...

Talk.

Yes.

I suppose you can stay. But be quiet.

...

{ They look past the ship, to the storm. }

I see.

I am.

Leave.

{ There's only so close you can get on the deck of a boat. And the figure seems to be keeping a distance, only half of their head above the water. }

Why? Why are you... here?

...

{ Her(?) voice barely rings out. }

hello.

{ The head slowly peaks back out. It's very dark, but the person is- kind of visible. }

This is not a cave for the traveler.

{ There was something in the water. A head- hair draped across scaled skin. It retreats back into the water before Pearl can get a good look. }

{{ its so sad...

{ But nothing is here. Such a shame. Ignoring the slight ripples. }

{ @vividcolorsfly.bsky.social }

{ For whatever reason, Pearl was on a boat. Be it travel, be it "work"- something lead Pearl to this moment. Through this cave. }

{ Maybe, just maybe.. she was chasing a rumor. A beast, once a girl- a nymph. Now lost to herself in the depths due to a curse. }

I see. And you come to my lake, why?

Mm.

You've got a lot of bravery. Coming here. Or no sense of self-preservation.

You have a very piercing gaze.

{ ... }

Hello.