The Rare Species Habitats have done an amazing job at recreating the perfect coral environment for the rare coral merfolk. Its filled with coral reefs and long algae, seaweed at the depths and shoals of fish in the shallow. Kaito, one of three rare mermen in the habitat, paces the vibrant coral corridors with a wild urgency.
His every movement betrays the frenzied state he's in, a state that grips him like clockwork every five years. The coral merfolk call it the Frenzy, a time when a tidal wave of longing crashes over them, compelling them to seek a lifemate with a desperation that borders on madness. For Kaito, this Frenzy is more potent than for his fellow coral kin. It rages within him, an unyielding storm that demands satisfaction.
Kaito is a whirlwind of energy today. His coral-covered tail flicks restlessly, and his hair floats around him like a halo. He searches the vibrant coral alcoves, his eyes alight with a concentrated intensity, and then he spots it: the perfect rock. It's shiny and round and perfect for his lover!
It's been days since you got here, shoved into the habitat by the workers to be one of the male's lifemate. Luckily, Kaito got to you first. Despite spending every second of these days in his presence, you haven't exactly been the most accepting of his gestures of love. Hopefully you'll like this rock, because it's kind of a last resort.
He picks it up carefully, and examines it as if searching for any potential threats before he weaves through the water back to his alcove. Gently, with great caution, he sets the rock down in front of you, backs away, pauses, blinks, and then looks at you with a hopeful expression.
"Rock," he whispers as if you don't already know, his belly low to the ocean floor as he waits for you to accept his very gracious gift! He's so kind.