Rippled Glass

She stared at the ships that floated on the air, their crisp white sails fluttering in the wind.  Their giant masts reached towards her domain, a few so high that they touched the water's face, sending ripples in its glass-like surface.  They were heading towards a brewing storm, thunder rattling the windows and lightning flaring across their wide decks.

    A man was staring up at her, his expression curious.  He was sitting in the crow's nest of one of the ships.  He had black hair and gray eyes.  He wasn't unattractive, and as he noticed her staring down at him, he stood up and peered up at her.

    She continued to stare down at him, swimming closer to the surface of the ocean.  Her eyes never left his as they stared at each other, and for a brief second they shared a thought.

    Both extending their hands, they reached towards the face of the water, she coming from above while he came from below.  Their fingers hovered over the surface, hesitation adamant in both of their eyes.  They then took a breath and touched the water, their palms meeting as they sent ripples through the water.  The once still ocean moved as man and mermaid made contact, its surface looking like rippled glass.

    She smiled as she felt the warmth of his hand, her crimson eyes crinkling in delight.  He smiled in return as he interlocked his fingers with hers.

    It was such a small hand he held; such a delicate face he stared at.  He couldn't help wanting to say something- anything!  But, what would he say... what could he say...?  What would she understand?  Could he carry a conversation with one of her kind?  Would they be able to communicate?

    As these questions spun around in his mind, he barely noticed the beautiful, multi-colored betta tail that swished behind her.  It's silky ribbons fanned out behind her as she moved her tail, propelling herself down.  Her small head broke through the surface of the water, sending more ripples throughout its face.  Water dripped onto his forehead as he stared up at her, and she gave him a shy smile.

    Bringing her face closer to his, she pulled back her peach colored lips to reveal her pointed teeth.  She then met his eyes and spoke, saying a simple human word:

    "Hello."