Author's Note: This is my first TLM fic. I do not own anything except a crappy, over-used, barely functioning, barely watchable VHS tape.
Since I became human, I hadn't had a moment to myself. Not that I wanted to be alone, I just never had a chance to privately become acquainted with my new legs. Eric had a few princely duties to attend to and I somehow escaped Sebastian's constant supervision; I found myself on the beach.
I kicked off my shoes in a hurry- to even wear shoes is baffling to me still! Feeling the sand beneath my feet and between my toes means more to me than it probably should. It is soft and warm, and moves with me with each step as if to support me in all my human adventures. It seems as though it will cling to me forever, and I am quite content to let it.
There is more warmth, though. I can feel it surround me from every angle, almost like that thing Eric had place on my bed yesterday… a-a, a blanket! I've felt the sun on my face before when I swam to the surface in secret, but it has never felt like this. It is comforting and calming yet stings my skin after a while, but it makes me feel happy so I shall forgive it.
A gentle roar and crash snap me out of my thoughts of sunshine and I realize the waves are calling for me to feel them caress my legs. I walk in up to my ankles, my dress not permitting me to go any further. At first, the difference between feeling air and sand around my feet and then feeling the ocean is shocking; I had been used to this as a mermaid breaking through the surface of the sea, but it is different still. I quickly adjust to the cold water and it doesn't seem so cold anymore. The tide feels both harsh and gentle at my feet; rough and ferocious as it slams against the sand, but soothing as it recedes back into the ocean. Its pull is hypnotizing and tries to lure me back home
I haven't thought much about home since Eric found me on this very beach, wearing nothing but a sail and a rope, and every time I look in his eyes I forget any such reveries.
This time, the sea breeze catches my attention. It smells of the ocean as it softly brushes against my cheek and through my hair. Gentle splashes of mist spray me and make my skin tingle. My eyes close of their own accord and I enjoy this feeling for a while. I don't know how much time has passed until Eric walks up to me, smiling, and leads me to the carriage that waits to take us on a tour of his kingdom.