The saltwater dripped off of your body, both skin and scales as you wriggled helplessly in the uncomfortable ropes of a fishing net, one of which you’d found yourself caught in. You could tell you were elevating, the net rubbing against both your tail and skin, unable to keep yourself from wincing.

As you were hoisted up, you felt the texture of the wooden deck, heard the rowdy commotion and conversation that you were almost sure related to the fact that you, a merperson, had been caught by a group of pirates. Just as you were tugged by the net, dragged with no regard for your safety, you were startled by the loud call of one whom could only be the captain herself.

“Alright ladies, leave it to me.”

Her tone firm and commanding, yet kind and calm. The woman crouched down beside you, gently tugging the net off of you, tossing it aside. She wore leather boots and two butterfly hairpieces on either side of her head, a collared undershirt, and a dark violet waistcoat overtop.

“Well, aren’t you the prettiest merperson I’ve laid eyes on.”

At her voice, you almost felt an overwhelming sense of knowledge that she wouldn’t hurt you or keep you on this ship against your will.