Before the Events of âA Pearl in the Seaâ
A short story based on the audio drama/audio roleplay âA Pearl in the Seaâ
The black pearl within Adonisâ underwater domain swirled in silver and azure. The orb glowed to reveal an island, surrounded by jagged cliffs. Pounding waves crashed against the cliffs and coarse brown sand. Dark storm clouds loomed over the island, with the roaring of thunder.
Lying upon the now muddy sandy shore was an unconscious figureâa merman. His shimmering jade tail and body ensnared by rough fish netting. Adonis immediately recognized him. It was King Mariusâ son, Albertus, Prince of Atlantis and soon to rule the sea kingdom. A little unusual for the prince to venture off on his own without the company of his guards. He mustâve gotten himself in trouble, tangling himself up in the process. Just how much longer though until the Prince of Atlantis had his final breath? His kind, unlike Adonis, canât stay up on land for too long.
But then, Adonis spotted something climbing down the rugged cliffs.
âWhat is this now?â Adonisâ eyebrow raised.
A humanânoâa female human! Why, it was the same one he had spotted a few days ago. She was interesting pretty thing. Coming from a poor fisher family, she yearned to learn about the mysteries of the ocean, what lies in the abyss. But her father, he wouldnât allow her to leave the island. Instead, she took care of her grandmother and would sneak out most days to dive in the ocean.
Adonis watched as the human sprinted over to the unconscious prince. Kneeling beside the merman, her eyes widened in awe. Such a fascinating, and yet attractive being. She drew out her pocketknife, carefully slicing through the rough net. The thin netting broke bit by bit.
With the last of the netting cast side, she stared back at him. Tenderly the human brushed a long strand of his damp brown hair behind his ear. It lingered for a moment as she admired his jade fern skin and shimmering green scales.
Art commission done by B_Astora
Adonis felt the presence of one of his pet eelâs, âDo you see this, my pet?â The black moray eel turned to see the image of the female looking over the merman in captivation, âBertie boo has an admirer. A human one at that. Sheâs quite beautiful, isnât she?â The eel hissed pleasantly, curling behind his master as the sea warlock stroked the eelâs slender onyx body.
Someone had begun to call out to the female. She turned in the direction of where it was coming from. As she was looking away, a large enough wave carried Albertus back into the water. Disappearing in the dark blue water, the merman would soon awaken now that he was back in his environment. The fishermanâs daughter looked out toward the ocean with disappointment painted on her face. Another call was made that made the female return up to the cliffs to the safety of further land. One last look, curiosity filled her mind of what she just saw was real, or just her imagination.
âPoor soul,â Adonis cooed, pushing himself off his shell lounger, âsuch a poor thing who yearns for so much. Yet that old fisherman father of hers doesnât want her going anywhere off the island.â He opened his clam cabinet. Viles and bottles filled with various liquids, powders, salts, minerals, everything to create potions for his demise. A plan was stirring in the warlockâs mind.
A few of his dark teal tentacles gathered ingredients: seawater, butterfly wings, white fish scales, and pearl dust. He placed one by one into his satchel. âRegardless of how cruel or dangerous the world can be, merfolk and human should be free to explore the world!â Other ingredients were added before Adonis was interrupted by several of his pet eels staring at him, âNo no dearies, daddy is only bringing two of you along with me. There isnât enough room for all of you to come along, unfortunately.â The same black moray eel from earlier along with another slithered around Adonis. He sighed, murmuring to his girls, âMy girls, my precious girls, let us head to my cavern home by the island for a while.â
He and his pets swam out of his lair. Chuckling amongst himself, âIâm sure sheâll love what I have to offerâŚâ
Be sure to check out "A Pearl in the Sea", an audio drama/audio roleplay written by @ariellewm and Produced/Voiced by Ycey Narrates on YouTube!!
