Confess your attraction to his daughter

Watching Lahana with her father and then seeing her again in her bedroom has planted the seeds of desire in your head. It was the news that she is a merfolk that truly piqued your curiosity. What would it be like to explore the body of such a woman? You want to know that much more than you want a kiss from a salty old lighthouse keeper.

"I am flattered," you say to Erven, trying to quiet your nerves. "You are handsome and kind and I admit the thought of kissing you has a definite appeal. But I fear I might become overly excited and in truth I prefer... a more delicate touch."

"I see." Erven stands. The disappointment that registers on his face fades quickly into a strange smile. "You prefer a delicate touch? A woman's touch?"

"I do," you whisper.

"And are you and your traveling companion lovers?"

You shrug. It's the closest thing to an admission of the truth between you and Glenda as you can manage. Your cheeks are burning hot and you can't stand to look Erven in the eye, because you know what sorts of things he must be thinking. You stare down at your hands folded primly in your lap as you decide to make a different sort of confession.

"Your daughter--" Your words come out with a frog in your throat and you have to start over. "Your daughter is very attractive."

"Oh, my," Erven chuckles. "I had not considered the possibility. I knew some men in the navy who shared their bed with two women, one who shared it with three, but I'd never thought that you might take a fancy for my daughter."

He glances up the stairs as if she might appear there. He leans down and whispers his words to you.

"Go on up. Talk to her. I don't know the ways of merfolk well enough to say she'd have a try, but you have my blessing to ask."

You nod, your confidence strangely buoyed by receiving permission from Lahana's father. You walk towards the stairs and your heart soars when you hear Lahana's voice from above. She is loudly humming a tune in such a mellifluous and almost supernaturally beautiful way, that it sounds as beautiful as song.

"Just so you know," calls Erven, "I may feel the need to check in on the two of you. But I'll keep my distance."

So he likes to watch? It can't be helped. Your heart pounds a steady rhythm as you climb the winding stairs. Lahana's small bedroom is bathed in golden candlelight. The girl is awake and sitting on her bed with her back to you. She has put on some sort of loose-fitting linen trousers, but is still naked above the waist. One of her hands holds her long hair in a bunch and the other works a pearl handled brush. She does not seem to notice you standing there as she continues her enchanting melody.