Sirens

First Sight

A sudden spray of icy saltwater smacked him square in the face. His eyes sprang open, limbs galvanised into action. He looked wildly around and looked straight into a pair of eyes as bottomless and deep blue as the ocean depths. He scrambled over to her, waking up dozing sailors as he stumbled and blundered in his haste, drawn to her like a parched man to water. Her hair and skin glistened with fresh water, reflecting the moonlight off her dewy, youthful features. The others rushed and fought to the side for a glimpse, hypnotised and captivated by her beauty.
Jones snapped out of his trance and with a sabre in hand, brought it down to tear her clear skin. The others immediately restrained him, yelling he would scare her off. She has flickered back out of reach, her face wary and accusing.
“Can you talk?” Scrum, the one who had seen her first, blurted out.
She glided a little closer, soft shell pink lips curving to form a smile. It lifted her face to transcend beauty.
“Yes,” she said shyly in a voice like pure, sweet, living water.
He grinned bashfully, proud to be the first to make contact.
“You’re beautiful,” he admitted, leaning closer.
“Are you the one who sings?” she inquired, tilting her head attractively.
Scrum shut his gaping mouth, nodding furiously.
“Aye,” he confirmed, grinning ear to ear.
“Are you my jolly sailor bold?” she asked playfully, smiling flirtatiously.
He laughed nervously.
“Aye, that’ll be-“
“Pull yerself together man!”
The others yanked Scrum back but he twisted and fought free, glaring at them.
“Now look here, boys! There ain’t been much given to me in me brief miserable life, there’s the truth innit. But by God, I’ll ‘ave it said “Scrum ‘ad himself a kiss from a proper mermaid!” His voice blazed with indignation, leaving the others unsure who to side with.
“My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold…”  The mermaid had begun to sing. They fell silent, a captive audience. She kept her eyes on them, weaving a golden, shimmering thread of melody entwined words.