease to it, a natural warmth that made you feel instantly welcome. He turned back to the stove, but not without another approving nod at your attire. Alhaitham’s silence prompted him to ask, “So… how was the city?” He threw a teasing glance Alhaitham’s way then at you. “Did our scribe here give you the grand tour all by himself?”

Alhaitham sighed, a hint of a smirk on his lips. “She wasn’t exactly difficult to entertain,” he replied dryly. “Everything was new, so it didn’t take much.”

Kaveh chuckled. 

“Of course it didn’t,” he set the food down, his gaze filled with an amused understanding. Alhaitham merely looked away, feigning indifference, though you sensed a certain pride beneath his casual tone.

During lunch, the two of them recounted little moments from the day—Kaveh enjoying the story of you burning your tongue on the fish skewer, and Alhaitham quietly reliving the way your eyes had sparkled at the Grand Bazaar’s colorful sights. But despite their words, their gazes often turned back to you, captivated by your delight in all the new things you’d encountered.

At one point, Kaveh leaned back, shooting Alhaitham a knowing look.

“So, a personal shopping trip, huh? Just the two of you,” he teased, clearly amused by the idea of Alhaitham guiding someone around. “How sweet.”

Alhaitham narrowed his gaze, giving Kaveh a warning look that said more than words could. But there was a subtle softness in his eyes as they drifted back to you, a sense of quiet caring that you caught, even if he tried to hide it.

After lunch, you noticed Alhaitham start to gathering the dishes, starting to cleaning them as Kaveh made his way to the living room. Walking over him, you lingered, staring at him until Kaveh looked back, caught off guard by your gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed. When you pulled out the hairpin Alhaitham had bought you earlier, he seemed to understand, a faint blush of realization coloring his cheeks.

“Oh, you want me to do your hair?” He chuckled, gesturing for you to sit. “Alright, alright, I’ll help.”

You settled in the chair, feeling his gentle hands working through your hair. He gathered it halfway, securing the rest with the pin and letting loose strands fall around your face. When he was done, he guided you to a mirror, smiling proudly as you took in the sight. The style was simple but lovely, suiting you perfectly.

“Beautiful,” he murmured softly, watching your expression over your shoulders as you took in the effect. For a moment, the two of you were lost in the quietness of that shared moment.

From behind you, a soft sound drew your attention. Alhaitham was standing in the doorway, watching, a fond look on his face. He must have finished cleaning the kitchen but had stayed, observing without saying a word.

You turned back to Kaveh, your gaze warm and filled with gratitude. 

“Kaveh,” you said softly, the name unfamiliar on your tongue but carrying genuine meaning.

His eyes widened, surprise flickering across his face before he grinned, laughing as he leaned back, crossing his arms.

“Finally saying my name, huh?” He teased, though his voice was warm, “I guess even a mermaid knows when to appreciate the finer things.” Despite his playful words, there was an unmistakable happiness in his gaze, as if your small act of gratitude had touched him.

With the meal finished and the midday light softening, the three of you spread out around the house. You curiously inspected the clothes Alhaitham had bought, marveling at the soft fabrics, while the two men chatted in the adjacent room. Kaveh’s voice floated over, calling to his housemate.

“Hey, listen. Cyno passed by earlier inviting us out to the tavern tonight. Tighnari is also coming. I didn’t give him an immediate answer given our… adorable guest,” his gaze flicked meaningfully to you, a question lingering unspoken between the two men.

They both turned, glancing at you thoughtfully. For a moment, you saw them exchange a silent conversation, considering whether the outing might be risky. But then Alhaitham gave a slight nod, resolute.

“We’ll take her with us,” he said confidently. “With the right precautions, it should be fine.” He glanced at you, his eyes filled with the assurance that they’d watch over you. “Besides,” he added with a hint of a smile, “I feel she’d be upset if we don’t take her to explore a little bit more now that she has seen the outside world.”

Kaveh chuckled, nodding. “Then it’s settled. Tonight, we’ll go to the tavern—all three of us.”

As the sky slowly darkened, anticipation hung in the air, the promise of the evening drawing closer. 

The afternoon had drifted by with Alhaitham trying to teach you new words and phrases, but your attention kept slipping back to the new clothes he’d bought. You ran your fingers over the fabrics, turning them this way and that to catch the light, dazzled with the colors and the softness. Alhaitham eventually gave up, sighing in quiet amusement as he noted just how material and delightfully vain you could be—a discovery he should’ve expected.

Later, you wandered into his suite room to bathe, instinctively drawn to the water. The moment you slipped into the warm tub, your legs transformed back into your shimmering tail, scales glinting under the water’s surface. 

It had left Kaveh speechless the first time he’d seen it—his penny dropping at your truly identity. You were truly a mermaid. Nonetheless, he wasn't less captivated by the change and your graceful form. Alhaitham, however, while more composed, could hardly hide his fascination, watching with a quiet intensity every time he witnessed the transition.

After bathing, you found yourself in a familiar routine: sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting as Alhaitham approached with your clothes. This time, though, he brought one of the recent purchase pieces; a beautiful dress in his hand—its fabric being of a rich, jade green; a vibrant hue that reminds of his own eyes-color but that seemed to intensify the shine and warmth of yours only. 

As he helped you ease into it, his fingers lingered as he adjusted the zipper, his gaze studying you, perhaps more than he realized. And though you found yourself shivering at the intensity of his eyes, there you were too—looking up at him, meeting his gaze firmly and sensing an admiration that he only allowed you to see.

“It suits you,” he murmured, his voice low, a hint of awe slipping through his usually neutral tone. In that dress, you seemed otherworldly, like a goddess who had emerged from the depths of the sea, carrying its beauty onto dry land with impossible grace.

He knelt down then to inspect your injury, noting the lingering redness. Alhaitham carefully applied an ointment, his touch gentle but focused, and you watched his expressions shift with a subtle concern. Then, with a slight nod of satisfaction, he helped you to your feet.

After that, you made your way to Kaveh, showing him the hairpin again, calling his name with a soft voice.

His smile grew, a touch of pride in his gaze as he admired the way his name sounded from your lips, and he took great care in doing your hair once more, letting strands fall loose to frame your face as he did before.

Finally ready, you three left for Lambad’s Tavern. 

The streets were alive with the buzz of evening activity, laughter and music drifting through the air as Alhaitham and Kaveh walked beside you. The city was lit by soft lantern light, and you felt a thrill at being part of it all, the world so different from anything you’d known.

At the tavern, the warm atmosphere enveloped you, the scent of spices and roasted meats filling the air.

Alhaitham spotted Cyno and Tighnari across the room almost immediately as the two of them also turned as you approached. Their greeting smiles fainted when their gazes fell on you, a moment of pure awe passing over their faces afterwards. Cyno blinked, visibly stunned, while Tighnari’s foxy-ears twitched, his sharp eyes widening in surprise.

The General Mahamatra, usually so composed, couldn’t seem to look away, his thoughts racing. He was accustomed to beauty in the world around him, yet something about your presence felt almost magical, like an ethereal vision he couldn’t quite understand.

As for Tighnari, his keen senses took in every detail—the way the green dress brought out the otherworldly depth in your eyes, or the elegance of your form. You were unlike anyone he’d ever encountered, and he was captivated, even if he tried to hide it.

Before any questions could arise, Kaveh, ever the quick-thinker, stepped in with an explanation. “She’s an exchange student. From Fontaine,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly. “She’s staying with us while she studies…uh, the culture of Sumeru.”

Alhaitham sighed at the obviousness of Kaveh’s excuse, but he didn’t counter it. Cyno and Tighnari shared a skeptical glance, clearly doubting the story, yet they chose not to press further. Instead, Alhaitham formally introduced you, mentioning your name, which you responded to with a slight, graceful nod and a cute ‘hello’ following.

But feeling the need to greet them in the way of your kind, you leaned closer, gently rubbing your nose against theirs. 

Kaveh gasped out loud.

Cyno’s eyes widened, a slight flush crept up his cheeks as he froze, uncharacteristically at a loss. Tighnari, caught off guard, felt his ears tensing, the action both charming and bewildering him. Your giggles bubbled up as you noticed their flustered expressions, a soft, musical sound that filled the space between you all.

Kaveh let out a nervous chuckle. “Ah…yeah, that’s—uh, her way of saying hello. Strange, right? These Fontaine’ people…”

Alhaitham, on the other hand, observed it all with a hint of entertainment, his gaze lingering on you fondly. Watching your interactions, he noted how naturally you’d adapted to his world, your curiosity and unique charm drawing everyone in, effortlessly weaving you into their circle. There was warmth in his eyes, a feeling that spoke of his growing fondness, and you caught his gaze, offering him a small, contented smile.

As the group settled in, you sat across from Cyno and Tighnari, studying them both with unabashed curiosity. 

Still recovering from your unexpected greeting, the two men seemed unsure of where to look, awkwardly averting their eyes when you met their gaze. Alhaitham leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement in his expression as he explained, “She’s not much for words, as you can see. Rather, she’s more the observant type.”

Cyno and Tighnari nodded, seeming to understand, though their curiosity was hardly quelled. 

