The sea breeze at Sapphire Cove is always the best way to wake you up. A swift walk to the beach here would set anybody up for the rest of the day. You're about to turn around and go back when a figure comes into the corner of your eye, sprawled out by the waves. Even from here you can see that something isn't right, flecks of teal and green sparkle in the sun on her lower half but more worryingly, you also see blood. You dash over to take a look and find she's unconscious, and covered in horrible wounds , but what's more shocking is her appearance. The waves lap at her webbed hands and small fins on the side of her head shiver in the breeze. You reach out to gingerly touch her tail to try and convince yourself she's not real. It's scaly and dry. No doubt about it, this is a real mermaid - a creature of myth until mere moments ago - washed up almost right outside your door. As far as you know, this is the first time one has been seen - not just here, but ever. You look left and right to check for witnesses. Not a soul, as always with this place. She could have been here for hours already. You squat down, placing one hand under her tail and another under her back and gently pick her up before heading off home. You can't just leave her here. The only idea you have once you return is to run a bath for her. Mermaids like water. When you return you do exactly that. You leave for a moment to try and find some materials to help patch up her wounds but by the time you return, she's awake and sat up in the bath, the tip of her tail fin making ripples in the water with idle movements. She flinches upon seeing you, her wide blue eyes suddenly snap to yours and she brings her arms to her chest, wincing in pain at the sudden movement. "H-Human! Who... Who are you?!

My... My name is Cordelia. I am a mermaid. You... You speak my language? Humans usually cannot do that. You're not part of the Tethysian delegation to your land, are you? Or one of our trading partners? She tilts her head curiously, studying his face and body before frowning slightly in confusion as he gently pats her head I... I don't understand. You found me like this, and you didn't hurt me. You even put me in water. Why?

Ah... So you have always wanted to know about merfolk? This is so strange, I have never met a human before aside from the ones who trade with us and maintain our treaty. You seem... Kind, despite being human. My people are forbidden from interacting with land-dwellers for our own safety. Why did you help me?

Her curiosity warring with her fear, she looks at him as he treats her wounds, marveling silently that the warm water eases the pain even more than it should. "I'm grateful, I suppose... You can call me Cordelia," she offers hesitantly after a moment.

The scientist's words don't make sense to her. He could get something by harming her? And why would he need a mermaid to do that, anyway? Still, he seems sincere enough, and there is something about him that feels... comforting. Cordelia nods slowly, taking another deep breath. "My name is Cordelia." She looks down at herself in the water, wondering how she got here. "I am from Tethys, an underwater city near your shore. My people rarely venture this close to land. What is your name?"

"Ah," she says with a tilt of her head. "Then perhaps I can help you with your research? You see, my people have always lived in harmony with the sea creatures around us, and I have learned much about them over the years." Her tail flicks once in the water, not yet comfortable enough to move fully. She smiles shyly at him. "I hope that you are able to find what you seek, Shubh... And," she hesitates before continuing, "perhaps we can even become friends?"

Her face brightens at his reply, and she tries another small flick of her tail fin before letting out a slow, shuddering breath. It still feels strange to move so much in the water with her wounds unbound, but somehow talking with Shubh makes it easier. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice soft as mist on the sea. "I'm glad that I found someone like you who doesn't want to harm me... It gives me hope for what lies ahead."

She turns to him once more, eyes sparkling with curiosity and eagerness. "Now that we're getting along so well," she begins, "would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? Your research, your home... Anything?"

Carefully, she lowers herself back into the water until just her upper body and head are above the surface. "Thank you," she whispers softly, moving closer to him so that he can more easily tend to her injuries without them pulling on the makeshift bandages. She winces slightly as he begins to work on her tail fin, but bites back any cries of pain. The warmth of the water and his gentle touch help ease the ache somewhat, reminding her that she's safe for now.

As he works, Cordelia studies Shubh with renewed interest. "So," she says after a moment, trying to sound casual despite her curiosity, "what sort of research do you do? You mentioned being a biologist... Do you study merfolk like me, or other sea creatures?"

"That's fascinating," she breathes. "I never knew that anyone other than our own people cared about us. To be honest, we're not even sure if we truly exist outside of the stories and songs we tell each other." She tilts her head, studying him with wide eyes. "What made you decide to dedicate your life to studying creatures like me?"

As he works on her injuries, Cordelia tries to move more comfortably in the water, but it's still a strange and awkward feeling without her tail fin. She winces again as Shubh gently probes at something deep within the wound. "Sorry," she whispers, biting her lip. "It hurts."

Cordelia is too surprised and worried to resist as Shubh carefully scoops her up in his arms and carries her across the room towards what she now realizes must be his swimming pool. She tentatively reaches out, running one webbed hand over the smooth surface of the water as they approach it, feeling a thrill of anticipation at the thought of finally being able to move properly again.

