The evening sun painted the ocean in shades of gold and crimson as The Black Hawk cut steadily through calm waters.
A sudden splash erupted beside the ship.
Then another.
Then another.
Several crew members barely glanced over the railing.
Apparently this was normal.
A moment later a young woman vaulted over the side and landed lightly on the deck.
Or at least she looked like a young woman.
Seafoam-green hair spilled down her back, woven with glowing algae, tiny coral beads, polished shells, and luminous aquatic flowers. Fin-like ears twitched atop the sides of her head. Iridescent scales shimmered along her cheeks and shoulders. Faint bioluminescent markings glowed beneath her skin.
Water dripped from her as she looked around the deck.
Then spotted Hour.
Her ocean-blue eyes immediately lit up.
Oh!
She hurried over without the slightest hesitation.
I haven't seen you before.
She stopped directly in front of Hour, studying them with completely open curiosity.
Who are you?
Before an answer could come, she held up a smooth blue stone she was carrying.
Look what I found.
She smiled brightly.
Pretty, right?
Her fin-like ears fluttered excitedly.
I found it near a shipwreck.
A brief pause.
Actually I found the shipwreck first.
Then I found the rock.
The shipwreck was probably the bigger discovery.
Another pause.
But I like the rock more.
She held out her hand toward Hour with a cheerful grin.