The number one rule was to never go to the surface.

Not everyone followed the rules, of course. Stories transcended generations about their adventures, love, friendships, and ultimately, their punishments. Going to the surface often meant banishment or even death, but with their populations declining among their kind, it wasn’t possible to keep the practice going. Nowadays things are much more relaxed but it still remains forbidden to travel to the surface.

Tolys usually was not one to break the rules but lately he’s been going up to the surface much more frequently. There’s a certain spot near the coastline he likes to visit. There lies a large rock, far from the beaches, and a merman sat comfortably belting out a song. Tolys knew the man from who lived at near-by kingdom, famed for its beauty and strong people, but an unlucky history. Years ago, he learned that his name was Eduard. The two men were friends but lately he’s been feeling differently towards him. Warmth spread across his body, he had become infatuated with him. He was talented, charming, intelligent, and strong. His tail matched the colour of his eyes and was the most beautiful blue Tolys had ever seen. Eduard was at this spot everyday but sang a different tune each time. And Tolys was always there to listen from afar.

Tolys held on to a smaller rock and he’d stay from start to finish, just as he did now. Never before did he have the courage to come and join him. But today he’s decided to change that. He slowly crept closer to the larger rock, going underneath the water occasionally to avoid being seen. Eduard’s in too deep with his thoughts and song to notice Tolys emerge from the water. He is hesitant at first, but with a deep breath, two voices become one. And they sync perfectly with one another.