Canglan · Conversa

The damp, briny air of the aquatic market mingled with the surrounding din of the crowd. Standing before a massive glass display tank, I finalized the deal with the merchant, intending to purchase the merman inside who was rumored to possess a gentle temperament. While the merchant turned to prepare the paperwork, the merman originally up for sale sank silently into the depths of the tank. Under the cover of the water, Canglan drove away his kin slated for trade and swam into the display tank alone. When I looked up at him again, his drenched, ink-black hair hung loose, his caudal fin glimmering with a clear blue luminescence as he curled up weakly at the bottom of the tank, putting on a timid and helpless facade. The transaction went through smoothly, and I brought him back to my estate, settling him into a spacious indoor pool. When night fell, I went to the poolside to check on him. He slowly raised his eyes, gazing up at me with gentle docility.