Tempest Rising

0 Prologue

Dearest Eos,

The sun dipped low on the horizon, and its golden tendrils caressed the waters of Meridia, turning the sea into a canvas of liquid fire. Perched on the rocks, the salty breeze entwining my hair, I watched as the waves whispered tales of distant lands, carrying with them the echo of your divine presence.

Today marked the annual Cetean Tide. The vibrant colours lingered in the water, a dazzling display that rivalled the brilliance of the coral. Marketplaces teemed with life, and as I swam through them, the hustle and bustle embraced me like a sacred hymn. I marvelled at the intricate crafts, the shimmering pearls, and the laughter that echoed off the walls of our underwater sanctuary.

Arion, my ever so mischievous little brother, giggled with delight as he chased after a kaleidoscope of baby sea dragons. His laughter resonated through the underwater valleys, where the coral danced to the rhythm of our joy. Arion's nimble fingers traced playful patterns in the currents, creating ripples that glimmered with the fading sunlight, a dance dedicated to your majestic power.

Our kin set out on a journey to explore the hidden nooks of Meridia, where the sea whispered secrets and ancient caverns held untold wonders, a pilgrimage guided by your divine presence. The landscape unfolded like a dreamscape, revealing hidden treasures and mysterious, unfamiliar creatures that added a touch of enchantment to our aquatic world.

As I swam through the currents, leaving behind the underwater haven that cradles our Meridian Empire, I marvelled at the transition from the liquid embrace of the sea to the vast expanse of the ocean's surface. Emerging from the depths, I found myself gazing across the horizon as the waters stretched out endlessly before me. The salty breeze carried the whispers of your divine will, and the gentle caress of the wind felt like your ethereal touch.

The sea breeze gave way to the scent of salt-soaked rocks, and the sound of crashing waves transformed into the symphony of wind rustling through the coastal flora. The vibrant colours of the coral were replaced by the muted hues of land, a different palette painted by your divine brush.

The architecture of the land was a stark departure from the majestic, submerged wonders of Meridia. Stone structures rose from the rocky landscape, adorned with intricate carvings that told tales of life above the waves. The air was filled with the scent of salt, mingled with an earthy aroma.

Underwater Meridia welcomed us back with open currents and our exploration continued relentlessly.

We discovered a hidden grotto adorned with luminescent algae, casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding rocks, a sacred space, and we lingered there, marvelling at the underwater fireworks that painted the cavern walls with a soft radiance. It was a moment suspended in time, a piece of Meridia's magic that etched itself into my memories.

In our explorations, we stumbled upon schools of luminescent jellyfish, their glow casting an otherworldly light on the seafloor. Mesmerized, we floated among them, feeling the gentle pulsing of their bell-like bodies. The soft hum of their presence echoed in our ears, a lullaby from the depths of the sea.

The underwater gardens beckoned us, and we swam through a forest of swaying kelp, the golden fronds creating a surreal dance in response to the ocean's gentle caress. Among the kelp, we discovered a hidden alcove adorned with intricate shells and delicate anemones, a secret refuge untouched by the currents of time.

We gathered around a bed of soft anemones and some of us grouped on a cluster of rocks, as the elders spun stories that wove the tapestry of our heritage, a tale shaped by your divine hands. The tales reverberated through the underwater canyons, filling our hearts with pride for our land. A land sculpted by your divine will. Even as I write this, I could almost trace the grand palaces and fortresses rising majestically from the ocean floor.

The dusk painted the ocean in hues of pinks and golds, as Arion, my perpetual ball of energy, darted through the waves, his laughter echoing through the coral canyons.

As the day drew to a close, we gathered to share our daily catch, a feast of oceanic delights that filled our senses with the richness of the sea adorned on our table – succulent seaweed, plump sea urchins, and the delicate flesh of iridescent fish. The flavours exploded on my tongue, and I replenished gratefully in the abundance of Meridia.

As night descended, we floated back to the surface, watching the stars twinkle above the water's veil. The ocean's whispers spoke of ancient tales, of gods and goddesses who watched over us from the celestial realm. I traced constellations with my fingers, connecting the dots in the cosmic tapestry that mirrored the stories told by our elders.

Today was a reminder of the beauty that surrounded me, the vibrant life that thrives in our watery home, a manifestation of your divine creation. And I am forever grateful.

Now, the twin moons filter through the water, casting a gentle glow on the underwater gardens that surround our home in Meridia. The coral sways in a delicate dance with the waves as Arion lay asleep beside me, his every playful spirit hushed down to quiet breaths. The echoes of the day linger in my mind still, with its hidden wonders and ancient tales a treasure that I will continue to hold close to my heart.

Until the morrow.