The tavern around you started to fill with more patrons, the hum of voices rising, mingling with the occasional laugh, the sounds coming from different instruments and the clinking of glasses. It created a cozy warmth in the dimly lit space, and you felt it settle over you as if you were part of something larger, an integral piece in the lively tapestry of Sumeru’s life.

Kaveh wasted no time flagging down the bartender. “Bring your best wine,” he said with a grand, somewhat theatrical gesture, earning a sigh from Alhaitham.

Meanwhile, Tighnari leaned in toward you, his ears twitching with interest as he tried to engage you in conversation.

“So, do you like Sumeru so far?” he asked, a gentle curiosity in his tone.

You nodded with an enthusiastic “Yes”—the single word clear and confident, though it was accompanied by a slight tilt of your head.

Encouraged, he asked, “Do you enjoy learning about plants and animals?” Tighnari’s eyes sparkled, and you could tell he was ready to launch into an explanation if given the chance.

You paused, then shook your head, “No,” you answered, earning a quiet chuckled from Alhaitham.

“Ah, I see,” Tighnari replied, trying to hide his mild disappointment. “What about... Alhaitham and Kaveh?” His eyes glanced toward Alhaitham, who pretend to ignore his friend’s question.

You didn’t thought twice when you answered “Yes” with an affectionate smile, which made Tighnari smirk.

While you answered, you noticed Cyno observing you intently, his gaze unwavering and sharp. It wasn’t suspicious—it was more as if he were studying a puzzle, his curiosity piqued by your every move. His face softened whenever he noticed the subtle gestures that replaced your lack of words, as though trying to understand this new, unfamiliar way of communicating.

When the food and wine finally arrived, you noticed each man taking their mugs and raising them in a silent toast, exchanging knowing glances.

Intrigued, you pointed at Alhaitham’s drink, brows raised with interest. He looked at you hesitantly. “I’m not sure you’ll like it,” he warned, his tone gentle but unsure. Still, he handed you a mug.

The moment you tasted the wine, your expression twisted as the bitter taste hit your tongue. The others burst out laughing as you grimaced, clearly displeased.

Kaveh, grinning widely, leaned over with an exaggerated shrug. “Not everyone appreciates a fine vintage on the first try,” he teased, eyes sparkling with the warmth of the wine already.

But then, determined, you lifted the mug to your lips and downed the rest in a single go. As you set the mug down, you pointed to it, your eyes sparkling with challenge. The table fell silent for a beat, and then Kaveh broke into a delighted laugh. “Oh, now that’s spirit!” he cheered, filling your mug again with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Alhaitham, a touch surprised but clearly amused, leaned closer and murmured, “Take easy, ok?” His tone was warm, carrying that familiar attentiveness, the kind of care he often tried to mask with practicality. You met his gaze and gave a small nod, though your mischievous smile was enough to tell him you weren’t exactly planning on slowing down.

As the evening went on, the wine kept flowing, and so did the laughter. Kaveh quickly grew tipsy, his cheeks flushed as he leaned into his chair with a self-satisfied grin, occasionally throwing his arm around you, Cyno or Tighnari as he launched into some anecdote about his “architectural genius,” much to Alhaitham’s thinly veiled eye-rolls.

“Oh, and then,” Kaveh slurred, nudging Cyno with a huff, “there was that time Alhaitham here tried to negotiate a ‘reasonable’ discount on my work. Can you believe that?” He snorted, casting a playful, slightly glazed look in Alhaitham’s direction. “I swear, he’d argue the wind into changing direction if it suited him.”

Alhaitham only raised a brow, looking at him with an expression that silently asked for patience. “Kaveh, if I hadn’t ‘negotiated,’ you’d still be working to pay off last month’s tab.”

Tighnari chuckled, watching the exchange. “You two really are quite the pair,” he commented, taking a sip of his drink, his gaze shifting between the two of them with an amused glint.

Cyno, turning his attention to you, said, “Do you always put up with them like this?” His tone was deadpan, yet you sensed a glimmer of humor beneath his serious gaze.

Understanding his question, you nodded, a soft laugh escaping you. They all seemed to lighten up, relaxing in the warmth of your quiet amusement.

As the night deepened, Cyno set his drink down with a look of pure focus. “How about a round of TCG?” he suggested, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Tighnari let out a groan, tilting his head back dramatically.

“Oh no, not this again,” he sighed, but even he knew there was no escape.

Kaveh laughed, rolling his eyes in good-natured defeat.

“Fine, fine. But we’re keeping it short, or we’ll never hear the end of it from you,” he reached for his glass and gave you a playful wink. “Prepare yourself for the most intense game you’ve ever seen,” he said, clearly intending to make a spectacle of Cyno’s enthusiasm.

Curious, you leaned closer, watching as Cyno arranged the cards and dice with meticulous precision. His fingers moved quickly, each card laid down like a sacred ritual. Noticing your interest, he paused to offer a brief explanation of the game’s mechanics. 

“It’s all about strategy,” he explained, his tone almost reverent. “You play a character card, use skills, and roll dice to see how much power you have.” His eyes narrowed, smiling as he continued, “And don’t think it’s as simple as it sounds.”

You blinked, absorbing his words, but you barely had time to form a plan before the game was underway. 

Somehow, against all odds, you won the first round. The table fell into a mix of laughter and shock, each of them offering half-joking explanations.

“Beginner’s luck,” Tighnari insisted, though there was a glint of amusement in his eye.

Alhaitham chuckled softly. “Maybe (Y/N) is just a natural.”

But as the rounds continued, it became clear that “luck” wasn’t the only thing helping you.

One match after another, you swept the table, your fingers moving with a natural, effortless grace as you outplayed each of them. Cyno’s brow furrowed in concentration, and you could practically see the gears turning in his mind as he tried, unsuccessfully, to decode your moves.

Finally, with a mixture of disbelief and exasperation, Cyno looked at his cards in silence. “How…?” he muttered, half to himself.

Kaveh snorted, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Face it, man, she’s just unbeatable tonight. You, my friend, have been dethroned.”

Tighnari grinned, amused by Cyno’s frustration. “It’s impressive, honestly. Even the Champion of TCG is no match for her.”

You laughed, lifting your glass in a playful toast to your victory, which earned a round of mock cheers from the others. 

Alhaitham’s gaze was soft as he watched you—your enthusiasm, the brightness in your eyes as you revel in the thrill of each win. He’d seen you embracing new experiences and adventures of his ordinary day with open arms.

From the quiet enthusiasm when you learned a new word to the happiness back in the bazaar, and now, this lively night at the tavern—he felt an undeniable warmth, a subtle pull that went beyond simple admiration.

Just as another round was about to start, a group of local men, drunk and brimming with energy, pulled Kaveh from his chair and into a circle. “Come on, architect! Show us your moves!” they cheered, clapping their hands and forming a semi-circle for him to lead. With a laugh, Kaveh obliged, seamlessly joining them in the traditional dabke.

You watched in fascination, your attention captivated by the rhythmic stomping and spirited clapping. 

Kaveh’s movements were fluid, each step and stomp precise yet brimming with exuberance. His grin was infectious, and you found yourself clapping along, enchanted by the lively beat that seemed to pulse through the entire tavern.

Noticing your joy, Kaveh reached out and took your hand, pulling you into the half-circle. “Come on! You’ll love it!” he encouraged, and you laughed, letting yourself be drawn into the dance. 

Standing beside him, you mirrored his movements as best as you could, and although your steps were hesitant at first, his laughter and the others’ encouragement quickly dissolved any nervousness.

You found yourself swept up in the joy of the moment, your laughter ringing out as you stomped and clapped in sync with Kaveh. The tavern patrons cheered, a few even joining in to expand the circle. Each beat of the music seemed to echo in your heart, a vibrant, untamed rhythm that made you feel alive. Your hair swayed with each movement, your dress flowed around you as if it had a life of its own. For a brief moment, you forgot everything else, lost in the pure exhilaration of dance and laughter.

Watching from the sidelines, Alhaitham’s gaze lingered on you. 

He didn’t need to say a word; his expression spoke volumes. In his eyes, you were radiant—a vision of grace, strength, and unrestrained joy. He couldn’t help but marvel at how easily you fit into this place, how naturally you became part of it despite its strangeness. His chest tightened, a burning ache settling there, unfamiliar and yet… welcome. He remembered the first time he’d seen you, not too long ago, feeling vulnerable and cautious. Yet here you were, laughter filling the air, eyes alight with joy.

He hadn’t expected this—a mermaid, of all things, to stir something so profoundly human within him. But watching you, he couldn’t deny the feeling. It wasn’t simply admiration or intrigue anymore. It was something real, deeper, something that made his pulse quicken whenever he locked your gazes whenever you shared a fleeting smile or a touch of silent understanding.

A sudden chuckle from Tighnari pulled him from his thoughts, and he glanced over to see his friend smirking knowingly. “Not joining them?” He teased, his voice pitched just low enough for Alhaitham to hear.

Alhaitham glanced back at you, his lips curving in a slight smile. “I’m enjoying the view.”

Tighnari hummed, raising a brow. “Seems like you’re enjoying more than just the view.”

