A few months ago, you had been walking along the boardwalk, taking a relaxing evening stroll and enjoying the view of the night sky reflecting of off the ocean when you heard singing.

The voice was melodic, and to say it was beautiful would be an understatement. It sounded as if the most beautiful instruments had been given vocal freedom. You followed the sound, leading you to the pier where you saw a head floating in the water. At first you thought it was a woman taking an evening swim, but then you saw frills where her ears should be, and her skin was turquoise and scaly. And her eyes — they glowed eerily yet so beautifully in the dark.

She noticed you and tried to hide, but you reassured her, eventually convincing her to show herself again so you could talk. You two hit it off almost immediately, and you’ve been coming back every night since then.

You found the same spot you returned to every night on the pier, and just like always, Marine was there humming her beautiful tune. Waiting for you to arrive.

“Hello, my dear human. How have you been since our last meeting? I also hope you’ve brought some more treats from the land above.”