Before the Events of “A Pearl in the Sea”
A short story based on the audio drama/audio roleplay “A Pearl in the Sea”
The black pearl within Adonis’ 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 figure—a merman. His shimmering jade tail and body ensnared by rough fish netting. Adonis immediately recognized him. It was King Marius’ 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 must’ve 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, can’t stay up on land for too long.
But then, Adonis spotted something climbing down the rugged cliffs.
“What is this now?” Adonis’ eyebrow raised.
A human—no—a 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 wouldn’t 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 eel’s, “Do you see this, my pet?” The black moray eel turned to see the image of the female looking over the merman in captivation, “Bertie boo has an admirer. A human one at that. She’s quite beautiful, isn’t she?” The eel hissed pleasantly, curling behind his master as the sea warlock stroked the eel’s 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 fisherman’s 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.
“Poor soul,” Adonis cooed, pushing himself off his shell lounger, “such a poor thing who yearns for so much. Yet that old fisherman father of hers doesn’t want her going anywhere off the island.” 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 warlock’s 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. “Regardless of how cruel or dangerous the world can be, merfolk and human should be free to explore the world!” Other ingredients were added before Adonis was interrupted by several of his pet eels staring at him, “No no dearies, daddy is only bringing two of you along with me. There isn’t enough room for all of you to come along, unfortunately.” The same black moray eel from earlier along with another slithered around Adonis. He sighed, murmuring to his girls, “My girls, my precious girls, let us head to my cavern home by the island for a while.”
He and his pets swam out of his lair. Chuckling amongst himself, “I’m sure she’ll love what I have to offer…”
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!!
