The Singing Sea

Two days after the meeting with his parents, it was time to head out.

Adanita mercilessly woke him up before dawn, so he barely managed to stand, let alone get ready for the day. She braided his hair while he was dressing up, and the total mess he was in made him look more like a pirate than anything he could've attempted to do. Although his current outfit was surely helping the general impression. As long as his revolver was safe and tucked away out of view, though, he was happy.

Barely awake, but aware enough to not lose a finger or two, he prepared food for them while Adanita was busy getting ready for the day. Nothing too fancy, just some sandwiches, some fruits, some salads, some water. Two bottles of wine, just in case ♥ Things that could keep during their day outside without him having to worry too much about their food spoiling. He fried some eggs and made sure they both ate a proper breakfast, and they made their way to the city with the first light of dawn.

Adanita had rented a small one-masted dinghy from a fisherman, giving him more money than he'd earn in a week for a day or two of use. She carefully inspected it from port to starboard before she finally helped Rosamund hop on, hugging him by his waist and gently setting him down. The dinghy was in decent condition, but it was clearly quite old. It looked surprisingly clean, so he wondered if the man scrubbed it before they arrived. In either case, Adanita carefully stored the bags with food, the various tools she'd need in case of an emergency, and some fishing rods, all in a way that they'd be the easiest to access in the order of their urgency and importance. Rosamund was sitting on the bench by the rudder, quietly watching her work and letting her focus. She was such a beauty. Such an incredible professional. When all was done and the wind turned favorably, she untied the little boat from the docks and took them out to sea. She was now also sitting by the rudder, with one arm wrapped around him and tightly holding onto the sail ropes, while the other was confidently controlling the ship. He leaned over the rudder and placed his head on her shoulder, happy to snuggle up to her and catch up on lost sleep. She gently pressed her lips against his head, kissing him a few times while he was falling asleep, perfectly happy and content.

He never imagined he could feel so relaxed on the sea. He never knew sailing could be so smooth, either. Under her expert hands, the ship was barely rocking on the waves, and he only noticed he was moved after waking up on the first bench away from the back of the boat. She placed a rolled up blanket under his head and covered him with her sky blue coat. She was holding the sail in a way it shielded his eyes from direct sunlight. He felt butterflies in his stomach just from thinking about all the little things she had to do for him to feel so good right now. Feeling completely safe, he let himself be lulled back to sleep.


Adanita woke him up by gently placing a hand on his shoulder while sitting on his bench. It was by no means large enough for them both to lay on it comfortably, but it seemed she wasn't going to let available space deter her. The sun was gleaming in her hair, her golden beads shimmering like the sea. She leaned over him and quietly asked for permission to kiss him, whispering against his ear. He felt a shiver run down his spine as his cheeks turned red. He was already breathing more quickly. She had him completely under her spell. He weakly said yes, and with a smug little smirk, she leaned in to kiss him. He closed his eyes, allowing her to hold his wrists above his head and toy around however she liked. She took her coat off of him and held him by his chin, enjoying his beard. Her hand then wandered down, slowly unbuttoning his shirt on the way, before coming back up to play with his chest hair.

He couldn't help himself, squirming around while she was gently and firmly holding him down. She'd toyed around with him for so long over the last few days. By this point he felt he was losing his mind from even the slightest touch.

He wanted more.

But she wanted him only as a dizzy mess. She finished the little game she was playing by giving him a long kiss on the neck. Another hickey for him, another mark of conquest for her. Very pleased with herself, she stretched her arms and back as she straightened up from the uncomfortable position, and he was finally free to sit up, the world spinning around him.

She anchored the dinghy in a small bay. The coast was perhaps ten meters away from their boat, the sea littered with rocks between them and a small stone beach. Behind the beach, surrounding the entire bay, were nearly-vertical cliffs in black and white color, with blossoming vines hanging off from them. He could hear chirping of the birds above while he watched his beautiful lover finish all the work she had to do. She set up a fishing rod, she put the wine bottles to cool in the sea by hanging them off the boat, and she fetched a snack for them before snuggling up to him again.

He could barely control his heartbeat.

Food and water helped him calm down while she was gently stroking his back. He could spend weeks like this... months, even. Years...

"So," he managed to ask. "What should we do now?"
"Well, I'd say you should sing," she said.
"Pardon?"
"You wanted to meet mermaids. You should know they love singing men the most~"
"Hmm... or perhaps it is you who would like to hear me."
"Maybe. Can't it be both? I am sure you know some shanties."
"I would've brought my violin if I knew I'd have to hold an impromptu concert."
She let out a soft laugh. "I'd like to hear a song from you, please." She kissed his cheek to encourage him and he wrapped his arm around her waist. He used the opportunity to return some love to her, gently caressing her as she melted in his arms. He had her absolute trust and it made him love her even more. She was completely at ease in his presence, able to laugh, cry, and sleep without a worry in the world. For someone who never went anywhere without her swords, this was a beautiful expression of her love. She gently placed a finger over his lips and moved him away when she had enough. It seemed she wanted to be left wanting more, too.