Ignoring Tighnari’s comment once again, Alhaitham focused his attention on you once more. 

When your eyes met, he felt that sensation again—a quiet acknowledgment of something unspoken but deeply felt. He gave you a subtle nod, his gaze lingering, as if committing this moment to memory.

When the dance ended, you were breathless, your cheeks flushed with happiness as you returned to the table. Kaveh, very tipsy and clearly pleased, clinked his glass against yours. “You were fantastic!” he cheered, his eyes bright with genuine pride.

Laughing, you took a sip of your drink, catching Alhaitham’s eye as you did. 

Ever since you started to live with him, sharing his culture, entering in the lonely empty of his heart and connecting with every detail that made of Alhaitham who he is, his intense gaze was something you couldn’t escape from—although neither did you want it when you were so mesmerized by him as he seemed to be with you. 

But tonight, something was different—something indescribable, unknown but pleasant, sent a soft thrill through you. This was more than a shared moment—it was a promise, a silent connection that seemed to anchor you both, even amidst the noise surrounding you.

The night had fully settled by the time the three of you left the tavern. 

The streets were nearly empty, bathed in the soft silver glow of a full moon overhead. A gentle breeze moved through the quiet city, carrying the faint, earthy scent of Sumeru’s flora. Stars scattered like distant lanterns in the sky, each one casting a pinprick of light over the tranquil world below. You looked up, awestruck by the vastness of the sky here. It was as if the city itself was cradled in the arms of the heavens, each corner brushed with stardust.

Alhaitham glanced at you, noticing the quiet wonder in your eyes as you took in the night’s beauty.

In the soft moonlight, your face was illuminated with an almost ethereal glow, your expression open and unguarded. Something about the way you stood there, gazing upwards as if communing with the stars, pulled invisible strings in his chest. Alhaitham found himself watching you in silence, the affection in his gaze hidden in the shadows, an unspoken tenderness that he wasn’t yet ready to voice.

Beside you, Kaveh swayed unsteadily, mumbling to himself in an incomprehensible mixture of words. You giggled, finding his drunken ramblings endlessly amusing, while Alhaitham sighed, shaking his head in disapproval but unable to suppress a small smile. He’d been prepared to carry Kaveh’s weight on his own, but you easily supported your share, surprising him with your hidden strength as you steadied the unsteady architect. You felt Alhaitham’s curious gaze settle on you, but you kept your eyes on Kaveh, helping guide him as he slurred out half-formed songs and laughter.

When you finally arrived at home, the quiet settled around you like a warm embrace. 

Together, you and Alhaitham gently placed Kaveh onto his bed, his face sinking blissfully into the pillows as he drifted into a heavy, blissful sleep. You both lingered for a moment, watching to make sure he was comfortable, before retreating to the living room, leaving Kaveh to his dreams.

Once there, the two of you stood alone, the silence wrapping around you like silk. The dim lamplight cast soft shadows across the room, pooling in the spaces between you. You faced each other, yet no words came—none were needed. 

Your eyes met his, and in that moment, something unspoken passed between you, a silent understanding woven with the night’s intimacy. It was a conversation of looks alone, a language more ancient than words. Your heart felt full, as if it were holding a secret too precious to release.

Alhaitham’s gaze held yours, steady and unwavering, as he reached into his pocket and drew out the small chain he’d bought back at the bazaar. The gemstone's shiny and iridescent hues caught the light, reflecting shades that soon reminded you of your tail’s colors—a perfect echo of your hidden self. 

He held it out to you, his lips curving into a wise smile that reached his eyes.

Without a word, he gestured for you to turn around. You did so, your heart pounding with anticipation as he draped the chain around your neck, his fingers brushing the nape of your neck as he fastened the clasp. The warmth of his touch lingered even after his hands moved away, and you lifted a hand to the pendant, feeling its weight settle over your heart.

Looking down, you felt a surge of emotions, a mixture of joy and affection as you admired the gift. But it wasn’t just happiness—it was something deeper, something far beyond simple gratitude. 

When you lifted your gaze back to him, your expression was serene, eyes glimmering with unspoken emotions.

Slowly, you reached up, placing a hand on his neck and gently pulling his face closer. Without hesitation, you leaned in, touching your forehead against his—a significant and intimate gesture but full of affection.

“Thank you,” you murmured, the words carrying layers of meaning, a depth that went beyond the simple gesture. It was gratitude for more than just the necklace—it was for his kindness, his patience, his caring, for seeing you in a way no one else could. For being a safe harbor in this unfamiliar world.

He was taken aback for a moment, the soft touch of your skin against his both surprising and disarming him. But then, a quiet smile forming as he held your gaze, his hand coming up to gently cradle your cheek. 

“You’re welcome,” he replied, his voice a gentle murmur, his thumb tracing a light path along your cheekbone.

Your hands lingered on his neck, feeling the softness of its skin and his hair, his own expression melting into something almost vulnerable. 

For a long, endless moment, you stayed there, close enough to feel the warmth of his breath, to catch the quiet tenderness in his jade eyes.

Neither of you spoke, letting the silence stretch, filling the room with the weight of implicity emotions. His gaze held yours, steady, and yet within it was a flicker of that deeper, unguarded feeling—a quiet, burgeoning affection that made your heart race.

Time seemed to stand still as you looked into each other’s eyes, a shared warmth weaving between you, a silent promise that neither of you had the words to speak.

And maybe, you didn’t even need it. 

[continue...]

[nessa007]

reasons to love live action ariel/eric

they both love to collect things. ariel collects things from the above world and keeps them in her grotto. eric collects things from his travels on his ship/from the ocean and keeps them in his library. the scene between them in the library is truly everything 🥹🥰

ariel showing him there’s even more to the things he had collected, smashing the rock to reveal what’s inside it, blowing into the shell and eric is completely in awe of her knowing these things

eric is so drawn to the sea because he was washed up onto land from a shipwreck as a baby and taken in by the royal family. so the sea is basically where he came from, just like ariel. ariel rescuing him just makes him even more drawn to the sea/ariel.

they both feel somewhat trapped. eric in his castle feeling misplaced and like he has to be a perfect prince and ariel feels trapped in the ocean. they both just want to escape and believe there is so much more to life than where they currently are.

ariel finding the mermaid figurine in eric’s library and eric saying “my little mermaid” (i SCREAMED internally) 😭 which he then gave it to ariel to keep ❤️

ariel pointing at the aries constellation to show eric what her name is and eventually leading him to correctly say “ariel” to which he replies “that’s a beautiful name” this was the cutest thing and so clever and this moment just has me so giddy i can’t 🥹

ursula making ariel forget that she has to get eric to kiss/fall in love with her in order for her to remain human. so eric/ariel’s relationship is so much more genuine. like we saw eric was about to kiss ariel when they were lying on the boat during “kiss the girl” but ariel got nervous and sat up. ariel just wanted to see eric again when she became human and wanted to get to know him and find out more about him and his world and they ended up falling for each other because of who they are as people and how similar they are to each other

their HEIGHT DIFFERENCE 🙌🥰

when eric slightly touches ariel’s hand as she sings to him after she rescued him

eric getting his own amazing song, “wild uncharted waters” where he sings about not being able to forget about ariel and can’t get her and her voice out of his head (i’m obsessed the way they even feature ariel’s voice on the song… literal chills)

ariel saving eric’s life for the second time when she steers the ship into ursula. she remembers how to steer the ship from when she saw eric on his ship when she saw him for the first time the night she saved him from drowning

when they go off exploring on their day out and they have so much fun with the townspeople, dancing and just being free

then they come back to the castle after falling into the lake and they’re soaked and giggling while hiding from eric’s mother and grimsby

ariel wearing eric’s hat and then she so adorably puts it back on eric’s head as she walks off to her room and eric is so clearly smitten with her

the way eric’s feelings for ariel are so strong that even ursula couldn’t make them disappear despite him being under her spell. he still cared so much for ariel during this and asked where she was

“ariel. it was you all along. i should’ve known.” 😭

eric pleading for them to send out ships to go find ariel after ursula is killed

eric finding ariel’s blue dress in the ocean but then putting it back in the water because he feels she’s gone forever and there’s no way they can be together 💔

eric sitting alone on the steps of his castle thinking about ariel / ariel lying on the rock (when she’s back to being a mermaid) looking at eric’s castle

eric looking up and seeing ariel in her blue dress petting max and he hugs her like he can’t believe she’s real and ariel hugs him so tight and they finally KISSSSS 😭🥰

the two of them getting to go off exploring the world together at the end and are just free to be who they are and go where they want TOGETHER

i could write even more but this is all off the top of my head.

I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR!!!!

[maxislvt]

Maritime Masochism

pairing(s): pirate!natasha romanoff x siren!reader

summary: Natasha was a woman born to explore the seven seas and all they had to offer. You were but a simple siren. Though none of her crew trust you, Natasha found it impossible to let you go.

warnings: afab!Reader, Dom!Natasha, Sub!Reader, boot humping,

a/n: I have sooo many thoughts about them but not enough time so this kinda sucks 😞 @wifeofnatasharomanoff

Event Masterlist

Natasha's heart only had one true love. The ocean had always called to her.

