The Romance of a Mermaid (Light the Dark and Suspect)

The sun was rising from the ocean when Aveline gasped and sputtered to the surface of the water. Rivulets of saltwater streamed down her hair and into her face, stinging her eyes as she blinked to get her bearings. Land. She was near land. With a cough, she awkwardly splashed towards the rocky beach, thankful that she had surfaced so close to the shore.

She crawled up on the beach and collapsed, shivering from the chill of the air. It was nothing like this the last time she had been to the surface - but then, the sun had been shining high in the sky. It had felt so lovely on her tail... Aveline flinched, letting out a soft keen of pain. She had no tail anymore. In its place were two legs, like those the land-dwellers had.

If you enjoy the surface so much, there you shall live!

Shivering again, the sea air cold upon her body, Aveline closed her eyes. She hadn't wanted to come to the surface, not like this. She had been interested in the land-dwellers. But she had never wanted to become one! She liked her life in the sea. Yet, here she was, cold, alone, with nothing but herself and a wet scrap of canvas wrapped around her. She coughed again, clearing seawater from her lungs. Her new body was not made for swimming.

Waves crashed onto the shore, and she let out a sigh. She would have to try and get up. But not yet. She was too tired. So very tired, and cold. Aveline dozed off as the sun rose higher in the sky, bathing the former mermaid in its warm, golden light.

"Christopher! Christopher!" A shrilled voice came his name as he was still laying down in the bed. He groaned and held the pillow over his face, screaming into it then placing it behind his head as soon as his double doors opened up. There stood a female with blonde locks cascading down her back, her lips stained with pink lipstick. She wore a pink dress and heels and her skin was a perfect white. She placed her hands upon her hips and walked over towards him. "Honey, get up. Our wedding is almost here, so we got a lot of planning to do." She opened up the curtains and the sun made it's presence felt by kissing him upon his face. She threw her hands at him and walked out of his room. Christopher sighed as he fell back on his bed.

After a few more minutes of laying down, he got up and walked over to the window, looking down at the sea below. 'Time for a run.' He thought to himself while turning heel and walking out his room. He already had on a pair of short pants, so there was no need to change. However, he didn't have on a shirt, so his tanned toned body was present for everyone to see. Some of the maids, hell, even the butlers gasped and stared at him.

Christopher was now outside, sniffing the fresh air as he went to the back area, where the beach was.

Before running, he stretched his arms over his head, brought his feet up off the ground, buckling his knees then placing them back down on the sand. He took off in a slow pace, not wanting to run too hard, just yet. He ran all the way to the end then stretched again before running back towards his home. Though this time, he stopped in his tracks, seeing what appeared to be a young lady upon the shore. He ran over her quickly then checked to see if she was breathing. Her pulse was very short. He took her almost lifeless body into his arms, lifting up and making sure her body was secure enough before he ran slowly. Luckily, the doors to his home were already opened and he just ran right on in. "Help! She needs help!" Some of the butlers grabbed her out of his arms and took her a small room nearby, following where some of the maids. He shortly followed as he stood in the door way, his bride to be standing beside him, with a disgusted look upon her face.

Christopher rolled his eyes as he folded his arms over his chest and continued staring at the female laying down in the bed.

"Is she going to be okay?" He asked while pressing himself up and walking closer as his butler answered him. "She is going to be fine. Just need to rest." Christopher nodded as he turned to look back at his bride to be then back at the female.

He waited to see if before he left, if she was going to open up her eyes or not.

She felt...warm...

Aveline's eyes fluttered open, slowly noticing that she was no longer upon the beach. Indeed, she seemed to no longer be out side at all, and instead in some sort of dwelling, laying upon something soft. "Wha- where-?" She murmured, slowly sitting up. Her voice was soft and sweet, giving an almost lyrical quality to each word she spoke. Her eyes fell on a man who seemed to be staring at her, and she blushed. He stared with such...intensity. There was something in his eyes that the typical merman did not posses. And - from what she knew of land-dwellers - he didn't seem to be particularly clothed. But then, neither was she, if the other women nearby were anything to go by.

