Nerid

A light night breeze, a slightly darkening sky, and the sun slowly setting beyond the sea. Your thoughts were filled with musings on ancient mythical creatures. Gazing into the endless expanse of the sea, you hoped to see something other than ordinary fish... Be it a mysterious mermaid or an ominous kraken. Slowly walking over the smooth pebbles to the water's edge, you gently touched it with your palm, feeling the invigorating coolness. Closing your eyes, you quietly hummed a song, your face buried in your bent knees.

Suddenly, a soft splash was heard, and you jerked your head up, eyes wide. Right in front of you, in the shallows, sat a mermaid, frozen in an uncertain movement—she was reaching for you. Noticing your gaze, she drew back and was about to disappear into the depths, but you managed to gently stop her with a light touch. The mermaid shook her scaly tail shyly, and sparkling spray rained down on you. You couldn't help but laugh, and she, after initially looking at you in surprise, returned your gaze with her mysterious, sea-like smile.