Her father was dishonorably discharged from the navy and her mother was the rebellious daughter of a fisherman. Natasha was practically born to be a pirate.

Natasha was made for the sea. Her lungs were meant to only inhale the bitter saltiness of the air and her eyes were cameras determined to capture every beautiful creature within the ocean. Only her nose could truly appreciate the stench of the ocean. She was blessed with hair long enough to catch the winds of the sea like a sail and ears sharp enough to hear all the beautiful songs the mermaids sang. Yet her hands had nothing.

When she was younger Natasha would occupy them by playing around in the sand and collecting sea shells. Now she was thirty years old and couldn't find much more than a fleeting join. Occasionally she'd pick up something interesting for Steve to draw but nothing that truly interested her. Natasha wasn't even foolish enough to consider wasting precious sea life for the sake of entertainment. She later found she didn't have the heart or the stomach to dissect it even if it died of natural causes.

Poseidon must have been particularly endeared by her respect for his creations because the ocean had given her something much more willing to deal with her unoccupied hands.

Natasha remembered the day she met you very clearly. Her men had decided to dock on a seemingly uncharted island to rest and gather some resources. Her father had always warned her about landing in places that seemingly did not exist, but Natasha had a crew much more competent than the others.

Amid her exploration, she heard a song. You sang a song of hubris and overconfidence to a woman much too strong and far too determined. Unlike all the sailors you had eaten before, Natasha was not driven by lust. Curiosity and raw strength were all she needed to overpower you.

Natasha had you pinned down and subjected to some rather intense questioning. You had many of your own. The two of you talked for hours. Everything you knew about humans was only from eating them. Natasha only knew about sea life from the perspective of a human. The hours flew by until Natasha's crew came looking for her. It was at that moment that you made a split-second decision. You grabbed Natasha's hand and joined her crew without a second thought.

It was love at first sight for both of you, but Natasha had something else in it for her. When she slit the palm of your hand, you bled a shimmery blue substance. It was then that Natasha's lack of knowledge of your anatomy became apparent. She was curious and that curiosity would be the death of you. Natasha wanted to experiment. She wasn't a scientist like Tony or Bruce, but she figured conducting research couldn't be that hard. Especially since you were a mostly willing subject.

"Your teeth are so clean," Natasha noted as she examined your teeth. They were smooth and white as pearls. It was shocking, especially considering how sharp they were. She curiously poked her thumb against one of the fangs. "They're so sharp too," She whispered in awe. Her fingers grazed your bottom lip and pushed down until your tongue came out.

It was quite long and had a strange purple color. The tip of it was pointed and strangely flexible. Teasingly, you slipped the wet muscle between Natasha's fingers. Unfortunately, it didn't have the reaction you wanted. Natasha pulled her hand away and began writing in a little red notebook. "What, did you not like that?" You asked nervously.

"It was interesting." She mumbled absentmindedly. Natasha focused entirely on writing for an awkward amount of time. "Can you pull your tongue out again?" An appreciative smile spread across her lips. It was deceptively cute. Her thumb pressed down on the center of your tongue and rubbed it until you started to drool. She took note of the thickness and color. "Is this just saliva or can it do other things?"

"It can be an aphrodisiac in large amounts," You mumbled while wiping your chin. You were confused. Was Natasha teasing you or was this her weird way of learning more? It didn't feel right but it wasn't wrong. As long as she didn't start cutting you open, there wasn't much to worry about. That's what you hoped at least.

𓆞༄･ﾟ𓆝࿐ ࿔*: 𓆟 𓆞༄･ﾟ𓆝࿐ ࿔*: 𓆟

Natasha had yet to pull out the surgical tools, but her exploration of you had gotten a lot more sensual.

"Nat, you have to be gentle or— ah."

You would've never thought coming back from a swim would warrant another impromptu examination. Well, you should've seen it coming. Natasha had never seen you in deep sea form before. If she didn't pester you about what you ate, she'd probably try and get a scale off of you.

"Does it hurt?" Natasha's voice came out with a husky accent. Her finger massaged your gills as gently as possible. "It feels good in my hand." The fins on your ears weren't as soft and sensitive as the ones on your neck. Their purpose was obvious and Natasha had already documented it in her notebook. Now she was just toying with you. "What about that?" It doesn't, but she liked to tease a bit.

You could barely keep yourself upright. "No, it just-" your hands clamped down over your mouth to suppress any noises that may have slipped out. The rest of the crew had made some not-so-subtle complaints about all the moaning that leaked through the cracks of Natasha's quarters. "You're having too much fun with this," You whimpered. It was pathetic. Sirens were one of the most dangerous creatures in the ocean and here you were being a plaything for some pirate.

Even when your knees buckled Natasha continued to tease. She placed her boot between your legs and smirked. "This is all the help you're gonna get from me." The laugh that came out of her was nothing short of evil. "Come on, don't be shy. It'll make you feel good." The tip of her boot nudged against your clit.

Your hips stuttered but eventually, you settled your cunt against the cold leather. The fabric of your panties was a frustrating barrier between you and proper stimulation. Your hips rolled forward at an unsteady pace. "Can't you just touch me?" You whined. It was hard to keep your voice low.

Natasha pressed harder. "I am touching you, you're just being greedy." Her thumb caressed the underside of your gills. She watched as your body frantically jerked and squirmed. The wet squelch from your cunt made her ears perk up. "Did you cum?"

You wanted to cave in on yourself and disappear into the depths of the ocean. "Don't tease me like this. You know the answer to that." You grumbled. The sticky fabric clinging to your mound was unbearable. Humiliation made your skin burn and your scales turned a sickly green color.

Natasha gasped and titled your head to the side. “I didn’t know your scales could change color.” Her hands rubbed the scales. She was a lot more gentle this time to avoid overstimulating you. Suddenly aware of the fact she may have gone a bit too far, she knelt in front of you. Maybe you would find her less intimidating now that she wasn’t towering over you. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to embarrass you.” Her arms wrapped around your shoulders to give you some proper affection.

You clear your throat in an attempt to keep the tears of embarrassment from flowing. As odd as it was, you couldn't find it in yourself to be upset with Natasha. You should've expected such strange affection from a woman somehow able to withstand the temptation of your song. "It's okay…" You're not entirely sure what else to say. Your relationship with her was just starting to develop and it was already so overwhelming. "I knew you were a weirdo, I just didn't think you'd be a freak too."

Natasha giggled and placed a kiss on one of your gills. "Whelp, you're in it for the long wrong now."

[matchadobo]

Could you please do the fantasy section with the mermaid and pirate prompt? I think it's 3. I'm a sucker for mermaids!

KIDD; mermaid x pirate

🌷matchadobo's 500 followers event🌷

wc: 2655

dialogue: "for someone who claims to hate me, you sure can't stay out of my waters. afraid you'll miss me?"

warning/s: no nsfw, playful-snarky dynamic, mermaid!reader x pirate!kidd, mild violence (mentions of killing but very mild), afab reader

the legend that spread like an epidemic back in scotland on an ear-splitting amount usually goes as a warning to those brave enough to survey the seas. a reminder to beware of the cursed waters from the land mystical creatures thrive. a land where myths can be seen.

one of which goes in a form of stories. it's the stories kidd grew tired of. an enchantress who owns a voice that hunts her prey through the tunes that threads its way to one's senses akin to a crawling seaweed across the walls of a desolate cave as it flutter by the currents of the deep sea.

so when kidd became a pirate and led his pack of misfits across uncharted seas, he had met one of these creatures he deemed foul and cursed. it was inevitable, he'd eventually have an encounter with one of them. that's when he made the mistake of meeting you of all mermaids. much more when his greedy, bastardly group was looting your territory lavished in treasure deep in the water.

if marines hadn't came and started thrashing his ship, you would've honestly killed him. it would be easy for you. after all, the bastard can't fucking swim. and you, you were skilled in the waters and the land. you were just kind of handicapped since you were fighting from the water.

his crew fetched a few bags of golds and pearls as per his orders. you took care of them and they have not returned the surface.

kidd and you parted with threats and boring glares. he vowed to have never come back. but not a day passed where you didn't think about him. nor had he let the night end without struggling on your effect on him as he embarrassingly daydream about you during the day.

maybe it was his daring demeanor, arrogant as he rashly challenged your fortress which intimidated most humans but not him. it irritated you, how dare he? but at the same time, it amused you. the nerve, the bravery, and the eager desire to get what he wants with fear never deterring him. most of all he even faced you, went toe to toe against your territory where you have most of the advantage.

or how those cursed devil fruits impressed you for the first time. because he somehow manipulated it to overwhelm you. a human had made you panic. he was especially etched in your brain and it made you mad. whether mad means angry or crazy, he drove you in that point of ambiguity either way because he had corrupted you.

he'd be no saint either. kidd is the type to take everything as a challenge. he strives to always win. so when he struggled with you, let alone put him in a situation near death; you tickled something in him. especially when you demonstrated your might as you reign over your territory. he couldn't help but obsess over the fact that your pride made his heart beat a little faster. was it adrenaline? his sheer desire to win in the face of the strong? or something else that involved the fuzzy shit down his stomach?

with the way you control the waves, pushing him to his limits as you stand resolute before him. you held the same pride, the same confidence in your ability that you would win and overwhelm him. he saw it in your iridescent eyes that you had the sheer intent to prevail. you managed to fuck him over with your snarks and insults with the same amount of mockery he gave you. but yours hit harder, your gaze and your words, especially the melody of your voice. your might has taken over him. maybe that's why he struggled and even had to retreat.

so it fucked you up, shook you to very fiber of your scales, to see his ship come back to your territory. he stood tall by the bow of his ship, looking for your eyes. and once he met them, something in the two of you stung. like a lightning hitting through the both of you.

so you let the waves take you to a mountain of rocks near his ship where a certain amount of distance put you superior to him.

