The morning air was crisp as Lyam steered the boat toward a quiet, seaside village they'd yet to explore together. Sirène, perched beside him with her chin resting on her hands, watched the shore grow closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
As they docked, Sirène's excitement became contagious. They had stopped at a town a few days ago to pick up fabrics, thinking that since Sirène planned on visiting more on shore places, an outfit would be a good idea for when she was on land. She pointed at everything from the brightly painted boats to the winding market streets lined with colorful stalls, her new linen skirt twirling around as she moved about. The town was bustling with early shoppers, but it had a quiet, unhurried energy—perfect for a day of exploring.
"Are you ready?" Lyam asked, smiling as he offered her his hand.
"Yes! What should we try first?" she asked, her eyes already wandering over the sights and sounds of the market.
They began at a stall overflowing with freshly baked pastries, the buttery scent filling the air. Lyam handed her a small flaky pastry dusted with powdered sugar. She took a tentative bite, and her eyes lit up as she tasted the soft, warm sweetness within.
"It's... wonderful!" she said between bites, cradling the pastry like it was a precious gem. "It's so soft, and sweet!"
Lyam laughed, watching her savor every bite. "There's more to try yet," he said, guiding her to a nearby stall where a vendor was selling juicy, vibrant fruits. He handed her a wedge of orange, which she bit into with a gasp of delight as the juice dripped down her chin.
They moved from stall to stall, sampling all sorts of foods: creamy cheeses, olives brined in spices, small fried fish, and an array of tangy pickled vegetables. Sirène tasted each one with fresh delight, her reactions ranging from wide-eyed surprise to peals of laughter.
Eventually, Lyam spotted a baker selling freshly made bread and small rounds of soft cheese. With a grin, he turned to Sirène. "How about we gather a little bit of everything and have our own picnic by the beach?"
Her smile widened, and she nodded eagerly. "That sounds perfect."
Arms full of a colorful array of food, they made their way down a winding path away from the busy market to a hidden stretch of beach. The sand was soft and warm, and the waves rolled in quietly, bringing with them the familiar scent of the sea. They spread out a blanket Lyam had tucked under his arm, and he laid out their picnic feast.
As they settled in, Sirène turned to him with a look of contentment, the sunlight casting a warm glow over her face. "I've never experienced anything like this before. Everything is so new and... it feels special," she said softly.
Lyam reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I wanted to share this with you. I knew you'd love it."
They began sampling their spread, each bite bringing with it a new wave of laughter and conversation. Sirène attempted to mimic Lyam's descriptions of flavors and textures, her voice rising and falling in animated excitement. She tasted the bread and cheese together, her eyes widening. "It's so soft and creamy—like a wave when it touches your skin but melts away," she said, giggling as Lyam raised an amused eyebrow.
"I didn't know you'd become a poet," he teased, nudging her playfully.
They ate until they were full, stretching out on the blanket as the sun rose higher in the sky. Sirène let her hand trail through the sand, watching the way it trickled between her fingers.
After a quiet moment, she looked over at him, her gaze thoughtful. "Do you ever miss living in the village?"
Lyam glanced up at the clear sky, considering her question. "Not really. I think... I always felt like something was missing there." He met her eyes, his smile soft. "But here, with you, I don't feel that way."
Her cheeks flushed, and she scooted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat in comfortable silence, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves as they rolled onto the shore.
Eventually, Sirène's eyes caught sight of a small purple clam shell near her foot. She picked it up, inspecting it closely, and then shyly handed it to Lyam.
"It's a gift," she said softly, her eyes shining. "I don't have much to give... but this reminds me of today, of everything I've felt and tasted here."
Lyam accepted the shell with a smile, tucking it carefully into his pocket. "It's perfect," he said. "I'll keep it with me wherever we go."
They stayed there, basking in the warm sun and the calm that seemed to surround them. And in that quiet, they knew they'd remember this day, tucked away in a small seaside town, with laughter, discovery, and the simple joy of just being together.
YOU ARE READING
A Mermaid for the Lonely
RomansaA mermaid named Sirène, whose job as a mermaid is to guide those who have died at sea to rest their souls and not be trapped. She typically finds sailors whose ships have sunk, and pirates and convoys alike. Her personality is one of seriousness, an...