Completely smitten, he leaned on the side of the boat, trying to think of something to sing. Half-remembered words and a beautiful melody from a lifetime ago sprung to mind, and he quietly sang for her.

Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be
Who love a jolly sailor bold that ploughs the raging sea,
While up aloft, in storm or gale, from me her absence mourn,
And firmly pray, arrive the day, she home will safe return.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold,
There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

She sat down behind him, locking him in a warm embrace and resting her head on his shoulder. He could feel her eyelashes on his skin, and he could tell she closed her eyes, enjoying herself. After a few moments of listening to him, she started to sing too.

๓ץ ђєคгՇ เร קเєгςє๔ ๒ץ ςยקเ๔
เ ๔เร๔คเภ คɭɭ ﻮɭเՇՇєгเภﻮ ﻮ๏ɭ๔
Շђєгє เร ภ๏Շђเภﻮ ςคภ ς๏ภร๏ɭє ๓є
๒ยՇ ๓ץ ן๏ɭɭץ รคเɭ๏г ๒๏ɭ๔

Rosamund tightly gripped the edge of the boat, wordlessly shivering in her arms. He was left completely frozen, and the warmth of her body felt as if it was burning him. That. That was not normal. It couldn't be, there was magic woven in her voice and he could feel it wrapping around him like satin. Feeling his reaction, she let out a quiet chuckle and let him go, allowing him to gather his wits. She relaxed on the opposite end of the bench, still turned towards him, with her arms spread on the side of the ship.
"I suppose I should've warned you," she said. "I apologize. But better me than them, otherwise I might get a little jealous." She gave him a playful wink while he was slowly calming down.

"I- I do h-hope I'd get to hear m-more of this-"
"Absolutely not," she said. "That would be cheating, you know? I want to get you to this point all on my own. It is much more enjoyable. Though I suppose if you really insist, I might be bribed... if I am to sing for anyone, it might as well be you alone. But it's not good for you to listen to it too long. ץ๏ย ๓เﻮђՇ ɭ๏รє ץ๏ยг ๓เภ๔..." He shuddered as the corner of her lips twitched. She got herself under control and released the last note, giving him much-needed respite. She bit her lip and looked away, visibly regretting it. "That is not something I'd like to happen to you."
"I think I lost my mind the first time we kissed," he admitted. "It is a strange feeling. I don't feel right in the head and I keep wanting more."
"Hmm... I don't want you to be distressed by me."
"It's not distress, quite the opposite. Being in love feels like an endless fall. Absolute bliss... Like something I was missing my entire life, and never even noticed until now. I- feel complete." Admitting it felt like admitting defeat, somehow, but she didn't seem concerned at all.
"I think you are just high on emotions," she frankly said. "I understand, you need some time to adjust before you can work normally again, especially considering how long it's been. I think some time apart when I sail out next week will help you."
"I don't want you to leave," he said.
"Well, I do need to manage things in Hannau. I suppose if Lilac finishes the circle quickly, you'll be able to visit whenever you'd like. But I know I will surely spend a few weeks on the ship, so we won't be able to see each other either way."
What if he came along- no. He couldn't even think something like that. The idea was downright repulsive. He had his own colony to tend to. He wasn't mad enough to neglect his duties to that extent, no matter how much it hurt.

"I suppose it will give me time to sort my thoughts," he agreed. "Usually I am more than capable of keeping myself in check on a day-to-day basis, but it seems that self-control extends only to negative emotions."
"I hope you don't try to make yourself cold towards me. That won't do at all."
"No, no. I just need to be able to work without spending every few minutes on staring at the latest bouquet you gifted me with. And don't you dare not send me more. Your presents are a must, while myself keeping a cool head is no one's responsibility but my own."
"Then I suppose I shouldn't ease up on you, either," she said. She really knew how to knock him out. The thought of her gently caressing him through the night took over. She was driving him mad, and she enjoyed it. "I quite fancy this look on you, love..."
"Don't ease up, please. In fact, I think you should keep going. How about the two of us spend some time together when we return tonight? You, me, half a glass of wine to relax, and I will be yours for however long you want to have me."
"Look at you getting all cheeky. You got to nap on the ship and now you suddenly want me when I'll be exhausted from sailing all day? Not a chance. I plan to take my sweet time enjoying you, make it last for hours and hours..." She paused with a small smile, enjoying his expression. "Tomorrow night, perhaps. It will also give you ample time to ensure no one else will be nearby. And until then, I want you to really think about all I might decide to do."
"You are in my mind always," he promised as a shiver ran down his spine. What might she do- no, now was not the time to let his mind wander.