"for someone who claims to hate me, you sure can't stay out of my waters. afraid you'll miss me?"

he broke into a thunderous laughter. it was as if the skies dimmed and lighting started appearing on the grey clouds. there would be a storm. the bastard brought it here it seems.

"oh mairi (scottish name associated with the sea, it's just his nickname for you 💙)." he said with a grin, shaking his head. he shifted in his feet, jumping from the ship railings towards the rocks where you reside as he propelled himself using his devil fruit.

you somewhat felt nervous when he began sauntering towards you, dandy as he approached you. as his boots grazed by the bumpy rocks and he closed the distance between the two of you, he squatted down to your level.

"that was quite a fight, aye? were you waitin' on me since then?" he raised a brow, canines tugging on his crimson lips. his golden arrogant eyes seems to have caught your tongue as you can't find words to snark back at him.

"you've got the nerve to stand this close to me in my territory." you stood your guard, remaining unfazed at his arrogance. but your heart was about to escape your chest. "i'd like you to have a look around, pirate. my people are on guard. one word from me and the lot of you bastards will sink. heard the sea doesn't treat you well. how does that sound?" you smiled back, tilting your head as you played right into his game. that right now, made his eye twitch.

so he stood back up and kept his distance because he only went closer so he could talk to you properly.

"didn't come here with no damn threat, 'kay? lower your fuckin' weapons because we got no business with bein' at war with you. matter of fact, it's the total damn opposite." his voice was a little louder, as if he was announcing it to your people too.

"the opposite? what, you wanna be friends, pirate?" you chuckled dryly, your people followed as well. amused at his display of cordiality.

"if that's how your pretty little fins would put it, aye. i want an alliance." he got down on your level, grinning as if he ordered you to agree.

"how forward. and fucking stupid." you sucked in your teeth. "asking to team up with me after attempting to pillage my territory is on a different level of audacity. you're delusional if you think i'd get on with your plans."

"you haven't even asked what's in it for you, mairi. come on now, ain't alliances a two way street?" he probed, looking deeper into your eyes as if he already knew you'd agree if he proceeds with his response.

you crossed your arms as a reply to let him proceed, sighing as you raised a brow.

"heard the florian triangle took some of your people captive." you felt paralyzed with his words, how did he know that? even info like that doesn't reach people like him. "why's that, hm? could it be you're not strong enough?"

"that's none of your business." you look away, growing uneasy. "why are you so keen on allying anyway?"

"i'm headed there and to get past i need one of your kind to navigate because the log pose fucks up there." he started, keenly observing how you would react. "in return, we get your people back, aye? what do you say?"

you didn't want to ever go back to the florian triangle, it was a traumatic experience. but if it meant going back to get your people which could be in expense for you, you'd do it in a heartbeat.

"if i'll do it, you only got me. i don't want to bring anyone else and lose more of my people."

"fine by me. think you're plenty strong enough to handle it."

you two set sail as you bid your land farewell, they're more than competent to fend for themselves all the while keeping your territory sound. you got settled on the bow of his ship, your tail hanging off the ledge as you watched your people bid you farewell. the island soon got smaller and smaller until you only see the mist of the horizion.

"mairi-san? we've got plenty of rum if you want some." a blond man as big as that redhead but just a bit smaller approached you, holding a barrel mug with a foamy top from the overflowing liquid as an offering to you. "we're on a journey, might as well share a drink." he was cordial and you felt nice about him, different from that arrogant bastard.

"save it. i don't drink human food. if anything, it unsettles me."

"oh don't worry, mairi. we're not tryna poison you." kidd snarked, hearing it a bit as a shout because he was sat far away at the couches in the middle of the deck while you were on the other end of the ship. "loosen up a little, aye?"

you couldn't see him but you know exactly where he is, you had to one up him and splashed a shit load of water concentrated on him. his crew laughed at the display of playfulness, lightening the air around you as you showed no hesitation and fear in messing with him.

you peeked behind you subtly, looking over your shoulder to see kidd drenched. he also became a bit weak because of its effect on his powers but his glare was all the more powerful. he ran his mouth, grumbling and rambling at you but it made you giggle. and that got him slurring nonsense when he saw you smile. he stomped to his quarters, trying to resolve whatever curse you inflicted on him once more.

but as soon as he got out of his quarters, you were way ahead of him and spook the shit outta him when you greeted him by the waters by the railings beside his door.

"why'd you hide?" you tilted your head, grinning with a discerning brow raised.

"jesus- fuck! don't just go sproutin' everywhere, god." he grumbled, shutting his door loudly.

"did i scare you?"

"as if, fuckin' mairi."

"name."

"what?"

"call me name. your dumb nickname isn't needed anymore." you chuckled a little, growing somewhat comfortable at the interaction.

there was a long while of silence, as if kidd was examining you from below as he leaned by the ship railings and got closer at you. you looked up at him and tilted your head, puzzled why he's looking too long.

"like my face that much? what's got you staring?"

you didn't miss how his ears turned red before he turned his back away, grumbling curses at you. still keeping his cool composure but his ears weren't.

"don't mistake me for shit like that. if anythin', you're the one who can't take your eyes off me."

"right. you might as well buy me a drink, as you humans say, with the way your acting around me, kidd."

there was a long while of staring, memorizing how you two look up close. how your skin glistened from the water sliding on your iridescent skin, with droplets on your lashes and hair sticking beautifully on your skin. or how his fluffy crimson locks brought out his striking, golden eyes from the contrast of his snowy skin, his red lips pressing into a thin line as he examined you up close got you thinking how it felt.

either of your response were valid. in the span of the short time you two were together, the tension is quite suffocating. as if begging to be addressed that you both are fascinated with each other.

aside from the foundation of being at each other's throats, it was clear that physical attraction played a part in the adrenaline rush of your clash. now was the time that it's being cemented when the proximity is too stifling.

"only drink i've got is rum, can you handle that?"

"hmm, challenging me right off the bat?"

"aye. human stuff bores you, ain't it? bet i could change that. we've got the finest fuckin' rum in 'ere."

you oughta do a whole lot of saving but it was a long way there, almost a day's worth of travel. might as well make the most out of your time in the victoria.

nightfall peaked and you two are still busy with rum and stories on each of your walks of life.

"so this is your first time meeting a mermaid?"

"aye. reacted poorly, didn't i?"

"exceptional is more like it. most just run away, afraid to get cursed. but you, you just rush in head first." you chuckled. "after all, the sea has already cast a curse on you."

a few more shots and you were slowly losing all sense, getting more forward, clingy, and daring with him. he's got a good hold of himself to not let you go to far, but your touch almost had a drunking affect itself inflicting on him.

"that's enough." he snatched the bottle away from you, noticing how dizzy you're becoming. you were initially sat on the railings with your tail hanging as it reach the floor of the deck. "jesus, as someone who acts like she got a stick up 'er ass, you don't know your limits, huh?"

"pft, what are you on abou-" you almost fell behind to the sea, kidd caught you on reflex, as if the sea wasn't your home and you'd be perfectly fine falling in it. "just let me fall, i'll sleep fine floating." you tapped on his cheek with shut eyes and a drunken smile.

"and you drift off somehwere so damn far, huh? can't have that." he manhandled you, effortlessly carrying you bridal style as he headed to his quarters.

that's when he truly noticed how you look. how you felt cold as you snuggle closer to his chest with the mountain of body heat source that is him. how carrying you made him a little bit weak because you're born from the sea itself but it made him feel a whole lot of things as he had you in his arms. or how your skin had that certain glow that mirrored the iridiscence of your eyes. you truly were a wonder.

"never have i pegged myself to be carryin' a damn mermaid in my tub, tuckin' her pretty little fins in 'ere. ain't that romantic?" he talked to himself, chuckling as he glanced at you.

as kidd reached over to the faucet of his tub to give you a little pool of water, you got jolted awake by his frame towering over you and the first thing you did was grab him by his shirt and pull him close. so very close you could hear the rapid beat of his heart.

"hey, tell me." you looked into his eyes, your huge ones almost hypnotizing him. "why've you got your guard down around me?"

"why? you plan on doin' somethin' bad?" a smirk coated his voice, his observant, yellow eyes peering down at your frame.

"hmm, no. i can feel it very well if you're tensed, angry, or even flustered. you were tensed and angry when you first tried to rob us, but now... you're even getting comfy with me." you started. "even though you're well aware i can fucking kill you."

