Guraze helped Daria into the rowboat and climbed in, adjusting the bandana around his head. "Alright, lower us down. I'll be back after she's in the clear, alright?"
The men nodded and lowered the boat into the water. Daria smiled widely and waved rapidly as Guraze started rowing them closer. The men waved back and she giggled when a couple of them declared they would miss her dearly.
She turned on the bench to look at the water and smiled widely as it slowly brightened. She dipped her hand in and hummed happily, feeling the warm water almost hug her hand. She looked up at Guraze and watched as his back muscles flex with each row.
She licked her lips and smiled sweetly when he glanced over his shoulder to look at her. He chuckled and lightly smirked at her. "See something you like?"
She giggled and nodded. "Yes. Much nicer than fish."
He laughed and smiled widely. "Glad to hear it. You're much nicer than fish yourself."
She laughed and cupped her hand in the water before splashing him. He laughed and shifted his grip before carefully smacking the water with an oar, thoroughly splashing her. She squealed and lightly flapped her hands, her smile reaching from ear to ear.
He grinned and continuing rowing, slowing when they reached a spot just deep enough to reach his shoulders. He tossed the small anchor over and turned to face her. "Ready to return home? Or, your new home, I should say?"
She smiled widely and nodded, looking around at the different corals and small fish that swam between them. "New home pretty, warm."
He nodded and pulled off his shirt and shoes before jumping in, carefully standing on a sandy spot. He held up his hands and smiled at her. "Well, clothes off and hop on in. I've got you."
She giggled and pulled off the clothes before grabbing his arms, letting him help her into the water. She shakily kicked her feet and took a deep breath before lowering herself into the water fully. He held onto her forearms and watched as her legs slowly reformed scales and a fin overtaking her feet. Gills opened on each side of her neck and he faintly noticing some webbing form between her fingers.
She popped back up and smiled widely at him, her braid resting on her shoulder. "Normal again!"
He nodded and let go of her arms. "Yes you are. Everything feel alright?"
She nodded and untied the braid, letting her hair return to its' previous wild state. She almost looked perfect again, the bruises had healed quickly and the spots on her scalp were quickly regrowing fresh hair. Turned out mermaids healed faster than humans.
He smiled and watched as she swam around him, her tail almost blending in with the corals. "Looks like you're right at home here. I should probably go now, don't wanna attract any attention."
She stopped in front of him and frowned slightly. "Will return?"
He chuckled and lightly smirked. "What, gonna miss me?"
She nodded and gripped his arms. "Guraze is friend. Friends return."
He smiled and gently patted her hands. "I'll come back, I promise. Here, take this. So you know I'll come back."
She blinked when he untied his bandana and took her hand to tie it around her wrist. She smiled and lightly petted the fabric. "Promise to come back."
He nodded and lightly smirked. "We can even kiss to seal the deal."
She giggled and nodded. "Must seal deal."
He chuckled and pressed his lips to hers. She hugged his shoulders and pressed her bare chest to his, her tail carefully curling behind her. He hummed softly and slowly pulled away, tasting salt on his lips.
"I'll return, I promise. Promise to stay here?"
She nodded and pressed her forehead to his, closing her eyes. "Home now. Home safe."
He smiled softly and gently kissed her again before letting her go and pulling himself back into the boat. She stared up at him and gripped the edge of the boat. He pushed his hair back and smiled down at her. "What's the matter?"
She smiled at him and shook her head. "Sea will protect Guraze. Guraze protected Daria. Daria sea's daughter."
He smiled and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Tell the sea thank you for bringing me Daria. You have made me a very happy man."
She smiled and let the boat go after he pulled up the anchor, letting him row away and back to his ship. She sank down into the water until it covered her nose and watched as the men prepared to sail out. She continued to stare as the ship sailed away and closed her eyes, faintly feeling a drop of water fall from one eye.
A slightly stronger wave brushed against her and brushed against her face, seemingly wiping the tear away. She closed her eyes as the warm waters enveloped her and relaxed, letting the sea sway her. The sea loved all her children and would always be there when they needed her, to comfort and protect.