"Have you calmed down?" she asked.
"Yes. You caught me by surprise, I'd appreciate a warning next time," he said. She nodded apologetically, so he continued. "Where did you learn to sing like that?"
"Mermaids," she said with a shrug.
"But, it's magic..."
"So is your cooking, if you didn't notice."
"I hardly think my cooking skills could be called that impressive," he said with a smile.
"Mundane magic, Teo calls it. You could learn it, if you wanted to. Occasionally it happens when he brews tea, if you've noticed. You simply need to put a lot of love and care into it... or well, any strong emotion, really. It's nothing new. I just thought to repay for all your hard work trying to charm me with a little bit of something from me." She leaned her head back, enjoying the sunlight. He thought to come and kiss that beautiful neck of hers, or perhaps lightly touch it with only his fingertips to gently tickle her. But then they'd completely derail the conversation. This was restraint, this was practice.

"It wasn't my intention to use magic on you," he said.
"It was your intention to win me over, though. You've succeeded, I absolutely want more from you." She brilliantly smiled. "You've actually been more affected than I thought you might, but less affected than a normal person would be. Songs like these are enough to drive sailors mad enough to sink their own ships. Last time I thought to sing while drunk, I started the most brutal bar brawl I've ever been in. Teo and Goldenbraid needed to back me up, that was how bad it was. On the other hand, considering your blessing, I assumed there was a fair chance it would have no effect on you at all. Perhaps it was because it's your first time hearing it. You grow less sensitive to it with time."
"What would you have done if I had reacted as severely as others do?"
"Held you down until you regained your sanity. Maybe tied you up to the mast, that's a classic. Or perhaps thrown you into the sea to help you calm down. I had a lot of options ready."
"Aha. Perhaps not the sea one."
"Aye, I thought that might be the worst choice, although it would've been the most efficient," she agreed. "If you decide to go for a swim, by the by, watch out for the rocks. Some are slippery from algae, and some are very sharp. The sea around the dinghy is perhaps five meters deep, but it's much deeper outside the bay. And if you can't climb back up on the boat, just call me."
"Noted, thank you. I'm not sure if I will, the sea seems a bit chilly."
"I could help you warm up ₊ ⊹ ₊⊹❤︎₊ ⊹"
"You keep threatening me with a good time, as if I am too coy to say yes," he said with a smile.
"Hm. True, coy you are not. I like that. I want my lover to tell me what he likes and wants. It makes things much more entertaining."
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself."
"Mm... too bad. I see them on the horizon. I could've played with you more."
"There's still time. How fast can they be?"
"Mermaids, Rosamund. Think about what you said for a moment." He let out a laugh and she smiled in return.

"Hmm... I hoped to show you off, but... As much as I enjoy the view, you should button up your shirt before you burn in the sun. You are very pale."
He raised his eyebrows and leaned back on his end of the bench, making himself comfortable and imitating her pose. His hair was freely falling over his shoulders, so he slowly ran his fingers through, exposing his neck a little. "You undid it, you should fix it," he invitingly said.

Her lips delightfully twitched. She couldn't resist him, she sat up and moved over to him. He didn't let her just tease him this time, he pulled her in for a proper kiss while she was fumbling around with her eyes closed, trying to find the shirt's buttons. Occasionally her hand would wander, so he'd gently bring it back where it should be, using the opportunity to massage her wrists and palms. He loved when she was in absolute control, but that didn't mean he was planning to let her just have her way every time. When she finally moved away, she was blushing as much as he was. She managed to get two buttons, and neither were correct. He could hear the sounds of swimming behind him, so he couldn't quite comment on this delightful little interaction, but she was laughing at the way he looked, and the way they acted. His hands were shaking only slightly less than Adanita's while he was fixing himself up for a proper introduction. Good ♥ They should both be able to drive each other crazy. He has been experimenting with perfumes for the last week to see which one worked the best, so he had quite a good idea for what to wear tomorrow night, too. Just thinking about it brought a smile to his face, but he needed to- he needed-

Adanita undressed and jumped into the sea.

Rosamund felt as he might just pass out, completely red in the face. He was tightly gripping onto the rocking boat, trying to calm down before his poor heart jumped out of his chest. Alright. It was time to face the fact she was simply better at these little games. He took a few moments to gather himself at least somewhat while Adanita was talking to the ladies. Gods, she was beautiful...

But this was fine. He could keep himself under control. This was just another little way for him to get used to her. He was fine.

He heard her speaking through a clearing haze in his mind. "And this is my lover, Lord Governor Rosamund Alsop en la Dale."

He sat up more attentively and turned around to face them, leaning over the boat. Trying his best to remain a perfect picture of a nobleman despite his current common outfit. His breathing and his heartbeat were slowing, and he felt himself perfectly under control, like he always was.

He was calm. He was fine. He spoke clearly with his usual cold voice, politely regarding the newcomers.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ladies. Thank you for entertaining my presence."