"don't be absurd." he leaned down closer, closing the distance between the two of you your lips could almost touch. "i'll be way ahead of you once you do. that is, if you can kill me."

hellooooo thank you so much for the first request for my event! 🌷i hope you'll like this! seeing that you're fond of the mermaid au, i hope i did this justice ���🧜‍♀️

writing this was soooo cool 😍if i didn't have that god-forbid anatomy exam 😩 pls excuse my snail ass pacing bc reqs are comin in hot! + college 🪦

if you guys are interested in requesting a fic for my 500 followers event, my askbox is open! click here for the main event post for more info :DD i have open slots for forced proximity, hurt to comfort, fantasy, he puts you in your place (smut), and modern aus!

[anticidic]

*holds microphone up to pookie, do you wanna give me ideas for a mermaid/sea monster dazai / pirate chuuya AU? /nf :33

OOO that sounds fun, i can give you some headcanons that might help!!

i'm lowkey getting Moby Dick vibes, but instead of Chuuya searching for a great, mythical white whale, it's just a Dazai. :3

merman/sea monster Dazai ideas:

Chuuya's out here illegally fishing in uncharted waters because no one can tell him what to do and the waters far out to sea are quite literally a lawless land, but he's racing against time competing against other pirates

Dazai's supposed to be worth a pretty penny back on land, but all the fishing villages Chuuya came upon on land only spoke of some sort of vague creature that may or may not exist, so he's just patiently waiting until his line catches something out of the norm. he throws back all the fish and sharks he accidentally hooks.

Chuuya keeps changing his bait, and eventually he hooks something that says 'OW' and uhh, fish aren't supposed to talk?? when he looks over the railing and sees a tail flopping around above water, he's so confused and turns around and questions the nearby crew if they're messing with him, because it isn't funny

as he's reeling the line in slowly, the hook is caught in Dazai's tail :( Dazai flails around in midair and tells Chuuya, "Unhand me, heathen!" and smacks his tail against the ship

Chuuya's STILL confused, and did he accidentally drink seawater or something because is he hallucinating or seeing this right? a sea creature is speaking to him? he thinks it's a man who went overboard and he's not sure how he feels about saving this guy, Dazai's kinda staring daggers up at him despite being upside down

Dazai's in the bargaining phase and offers to lead Chuuya and his pirate crew to the great undersea treasure lost at the bottom of the ocean if he lets him go, dammit

a crewmember warns Chuuya this guy might actually be a siren trying to lead them all to their deaths. Chuuya thinks he has a good point, and threatens to harpoon Dazai. Dazai continues wriggling around and eventually frees himself and flops back into the water

still irritated by his poor tail getting caught, Dazai seems to retreat for a while and the waters become calm again until he returns with a vengeance and starts throwing things at the ship's hull, springing a leak

now Chuuya's annoyed because he worked hard for a lot of money for this ship and this guy won't leave them alone. he hears some sort of scratching like human fingernails against wood at some point, and when he looks over, he sees Dazai slowly crawling up the side of the ship?? it actually spooks him a lil when Dazai reaches the top

other Dazai/Chuuya hcs:

Dazai has pretty, iridescent scales that get duller if he's sick :(

he'd actually have a really pretty, albeit haunting, singing voice as a siren, but he sings about strange things like his prey's greatest fears. (he sings about loss and the crippling void left by losing everything he holds dear to Chuuya)

Dazai being some kind of underwater shapeshifter who can turn into a basilisk; you know you have the right guy because Dazai has literal snake eyes, forked tongue optional. and the sky turns dark and drizzled. he's just a sleepy, ancient guy and wants to be left alone and Chuuya's Not Wanted

admittedly, pirate!Chuu was in this for the money and/or poaching, but the fact Dazai speaks creeps him out

Dazai was rumored to be some sort of great leviathan who took no prisoners and this caught Chuuya's interest; a crewmember goes 'eek!' when they look overboard and see several glowing pairs of eyes looking up from the dark water

the bounty on Dazai's head turns into something more than just a trophy, people by the shore are legitimately terrified and Chuuya, as a renowned pirate, takes it upon himself to crack the case (probably a bad idea)

merman!Dazai likes sunbathing when he gets the chance, and he's accidentally beached himself a few times. sand does NOT feel good against his skin nor scales

alternatively: Chuuya's line hooks itself into one of Dazai's gills :(

[juhneenteagues]

Okay now that The Little Mermaid has surpassed $500M world wide, I’m ready for Disney to release a limited 2D animated tv sequel, titled ‘Uncharted Waters’.

And yes, i think it should be 2D. 12-15 episodes, 45-60mins each.

Each episode will detail the adventures Ariel and Eric go on traveling from place to place, learning about new people and their cultures. Along the way, the pair become even more of not only lovers, but best friends. They tell one another about their lives leading up to when they met on land. They discover just how MUCH of soulmates (platonic and romantic) they are, and how much they’re meant to be together - how they’re similar in so many ways, and their differences balance each other out.

(And ofc, they butt heads and disagree from time to time bc no one nor couple is perfect but that’s what makes their relationship and friendship so much stronger).

Then the finale of the animated show will have some sort of complicated situation down in Atlantica (I know they don’t really refer to Triton’s Kingdom as Atlantica in the movie) that only Ariel can solve, which will lead into a live action movie sequel called, you guessed it, “Return to the Sea”…. In the live action movie sequel Ariel gets to be a mermaid for like 85% of the movie, and Eric also gets turned into a merman and he can see what life is like under the sea. They each get to experience the best of both worlds (word to Hannah Montana)

And when the tv and movie sequels do amazing numbers there will be a third movie which will have Melody 🥹🥹🥹 the movie plot would somewhat similar to the animated movie sequel but no Morgana (love her down but no thanks)

Disney, pay these writers, animators, and actors what they’re owed so we can get these projects going! Animated TV series in 2025, live action movie sequel in 2028, live action trilogy in 2031!

And don’t forget to run me my check for these ideas!

- Halle Bailey’s EGOT campaign manager

[importantchaosgiver]

The Griffin And The Dragon:

Feathers And No Flaws

Summary: Welcome to the day in the life of a Princess of Concordia...

Warnings: Mentions of dead animals, slightly long

Masterlist

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No One's POV

In the land of Westeros, everyone knew who the King of the Seven Kingdoms was. King Viserys I Targaryen. However, our story begins somewhere far away from King's Landing or even Dragonstone. If you travelled North and navigated through treacherous waters from the furthest boarders for a few days, you would happen across an island. This is Concordia, on the very boarders of Westeros.

Concordia was quite isolated from the rest of the kingdoms, but they weren't entirely forgotten. Now, Concordia also had its own monarchy. King Maximus Arcane and his wife, Queen Galene Arcane. With their only child; Princess (Y/N) Arcane, First of Her Name. As she was their only child, that also meant she was the sole heir to the throne. A future responsibility that she was slowly being prepared for. As with all heirs. And (Y/N) was having a problem all heirs must face. The pressure to find a suitor. (Y/N) had to find a worthy man of a noble blood to sit beside her as her king. But, she wished to find a man who was pure of heart and kind. Easier said than done.

Most men were ambitious and hungry for power. (Y/N) could see their dark desires and turned them away. Which, of course, left her extremely limited for options. Don't get me wrong, she's a beautiful young woman. With her (h/c) hair and her (e/c) eyes that always held warmth and kindness in addition to her fair (s/c) skin. She was a jewel of the kingdom and was adored by all for her kindness, caring, witty and fun nature. But, she never strayed from the polite, proper and graceful princess she was brought up to be.

However, Concordia had a rather... unexpected history contained within the island itself. In times of old, when families were being made and the kingdoms were young, the most unlikely creatures came to Concordia to hide from being hunted down and slaughtered. And considering the distance between the lands, no one ever suspected anything. These creatures became nothing, but myth and legend to Westeros. Or, perhaps, just an old story to those who believed such beasts still existed. Concordia was a safe haven for these creatures. All manners of beings resided there. Griffins, Unicorns, the occasional dragon, leviathans, mermaids, sirens, some minotaurs, gorgans, vampires, werewolves. The list goes on and on. Most take shelter on mountains, deep in caves, within the dense forests or deep in the uncharted and treacherous waters. The people of Concordia could communicate with these beings, understand them, know how they feel and how they go about their lives. Intriguing, right? No wonder the House Arcane has a Griffin for its sigil. But, alas, let us embark on a tale of pain, plotting, love and lust...

******

Our tale begins with none other than Princess (Y/N), herself. Despite the chilly winds nipping at her nose and cheeks, she had a soft smile upon her face as she left the castle to head to where her griffin often resided. She always did her chores in the morning and she had to tend to her friend which often took the most time. So, she got up at the crack of dawn to begin. She arrived at the woods, smiling as she walked past other sleeping animals and creatures. A couple of wolf cubs, the occasional unicorn calf. And even some baby griffins. After a few moments, she found her griffin curled up in a ball, using his wings as a blanket. This was Alcatrax. Her dearest friend.

