And just like that Cristiano doubled back like a frightened fish into his den. He sank below the water and below the pier, out of her view, until he heard her through the gently washing waves 'hello'. The mer gave pause, wondering if this was such a good idea, and when he finally screwed his courage to the sticking place he reappeared...to the right of the pier and behind one of the wooden beams holding it up.
"Hello," came his voice, deep and delightful with a thick accent from somewhere in the Mediterranean. "Who are you?"