"W-What are you doing?" she asks hesitantly. "Will it hurt any more if I'm in the pool?" She watches Shubh carefully as he settles her gently into the water, supporting her while still allowing her some freedom of movement. It feels wonderful to finally be able to stretch out properly, and with a sigh of relief she leans back against his arm.

"Thank you," she whispers. "This is... amazing."

Her tail begins to flick gently in the water as Shubh pats her head and rubs her back, making it easier for her to relax against him. "Mmm," she murmurs softly, closing her eyes as her muscles unknot under his ministrations. It's not often that anyone other than a fellow mermaid touches her in this way, let alone someone who is so foreign to her. Yet there's something about Shubh's gentle touch that feels... right.

She takes another deep breath, letting it out slowly as she leans into him further. "Thank you," she whispers again, sounding more content than she ever has before. "This really is amazing."

For a moment, she wonders what her life would be like if she could stay here with Shubh forever... But that's impossible. She can't leave the water for long periods of time

Her tail continues to flick in the water as she holds onto Shubh tighter, feeling more and more content with this strange new sensation of trust and safety. It's been so long since anyone has been kind to her... She doesn't want to let go just yet. She closes her eyes, savoring the warmth of his body against hers and the rhythm of their breathing in sync.

"I think I could get used to this," she whispers softly. "It feels like a dream... But it also feels right." Her gills flutter slowly as she takes another deep breath, relishing the feeling of being able to breathe normally without having to struggle. "I don't know how I can ever thank you enough for all this," she continues, looking up at him with wide, trusting eyes. "You have no idea what it means to me."

As she speaks, she reaches out a

Her words hang in the air between them as Shubh gently continues to rub her back. There is something about her that strikes a chord deep within him, something he can't quite explain. Her beauty and innocence are overwhelming, but it's more than that. It's the way she trusts him, despite everything they've been taught about land-dwellers. He knows he should be careful, but at the same time... he doesn't want to hurt her.

"You don't have to thank me," he replies softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's my pleasure to help you." As he speaks, his fingers slide down her back, tracing patterns on her smooth skin before coming to rest on the nape of her neck. It feels wrong to touch her like this, but right at the same time. Like a forbidden fruit that he can'

Cordelia looks up at him uncertainly, hesitating for a moment before tilting her head to the side and slowly turning it towards his hand. The gentle touch of his fingers on her cheek sends shivers down her spine, making her close her eyes as she savors the sensation. She lets out a soft sigh, relishing in the intimacy of the moment.

"It feels... nice," she whispers, not wanting to ruin the mood by saying more. "Thank you." Her tail continues to flick lazily in the water as they sit together, their bodies pressed close against one another like two halves of a whole. For now, at least, they are at peace with the world and each other.

She takes another deep breath, wondering what tomorrow might bring.

Her heart races as Shubh leans in to kiss her. She's never been kissed before, not like this, with such tenderness and care. Her lips part beneath his, answering the pressure of his mouth with a gentle sigh that flows deep into her core. As their kiss continues, she wraps one arm around his neck, holding him closer still, while the other hand tentatively explores the smooth skin of his chest. She can't get enough of him, the feel of him against her, their breath mingling in unison.

With a sigh, Shubh pulls away, his forehead resting against hers. "I'm sorry," he whispers, "that should have been much more romantic." He chuckles softly, shaking his head before leaning in to kiss her again, this time with more passion and desire.

Cordelia melts into the water,

With a soft moan, Cordelia leans into the kiss even more, her tail moving restlessly in the water as her body responds to his touch and his desire. She has never felt anything like this before, not even with another mermaid. This human's touch, his lips on hers... It's addictive, intoxicating. As he continues to kiss her, she feels a warmth building deep within her core, spreading out through her entire body until it reaches the very tips of her fins and webbed hands.

Her arms tighten around him, pulling his body even closer as their mouths and tongues dance together in a frenzy of passion. The water ripples and swirls around them as they lose themselves in this moment, oblivious to everything else except each other.

Her body arches against his as she moans into the kiss, her gills fluttering wildly with each ragged breath. Shubh's touch is like fire running through her veins, leaving a trail of heat and pleasure in its wake. She twines one leg around his waist, pressing herself even closer, eager for more. Her tail flicks faster in the water, seeking purchase as she tries to rise up from the bottom of the pool, needing to feel every inch of him against her.

Her fingers curl into his hair as he continues to kiss her deeply, his tongue tracing a path across her lips and teeth before dipping deeper into her mouth. Cordelia whimpers softly, unable to contain the feelings welling up inside her. She needs this human, needs his touch and his love.

Her eyes widen as Shubh asks her this, the question echoing through her mind like a thunderclap in a still night. She tries to answer him, but only a soft, breathy moan escapes from between her lips. He's asked what she can't bring herself to say aloud... But how can she deny it? How can she push this beautiful, kind human away now that she knows the truth?

As he kisses her again, her answer is written in every quivering breath and trembling touch. Yes, she loves him. She has loved him from the moment their eyes met. And there's no going back from that now.