Before the Events of āA Pearl in the Seaā
A short story based on the audio drama/audio roleplay āA Pearl in the Seaā
The black pearl within Adonisā 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 figureāa merman. His shimmering jade tail and body ensnared by rough fish netting. Adonis immediately recognized him. It was King Mariusā 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 mustāve 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, canāt stay up on land for too long.
But then, Adonis spotted something climbing down the rugged cliffs.
āWhat is this now?ā Adonisā eyebrow raised.
A humanānoāa 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 wouldnāt 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 eelās, āDo you see this, my pet?ā The black moray eel turned to see the image of the female looking over the merman in captivation, āBertie boo has an admirer. A human one at that. Sheās quite beautiful, isnāt she?ā The eel hissed pleasantly, curling behind his master as the sea warlock stroked the eelās 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 fishermanās 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.
āPoor soul,ā Adonis cooed, pushing himself off his shell lounger, āsuch a poor thing who yearns for so much. Yet that old fisherman father of hers doesnāt want her going anywhere off the island.ā 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 warlockās 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. āRegardless of how cruel or dangerous the world can be, merfolk and human should be free to explore the world!ā Other ingredients were added before Adonis was interrupted by several of his pet eels staring at him, āNo no dearies, daddy is only bringing two of you along with me. There isnāt enough room for all of you to come along, unfortunately.ā The same black moray eel from earlier along with another slithered around Adonis. He sighed, murmuring to his girls, āMy girls, my precious girls, let us head to my cavern home by the island for a while.ā
He and his pets swam out of his lair. Chuckling amongst himself, āIām sure sheāll love what I have to offerā¦ā
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!!