There was a woman, dressed in the color of coral, that looked as if she were angry at her. Aveline couldn't understand why - she hadn't done anything! How a woman could be so upset with someone she hadn't met yet, Aveline didn't know or understand. That was not the way of her people. She found herself instead looking at the not-particularly-clothed man. He was tan, much more than herself, looking as if he spent time out in the sun. And why was he looking at her so?

She didn't have a chance to look at the man for much longer. Another man closed in and asked, "Who are you? How did you get here?"

Aveline shied away, pulling at the fabric of the bedsheets in an attempt to hide herself. He was so abrupt. Merpeople did not talk so. But she was not among her kinfolk, and Aveline told herself she would do well to remember that. All the same... she looked down at her lap, and was quiet. How was she to answer? She didn't think most land-dwellers knew of her people. And if they did, she looked like a land-dweller now. She had a feeling she would never be believed. Shaking her head slightly, she let out a small noise of fear.

Hearing the female murmur a few words made him smile a little but it was quickly removed when his bride stepped to his side. "Can I talk you for a moment?" Christopher really wanted to tell her to leave him alone for a change but nodded as he followed her outside of the room and into a nearby hallway. "She is not staying here." She said while folding her arms over her ample chest, straighten her body as he glared at him. "Funny..." He said while stroking his chin and walking out of the hallway, waving his hands and arms dismissively around the building. "I don't remember this being your home." He then folded his arms over his chest as she placed hers on her hips then rolled her eyes. "What are you saying?" Perfect words for this moment, those words gave Christopher the chance to say what he really wanted to say.

"You have nothing but a pain to everyone in here. And it's best that you leave." He looked down as the ring then took it off his finger, placing it in the palm of her hand.

She stood there, speechless. Tears forming in her eyes. She sniffled then walked passed him and called out for someone to pack her bags and meet her outside. Before she left she turned to Christopher and pointed her finger dead at the center of his chest. "You will regret this." Christopher shook his head then walked away from, just as she walked away from him. Before he re-entered the room, he knocked upon the door, his butler answering as he waved for him to come on in. He curved his lips to speak, but what to say. He inhaled then exhaled while walking over to her, leaning up against the wall by the bed. "Sorry about that." His voice tone was softer than before. "So, who are you? And how did you get here? I missed those answers." He said with a hint of laughter while walking now and sitting on the bed but quickly getting up and pointed at the spot he sat down on. "May I sit here?" He asked then smiled brightly, showing his full set of pearly white teeth.

This female was what he has been waiting for. He could feel it. Instead of a scowling female like the other, she was sweet and delicate. He could tell by her features and tone of voice.

He waited for her to answer his questions as couldn't help but stare at her. This had to dream. She was his dream.

She nodded slowly to his asking if he could sit. Somehow, he did not frighten her like the other man had. Still, she found herself blushing, and she had to look away for a moment. Aveline ran her fingers over the coverings of the bed, as she tried to think of what to say. Her blonde hair fell in a curtain about her shoulders and her face, concealing her slightly as she drew in a deep breath.

She looked at the man through lowered lashes, as if unsure of his reaction. He was staring at her so openly. Was this the way of the land-dwellers? But... she felt like staring back. She wanted to, wanted to take in every movement of his, every smile and laugh. Aveline had never felt this way before - there was something about him, something different. It wasn't that he was a land-dweller. Or, at least, she didn't think it was. She certainly didn't feel this way about the other land-dwellers that were still in the room. She was... drawn to him, in a way... like her sisters always mentioned being drawn to their husbands. But that was silly - he was no merman, she couldn't be drawn to him... could she?

It was very possible she could.

It was all so much to take in, and Aveline was acutely aware of her new bodies near nakedness. She pulled the scrap of canvas and the cloth coverings around her tighter, and shivered. "My name... I am called Aveline." Her voice was soft. "I...swam...here." She said the words haltingly, a bit unsure.

