Of Land and Sea

The Fisherman

It was only for a moment, that elevation to the air. But in that moment, Elliott was certain his fate was sealed. That his time was to come far too soon to the hands of humanity, to have his body be desecrated instead of becoming one with the water like the others before him. He was almost ready to accept it, to stare death in the face without fear or sadness.

But as soon as he had prepared himself, his body was jolted with new life as the net lowered back to the sea. Once he was properly submerged, the human who caught him came over and cut away the bits of net Elliott was still tangled to. It took a few minutes, a few grunts and bits of reassurance, but Elliott was free. Blinking in sheer shock, he looked to his once tangled arm and moved it about, splashing a little in the water as if shocked that his arm was still even there.

"There ya go son, sorry 'bout that," the man said, a tip of his hat as he chucked the remains of the net in his boat. "Net fishin' is such a gamble. Get a huge amount of fish, or catch somethin' ya don't want. Why I typically prefer the good ol' rod above all else."

Elliott was simply silent, body mostly submerged in the water with only his face poking out of the water now, head tentacles floating around him. Looking at the man, eyes so confused... but so very grateful at the same time. This was his first encounter with a human, and with it, he expected the worst. The tale of humanity's cruel nature was well known amongst the merfolk, how they hunted for sport and cared only for their own self-preservation. Yet this human cut him free, brought him back to his watery home.

With another blink, Elliott gave a click of his tongue in thanks, not knowing the human lacked the ability to understand, and dove back into the water. As he completely submerged himself once more, he froze the moment his eyes fell upon the shark, remembering now just moments ago he was fleeing from the angered beast. But his startled reaction turned to peace when he sensed the now calm aura the shark had as it slowly approached, eyes full of amazement at how the merman returned.

"You're... alive?" was all it bubbled out, as if it didn't believe what was in front of it.

"Yes, I'm fine. You feeling better now?" Elliott clicked out, making sure to keep his distance just in case the shark's rage was to resurface.

"Yes, I... I'm sorry for that, sea protector. I was angered by a petty thing, and I realized nearly too late. When I saw you get caught... oh, by the sea, I've never been more scared," the shark bubbled, regret clear in their aura.

"Indeed... humans are a creature few of us have encountered with our lives in tact. At least, not without some horrid story to accompany it. This human... seemed far different from any of those stories," Elliott clicked, looking back at the shadow of the boat before he turned back to the shark.

"I wouldn't know, I never encountered a human before. Thankfully, the majority seem to fear us much like smaller fish do. I don't understand why, but I won't question our good fortune."

"Of course. Your nature is both a blessing and a curse in that way, unlike any others of the sea. While it is sad so many fear without knowing your kind... it does have benefits, no doubt," Elliott agreed, body easing as the shark made itself apparent to be harmless now. "Now, please tell me friend, what ailed you? Perhaps I may be of assistance."