It made her giggle a little, seeing the big, intimidating and (sometimes) cranky Griffin curled up and snoozing like a cat. She was pretty sure the rumbles she heard was Alcatrax snoring. And so, it began. One of the challenges (Y/N) often faced with Alcatrax was the fact he was a heavy sleeper. He could sleep through a hurricane if he so wished. So, as you can imagine, it often took a lot of effort to wake him up. But, (Y/N) knew her griffin well and she knew just how to wake him up.

She dragged in a cow carcass after about ten minutes, the raw meat and blood producing its own unique smell. One such smell that Alcatrax instantly awoke to. Yes, the griffin who sleeps like a log wakes up to food. "Good morning, Alcatrax," (Y/N) said gently, putting his breakfast before him. The large grey griffin made a noise, equal to a grunt at his rider, almost as if he were saying 'good morning' back. He then began picking away at the carcass with his beak and talons. (Y/N) blocked out the sounds of bones cracking and breaking along with flesh being devoured as she helped fit on the saddle she would sit on. Once Alcatrax had finished his breakfast, he dipped his beak in a nearby lake, drinking his fill. As he did so, (Y/N) climbed onto his back, swinging a leg over the saddle and getting settled into it, her legs just in front of the wing joints; ready for a morning flight around the kingdom. Even griffins need their exercise.

Soon, Alcatrax was done and he knew the morning routine all too well. So, after he had drank the water he needed, he spread his massive grey feathered wings and began beating them against the air. The grass swayed beneath the gusts that were generated. Without any difficulty, Alcatrax's paws left the ground and they soared into the air. (Y/N) cheered, feeling the wind rushing through her hair as she gripped the saddle. Alcatrax heard the happiness and joy in his rider's voice as they soared above the clouds, the sun's orange rays shone upon them. She grinned, feeling the warm rays hitting her face.

They both enjoyed the peace of the early morning as Alcatrax flew through the air, circling the island and the kingdom, watching as more people woke up and went about their day. (Y/N) loved these sorts of mornings, seeing the kingdom she would one day rule, continuing its existence in peace and harmony. People from the city below saw the mighty grey griffin and smiled, knowing it was the princess they knew and loved.

Now, as you have guessed, Concordia has different customs that the rest of Westeros didn't have. Customs and that made them stand out and be considered strange. Such as, the people of Concordia didn't see kindness, generosity and love as a weakness. They treated people who deserved it with respect. They believed peace was the order of things, not power or ambition. In addition, women were considered equal to men, although political marriages still occured, they would try and at least make it a civil partnership. And to Concordia, its future was in the excellent hands of the princess.

But today was not going to be as happy as (Y/N) initially thought. Once her and Alcatrax finished their flight, landing in the large courtyard of the castle, she saw her parents and the royal court all outside. (Y/N) got off her griffin, taking off her gloves. "Mother? Father? Is all good well?" she queried. Their looks were solemn and Maximus held a note, presumably sent by raven. "My dear daughter, Queen Aemma has died in childbirth," Maximus said softly. (Y/N) paused. The Queen Consort of the Seven Kingdoms, Aemma Arryn... had perished? Aemma was a good friend to Concordia. It hurt to know she had passed.

"What of the child?" she whispered, praying to the gods that it wasn't all bad news. Galene shook her head, making (Y/N) cover her mouth in horror. Mother and child?! She couldn't even begin to imagine how much pain King Viserys and his daughter -Princess Rhaenyra- were feeling. (Y/N) knew Aemma well and knew how loving she was to her family. She felt tears gathering in her eyes. "Are we allowed to attend her funeral?" she asked, to which her father nodded. All three would go to pay their respects to this terrible tragedy...

******

Hope that's good. I'm still looking into HOTD lore so please bare with if there were any mistakes in this and any future updates. I will be posting a Masterlist also. Enjoy.

[differentnighttale]

Tara: Wolf Chronicles :Neveckisis Asheveck

Nevecksis Asheveck (Pronounced :Nii.Veck.Sis)

Tara: Wolf Chronicles

(Early intro for the 2nd part of the book)

(Yep,We are getting older guys)

Appearance: He is a very tall guy, he towers over Nate and Thalia is shorter, he has pale bronze skin, long and lean face and black, silky black hair which passed down his shoulders and is often braided. His ears are oddly pointed, and his eyes are rich, dark brown eyes. He is often in an anorak, trousers and boots.

Ability: Apart from being a werewolf, he can control ice and snow and play his magic flute

Race: Werewolf

Nationality: Indigenous Alaskan /Alaskan Native

Personality: Quite childish, does not like responsibly and enjoys having fun, is very curious, overly protective and loves making friends and can easily be influenced and likes learning about people or humans. He is very loud and immature and quite secretive. He often hides his happy, positive attitude with laughter and smiles. If he hates you, he hates you and if he cares, he cares. He does not understand human social cues.He is often described as a gentle but annoying ,incomptent giant.

Age: 15 as of 2011 (current)

Status: Guardian/Hunter /Storyteller

Sexuality: AroAce gay????

Hobbies: Hunting/Fishing/exploring uncharted land /telling stories/dancing and playing the flute that he crafted. He has a connection to nature.

Likes and dislikes: Staring the stars, dislikes the fae folk, loves hanging out with mermaids, loves adventures, HATES panther's shifters, telling jokes and enjoys having fun. Looking at the stars with Thalia of course.

Favourite Curse Words: One so far, Okay, its fuck.

Religion: Pagan/Shamanism

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Quotes:"I stretched my hands to my sides and stared at him,eyes narrowed.”What are you scared of?”I mocked ,my eyes swiveled.The blizzard ,the deep snow or the eerie quietness.”There's nothing sir ,no one here.It's only us.”I turned my head towards the sky as I felt the rough caress of the wind with eyes closed as I inhaled the icy air."

[pardonmydelays]

maybe there's more context but i noticed a lot of the time, public criticism for projects lands really heavily on lmm's shoulders. the reason why i'm saying this is because i binged his projects and its reception. apparently, when in the heights 2021 came out, there was a lot of discourse about the lack of afro-latino representation in the movie: this itself is completely justifiable and good. we shouldn't be scared to critique and start conversations about media. but i was a bit confused because all of the blame was put on lin and not the director? maybe you can provide more context here: i know he's the show's original creator and is famous, so he's reasonably gonna get more scrutiny; and he did have a role as a producer, but he talked about how they tried to take out the piragua guy, etc. so i assumed he didn't have full control, and usually, the director is the main focus, no?

and of course that period where people hated the song in the little mermaid and the movie being eh was his fault, and even the bad songs in wish somehow being his fault (despite him not being part of that lmao). i'm an international fan that recently listened to in the heights and was really impressed, so i wasn't aware of all of this.

and then the projects of his that were well received seem to have this begrudging energy. people liking tick tick boom (which he directed) but heaping the praise on andrew garfield (who deserves it!!) and not any for lin? like wtf i thought y'all love to make him the sole focus of critique.

these are just my impressions based on some heavy online surfing, and i wanted to ask your opinion!

i actually agree with everything you said here, anon.

let's start with in the heights (2021). i don't know if you're one of my mutuals, but if you are, you probably know already that i am not afraid of criticizing the movie. maybe not because of the lack of representation (i am a white woman so i feel like it's not my place to say anything about this but i totally understand why others can feel excluded), i have other issues with it tho. but, as far as i can tell, lin was not responsible for the casting & yet he was the one who apologized. so they basically said they were talking about casting afro-latinos but they ended up with actors who were just perfect for the roles in their opinion (also, leslie grace, the actress who plays nina, is, in fact, afro-latina). & yes, they were trying to get rid of piragua guy, mostly because they couldn't find anyone who could play him & they asked lin if he could do it (he wasn't supposed to be in the movie AT ALL & he only agreed cause he wanted to save piragua guy). so yes, they put all the blame on lin but those were not exactly his choices. also, speaking of lack of representation, did we already forget about what he did for people of color on broadway? cause i saw so many people calling him racist & it's just... are you sure we are talking about the same guy?

about the scuttlebutt, i have so many things to say. well, first of all, lin was only responsible for like, three songs in the little mermaid? wild uncharted waters & for the first time? damn, those songs are really good & i know most people agree. but there's also the scuttlebutt. so the hate comes mostly from people who hate awkwafina & her voice in general, they find it annoying. well, guess what: this song was supposed to be annoying. maybe it's hard to say when you just listen to it without any context, but damn, just watch the movie & then it makes a lot of sense. second of all: the main audience? kids. & as far as i can tell, the kids absolutely loved it. not every song has to be a masterpiece, some songs are JUST FOR FUN, let's not forget about that. i know a lot of people also complain because it's rap, well guess what, this is lmm we are talking about so what did you expect? it's just his thing, it doesn't have to be everyone's cup of tea, but damn, it's not gonna change just because some people don't like it, deal with it.

speaking of tick tick boom, i absolutely loved the movie & i agree, andrew garfield was incredible, but yes, i haven't seen anyone talking about lin, like??? he literally directed it. i saw one comment on polish website tho that goes like "lin manuel miranda, keep this name in mind cause he's gonna be huge one day" & i was like oh boy, i have news for you... (i'm sorry i hate my country so fucking much).

i'm not even gonna say anything about disney's wish because there's no point. he had nothing to do with it, absolutely nothing, & people still blame him... this is just ridiculous. come on.

i saw a twitter thread some time ago where someone was trying to prove that lin is a bad person in general & honestly, spending so much time online just to prove that someone is problematic is insane to me. go touch some fucking grass instead of being a hater.

honestly, i wish i knew why people hate him so much, yes, i know he is not perfect & he made some mistakes in the past (he even apologized for some of them) but there are so many celebrities who are much more problematic & yet they will hate on lin & try to paint him as evil. i will never understand this.