"Aveline. Such a beautiful name." He said with a smile while noticing her trying to hide her face, seeing a hint of blush.

Christopher sat down and smiled at her while raising a brow. "You swam here? Impossible darling." He said while not even looking at her almost naked body but her facial features. He died care about her body. "Well, I am Christopher and this is my home. You are welcome to stay as long as you like." He said while standing up and smiling. He whispered into the ears of his butlers and maids then turned back to her, smiling again before leaving. He walked up to his room where he closed the door, leaning up against it as he shook his head loose of the previous thoughts. He rubbed his temple with his fingers then walked into his bathroom, running the faucet and cuffing his hands underneath the water, throwing it back up in his face. He reached and grabbed a towel from the rack nearby and dabbed his face off then looked at himself in the mirror.

With a sigh, he turned and walked over to his shower but there was a knock on his door, before he even turned the water. He let out a low growl then walked over to his door, opening so it was cracked. "What?" It was his brother, Samuel. "Who is that lovely female downstairs?" Christopher walked away from his door, allowing his brother access as he sat down on his bed. "Her name is Aveline." He said with a smile. "Whoa, what does the wicked witch got to say about that?" Samuel said with a laugh while sitting beside his brother. "She left. The wedding is off." Christopher stood up and folded his arms over his chest while walking over to his window, looking at the ocean view below. "Wow, I'm sorry man." His brother said sympathetically. "I'm not. Glad it's off. Now, I have to shower, so if you'll excuse me." He guided his brother out of his room then closed the door, locking it behind him.

The maids cooked a small something for Aveline to eat. The butlers got her something to wear. They entered the room, where she was and spoke together. "Per request of Prince Christopher." The maids placed a small tray with the food over her lap, along with a cup of water. The butlers placed the dress in the closet, hanging it up.

Christopher had shower and was now smelling good, he was even dressed up because he was going out in a few minutes. He made sure he looked up to par, after all he was the prince so he had to look his best. His personal maid came in a comb his hair, parting it in the middle. "Did you guys get Aveline everything I asked?" The maid nodded while talking. "Yes Sir, we did." Christopher smiled in the mirror as the maid patted him to let him know that she was done. "Thank you." He turned to her, fixing his clothing. "How do I look?" She gave him a thumbs up as he nodded before walking out of his room, walking downstairs and towards the room, where Aveline currently resided.

Before entering, he knocked then spoke from behind the door. "Hey, hope everything is going well as I requested." He said then turned the knob, pushing the door open as he had his eyes covered, just in case she was changing. "I'm fixing to head out and since you are new to the town, I was wondering if I could show you around." He smiled then dropped his hand from over his eyes. There was something about her, that he just couldn't but his finger on it. She was what he wanted, but he didn't want to fall for her too quick. Never making that mistake twice.

Of course he didn't believe she swam here. Her hand clenched in the fabric that covered her just slightly. No one would believe any of it. That she was forced to walk among the land-dwellers until... Well, she wasn't sure. Until her father was no longer angry with her. Or she broke the curse on her own, somehow. Though she wasn't sure how to break it. It might not even be possible.

At least... at least Christopher seemed nice. Handsome as well, but Aveline wasn't focused on that. Not that much, anyway. And - from the fact that she was being fed and provided proper land-dweller clothing - he was generous. She ate the food that she had been given - and such odd food it was! - drinking down water that wasn't salty. She had heard of this fresh water, but had never tasted it before - only those merpeople brave enough to swim to the deltas where the sea met a river had even chanced upon it. It was a novel experience for Aveline to taste something so similar to what she had lived in every day, and yet so different.

And then she was dressing, being helped by the female land-dweller. Aveline was thankful for it, even though it was quite a breach of modesty. She was so embarrassed by her new form. But at least she didn't have to admit she had no idea how this strange contraption that the other woman called a dress worked. By the time Christopher entered, the woman had helped her dress, and was just finishing plaiting Aveline's hair.

"I'm fixing to head out and since you are new to the town, I was wondering if I could show you around." Aveline saw his smile, and felt her knees go weak. Such an odd sensation. Her tail had never gone weak in such a way before.

