There was a pixie fluttering around William's head. He thought for a moment it was Pete, which was altogether too fitting, but then he recognized the miniature likeness hovering close on sparkling gauze wings.
"I can breathe," he confirmed, falling back onto the grass, although out of breath from the brief frenzied exertion of trying to get up off the ground. He brushed at his bare chest and ran his hand over his hair to make sure there wasn't any stray seaweed in it. The very thought was upsetting. It was bad enough his mobility options were currently limited to 'lie down' or 'prop up on one arm' in poses that felt far too coy, considering his current nether appendage. At least he didn't have to worry too much about the loss of his clothing, since...
He cast an alarmed look at Gerard, but thought he probably ought not voice his panic over the fact that he'd lost not only his legs, but a certain other body part as well. It wasn't immediately visible, at any rate. He clearly didn't know enough about merperson anatomy.
There were other things to worry about, anyway, so he told himself firmly to focus on higher priorities. "Are you all right?" he inquired, trying not to accidentally swat Gerard out of the air as he buzzed around. Gerard seemed to be missing his clothes as well, although he at least had the benefit of a few well-placed flower petals. "Where did you come from? Are there others here? I thought I heard..."
He had heard. A booming voice that had seemed to come more from inside his head than out, and it had used a nickname. One which really only one person ever used. While also referring to him as food.
"Jon?" he asked, disbelieving, holding up the hand not currently supporting his weight to placate the large winged creature not far away. "Is that you?"