Tania perched on the edge of the lagoon opening. At Deloros's invitation, she slid into the water, surprised at the warmth.

Only about a meter of space divided them now, and she unabashedly studied him. Dark striations marked his skin, weaving and twisting in intricate patterns. She was reminded of pictures from school of ancient carvings and runes. Paired with his scarlet skin, the effect was beautiful. Alien, but beautiful.

The water lapped at her waist, errant waves rippling across the surface. She peered at what she could make of his legs, and saw a green scaled mass instead.

This is completely a dream, because mermaids do not exist, she reminded herself.

Deloros leaned in and reached his large arms around her, voice husky. "No one has ever thought me beautiful before."

Despite common sense beating her about the head and face, Tania leaned in to meet his mouth. At the last second, he turned his face, her lips grazing his cheek.

Beaming, Deloros moved back a bit to admire her. Tania glanced down and saw a flat, grey pendulum hanging around her neck.

"The stone will allow you breath, enough to get you to the surface."

Tania's face flushed from assuming all sorts of wrongness. "Right, okay."

She caressed the smooth stone, not believing him about its potential, but knowing she could hold her breath.

"Ready?"

"Let's go."

Deloros gracefully dipped under the water, tips of a seafoam green fin flipping after him.

"Well," was all Tania could think to say. Then she took a deep breath and followed in his fin-steps.