"I..." She paused, considering, and then nodded. "I think I would like that." After all, she was stuck here for a while. She would have to learn as much as she could. Besides... the prospect of spending more time with Christopher sounded lovely to Aveline.

(( I apologize for the long wait. ))

A soft smile curved among his lips when she accepted his request to show her around. Christopher nodded then turned his head and called out. "Prepare me a limo, please." He walked into the room where Aveline was and walked towards her, resting his hands upon her upper arms and looking at her directly in her eyes. "And don't worry about a thing. I got everything." He rested his hand on heart then side aside, waving his arm out in front of him. "After you." He spoke softly while allowing her to pass by him.

When she passed by him, he followed behind her then stopped to close the door then escorted her out to the limo.

The butlers that were out there had the door already opened. He let Aveline get in the limo first then followed right behind her. "Just drive around town please." He said with a nod, the driver giving him a thumbs up. He smiled and leaned back in his seat as he leaned up and popped a bottle of Champagne. "Here you go." He said handing her a glass then pouring himself up one. "To...you, actually, welcoming you to my community." He said with a soft blush coming over his cheeks. He clung his glass to hers then took a quick sip as gulped down hard, pointing at a building. "That is where I took my first steps. Should have seen me." He said with a hint of laughter then pointing at a church. "I was suppose to get married there but we all know how that turned out." He said with a soft sigh then shrugged his shoulders on the matter. "You know, never asked you..." He swirled the champagne around his glass. "Where are you from?" He asked her with a raised brow, waiting for an immediate answer.

Aveline couldn't help but stare, wide eyed, at the city. She had been in a city in the ocean, but like everything else, the land-dwellers version was different.She tasted the golden liquid and let out a gasp of surprise. It was bubbly. She had never tasted anything like it. She took another sip in enjoyment. "What do you call this?" She asked, as he asked his question. Aveline blushed at her rudeness. "My apologies. That was rude of me." She murmured, looking down into her glass.

Biting her lip, she was silent. How was she supposed to answer his question? "From... a place nothing like this." She settled on, finally. Aveline chanced a glance up at him. "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

((apologies for it being so short. I'm braindead, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer))

((It's okay.))

Christopher chuckled a little at her question when she tasted the Champagne. "It's Champagne." He smiled while taking another sip from his glass. He noticed her blush then heard her words while shrugging his shoulders. "It's okay. Don't sweat it." He said with a soft smile, eyes locked on her as he raised a brow. "Come on, give me your best shot." He said in response to her saying that he wouldn't believe her if she told him where she was from.

As Christopher waited for her to respond, he told the driver to pull over at the nearest restaurant. When he did, he got out and opened the door, Christopher stepping out then holding his hand out for Aveline to grab. When she did, he brought her a little close to him and interlocked their arms as he saw some people that he knew. "Ah, hello there." He hugged them but their eyes fell upon Aveline. "Oh, my manners, this..." He waved for Aveline to come closer as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Is Aveline. Yeah, she is staying with me for awhile." They all nodded and smiled then walked up to Aveline and hugged her, admiring her features as well. When they went away, he rolled his eyes then looked at Aveline. "Sorry about that. Not easy being the Prince around here." He said with a hint of laughter following as they walked up to the doors. He pushed the double doors open and walked in with Aveline, all eyes were on them.

People jaws dropped as the waiter came up to them. "The usual spot, Sir?" The waiter asked as Christopher nodded. "Right this way."

His eyes went towards Aveline as he then smiled while wrapping their arms together again. He kind of liked Aveline but didn't want to seem like he was forcing it upon her. Their table were along the beach, but in a private sector. The waiter sat them down as Christopher had stopped him before he left. "Perhaps we should start off with water and salad?" He questioned while looking towards Aveline, making sure she was okay with the ordeal. He waved the waiter off when she gave an answer as he smiled while leaning up with a raised brow. "You know, you never told me where you were from." He chuckled while waiting for a response.