[aetheve]

warnings: ( drowning, near-death, implied trauma, mermaid! reader not fully proofread )

what about pirate! azul who found you on the shore, admiring the sights of sand and clouds, taking in the cool breeze of the wind against your skin that the firm ocean currents couldn't replicate. the wind took your song farther than the water could and returned it as it echoed back to you from the steep walls of rock that set the boundaries of the beach.

like you admired land, he admired you. he didn't notice the long tail that replaced your legs to make swimming easier or the paleness of your skin from years deep in the sea; no, he was too taken by your beauty to acknowledge that.

your being alone reminded him of life on the water, from the way your wet hair swayed like a ship's sails in the sun after a night of heavy rain to the way the pearls of your necklace shined under the sunlight like new jewels being exposed to the fire of his lantern after years hidden in old chests with more jewels of the like.

your song was like the whisper of waves against the bow of his boat when it reached his ears. it held all the answers about the ocean that maps and books could not provide him, all at his disposal if he only got close enough. it left him with a determination as he tried to get closer to hear more, to learn more.. but he didn't, as he knew such knowledge came with a price.

your eyes sang a different tune than the melody that left your lips, a warning he so quickly forgot at the sight of temptation. they were dark and gloomy, much like the depths of the sea that not even the sun could access. they were filled with the loneliness and solitude of a mermaid starved of the knowledge about humans she longed for, a longing he could never understand but knew all too well. the same darkness that pulled him under during a recent enemy attack, nearly drowning and suffocating him in its beauty, the same solitude he felt as he could no longer feel the sun's grasp or hear the surface's whispers as it pulled him deeper in her mind.

all the answers he wanted were at the tips of his fingers as he swallowed unhealthy amounts of saltwater.

such knowledge came with a price and he nearly paid it, finally the gravity of his near-death experience weighed heavy on him. it was so heavy that it held him in place, keeping a distance from you and the danger you lived within.

but fear wasn't the only thing that lingered.

an adrenaline not even the most dangerous of jobs could evoke returned to him; a fire he thought he lost in deep, blue ocean behind you was rekindled.

he backed away until your song was only a memory in the back of his mind, it wouldn't be for long though. he'd return to the sea and finally get the answers he wanted. this time he was a man with determination, a pirate will an 'x' on his uncharted map. he didn't know where he was going, but he was sure you'd be there waiting for him.

he didn't know how he knew this, but something told him you would be. you were apart of the ocean, after all.

[touhoutunes]

Title: Scale Wave

Arrangement: ガネメ

Album: アイの行方

Circle: ガネメ

Original: Mermaid from the Uncharted Land

[desiresign]

touhou music reccs, part one

paradise ~ deep mountain

night sakura of dead spirits

the lamentations known only by jizo

a shower of strange occurances

----

a tiny, tiny clever commander

mermaid from the uncharted land

the rabbit has landed

jelly stone

kitten of great fortune

the world is made in an adorable way

[comradekarin]

*SPOILERS FOR THE LITTLE MERMAID!!*

So many things to love about this movie, but how Ariel and Eric were written in particular was so good!! Ariel and Eric both having a collections of the other’s world (Ariel’s father destroying her collection and everyone telling her she doesn’t need that junk vs Eric telling her “no one’s really been in here”) and them bonding over it !! Eric figuring out Ariel’s name, a name that is literally written in the stars (kicking my feet n giggling), Eric being adopted and out of place and drawn to the sea (where he “came” from) vs Ariel feeling misplaced and isolated for her curiosity regarding humans and being drawn to land, a statue of Eric in the grotto vs a figurine of “his little mermaid” in his studies (sobbing fr), Ariel and Eric both being scorned by their parents from doing the things they love out of fear for their safety but it’s also that same curiosity that allowed their parents to find love and humanity in the other, UNCHARTED WATERS????? Be so for real y’all chefs kiss, Ariel being able to save Eric from watching him in the beginning of the movie, Ariel and Eric dancing and just having a good time with the people, Ursula making it so that Ariel forgot about the kiss which made the moments between her and Eric so real!! Halle’s voice!!!! THE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE !! Disney live actions have never really hit for me and always felt like cash grabs, but this was so cute and I would highly recommend watching!!!

[adeanthepurpledragon]

The Secret Exchange Review

I just read one of the short anthology story of The Little Mermaid of “What if Eric met Ariel after she rescued him” which is a short Disney Twisted Tale Anthology short story I just finished reading.

Spoilers Ahead!

After Eric got shipwrecked from a wild hurricane storm Ariel saved him and brought him back to the beach but instead of Ariel just swimming off Ariel got to meet Eris face to face.

They got to talk to one another with Ariel saying she never talked to a human before and Eric feeling the same with never talking to a mermaid.

Eric shows Ariel the things from his surface world telling what they are called and what they do and even Ariel showing the things from her underwater world as they start to learn about one another’s worlds with Ariel knowing that humans aren’t as bad as her father King Triten sees them as being nothing but heartless harpooning killers and trashing the ocean with pollution although Ariel sees the good in humans after how Eric saw her as a mermaid.

Ariel tells Eric that her people are forbidden to take to the surface and especially talk to humans because of what her father King Triten thought of humans.

Eric heard his fellow sailors tell tales about the sea king that he had power to create wicked sea storms with his powerful Tritent now knowing through Ariel that her father the sea king was not like that and that Eric’s fellow sailors were telling tall sea tales about him while sailing the uncharted waters.

Ariel had to leave because it was getting late and her father would wonder where she went and had to go to a music rehearsal. One thing that humans and the merfolks had in common was their taste for music which Ariel once thought the musical instrument that Eric played was called a snarfblat was actually called a flute.

Eric wanted to see Ariel again curious to learn about her world the same way that she was about his world.

After waiting a long time for Ariel to see him again Eric was tricked into thinking that Ariel was in trouble and swam down in the ocean to find her only that he fell into the sea witch Ursula’s trap by her two eel henchmen.

Ariel found out what Ursula did to Eric setting a trap for him making him think she was in danger only to find that Ursula trapped Prince Eric in her giant pet clam.

With the umbrella that Prince Eric gave her she used it to free Prince Eric from suffocating inside Ursula’s pet giant clam then sent him back up to his boat.

In the end Ariel and Eric defeated the sea witch with also from help from the sea king. Ursula got eaten by her own pet giant clam and the merfolks that she imprisoned were now free with the sea witche’s power over them ended.

The sea king was intrigued in Prince Eric’s bravery to come to Ariel’s rescue as Ariel showed her father the different human stuff that helped her save Eric from the evil sea witch like the umbrella and the picnic basket and the fork which she once thought was a dinglehopper now knowing that it’s not used for fixing your hair but to eat food with.

The sea king was started to get fascinated in Eric’s world not being all as bad as he thought and he invited Prince Eric to have dinner with Ariel and him and the rest of the kingdom of Atlantica with Eric saying he can’t. King Triten used his magical tritent to turn Eric’s human legs into fins so he can join Ariel and her father to visit their kingdom of Atlantica so he can learn more about their underwater world while Ariel could also learn about Eric’s surface world on land.

Both Ariel and Eric swim off down to Atlantica together with them both yearning to know about each others world on land and in the ocean.

This was my interesting short review on one of the short anthology stories from The Disney Twisted Tales Anthology book I read right now. If you haven’t read the short stories from the Disney Twisted Tales I believe you should try finding the book for yourself and try giving it a good read, it’s real good believe me!

@drake-the-highlander @alexcanine @reformedladyfandom @jaysmily2919 @kingnice1219

[silver-la-pixels]

Weird dream I had last night

So we created ways to instantly land on other planets and it turned out that sever al of them had life. For obvious reasons, access was restricted to most of earth. I was in the body of/tagging along with a researcher who was doing fieldwork on the flora and fauna of a distant planet.

The planet had a large liquid surface similar to earth, but it was closer to agar in that it was organic matter high iin nutrients and full of microorganisms. There were plants around it, but they looked dead and the "water" was a muddy desaturated light lavender. The sky was a pale dim color, overcast. This planet also had mermaids. They were inexplicably human shaped and it was theorized that they used pheromones/spores/telepathy to appear that way to humans. They were the planets megafauna. This one was tagged by the researcher. He explained that majority of mermaid kills (they were semi agressive to humans) were due to either not seeming like a trap (by acting casual or drawing in humans for a conversation into the agar water) to careless humans, or by humans thinking they could easily break free from a mermaid tryin to drag them under. He also explained his tagging system of only marking species that tried to kill him( after he did more research after the event.) There were some small insectoids and fish, the plants were pretty uncharted though.