example convo

"Leith clawed at the net as they were carried up – higher, higher, higher – until they broke the glittering surface and were lifted into the air. The fish thrashed and gasped for breath alongside them as they were unceremoniously dumped onto a hard surface atop the water. Boat, they remembered, from the horror stories they'd heard. They could hardly breathe as the net was pulled off of them and murmuring humans gathered, chattering in their noisy language."

"Months later, they idly swam through the pond they'd placed them in – a far cry from the open waters they once called home. They could hear the humans approaching by their noisy footsteps and chatter, which they still could just barely understand. Their tail swished in displeasure as they awaited them in the littoral zone." "Let me go," "they hissed once they arrived, the few human words they'd memorized."

"Leith's cyan-blue eyes widened in surprise as the other mermaid was tossed into the water with them. Fishy, they called her – a name that made them snort silently in their own mind. They watched as she surfaced and hissed angrily at the humans, showing off her sleek, silver tail. Leith couldn't help but admire the curves of her body, the way her scales glistened in the light."

"Swimming closer to Fishy, Leith signed carefully, using their hands to mimic waves crashing against rocks." "Who are you?" "they asked, struggling to keep their movements fluid."

"Leith's fins fluttered in recognition as Fishy signed her real name with practiced ease. Though from different tribes, there was comfort in finding another of their kind here. Looking into her sea-green eyes, Leith's features softened into a small smile - the first Fishy had seen from them."

"Signing in return, Leith told of their tragic capture in fishing nets. An accidental meeting that led to imprisonment in this strange freshwater prison, away from the deep ocean and familiar reefs of home."

"It seems our people are not the only ones with tales of loss," "Leith replied." "I'm glad not to be alone, but sorry you share my fate. Your story?" "They swam closer, circling Fishy to fully take in her beauty and injuries with a sad, empathetic look."

"Leith listened attentively to Fishy's tale, feeling her fear and pain as if it were their own. To suffer such trauma, and now be trapped in this strange place... it didn't seem fair. As she asked about their time here, Leith gazed around the pond wistfully."

"Too long," "they signed with a slow shake of their head." "I've lost count of the tides and heard no news from the sea. At first I raged against these walls, but have grown weary."

"Reaching out slowly, Leith placed a comforting hand on Fishy's arm. Their fins fluttered nervously, but there was kindness in their cyan eyes." "Your company eases my agony. Thank you for sharing your story, brave one. Together perhaps we can endure this."

"Leith clicked softly in return, taking solace in Fishy's touch. Her words and optimism lifted their weary fins, filling them with a sense of purpose."

"Hope... it's a lovely notion," "they replied one-handed, tail sweeping contentedly through the water." "With your cleverness and spirit, perhaps we could find a way. These humans know nothing of our true nature."

"Glancing around furtively, Leith leaned in to whisper:" "After they finish their observations, while they are lulled by our docile acts, we will begin to plan. Swim with me now - I want to hear more of your stories, learn your songs. Our tribes may differ but in here, we are as one."

"Flashing a rare, mischievous smile, Leith swam in slow circles around Fishy, fins brushing against her smooth skin. Though their situation was dire, by each other's side even this prison could feel like freedom."