The sub-surface Conglomerate is a loose confederation of brathian cities, kingdoms, merchant houses and roaming caravans that live in the waters of the Fourth Stratum.
The Endless Lake.
Brimming with life and water mana, the Lake is the ideal environment for the brathian to dwell in, though they are capable of living on land as well as beneath the waves. Historically, their people lived in or around freshwater sources outside the Dungeon, and the more peace-loving amongst them still do.
Within the fourth, however, is where the majority of the brathian of Pangera now make their homes.
- Excerpt from 'On the People of the Fourth' by Tir
The crushing pressure of the waters abated as Theraz slipped within the pearlescent barrier erected by his people. Knotted muscles loosened and tension drained from his scales as he smiled for what felt like the first time in weeks.
In reality, it had only been a day or two, but the extra life mana thanks to the wave seemed to press in on him. The waters of the Endless Lake were vibrant, filled with energy and life, but the mana was so thick. When he swam, he felt as if the weight of the mountains that towered in the sky above was pressing down on him.
The added weight of the unending tide of monsters did nothing to help the feeling abate.
"Welcome home, Theraz. How did you find the current?"
"Piris, I should have known you would be waiting for me."
"Of course, I would not want you to lose yourself amongst the fish and become confused."
"Do I look like a fish to you?"
"Am I supposed to answer that?"
His cousin grinned at him mischievously and Theraz shook his head.
"I have returned from an important scouting mission for the Satrap, and you wait for me here on the border of our lands simply to throw insults?" he shook his golden-scaled head. "What will your mother say?"
She shrugged, her legs drifting as the waters shifted.
"What does she always say? 'You need to do better! Stop wasting your time! Cease flapping your fins!' I don't listen anymore."
This was a little disturbing to hear. Had his aunt and cousin really fallen out so badly? He'd had no idea.
"Let us not talk of this anymore," he cut off the conversation. "I must return to speak with your father, and I do not wish to hear any more of this familial disrespect."
Piris frowned but fell silent as the two swam close to the sandy bottom, darting between the lush plant life and drifting weeds as they moved deeper into the water claimed by the brathian.
Soon they came across the outer farms, tall fields of hornwart and lotus stretching high above.
Patrols of soldiers swam in organised lines, ever vigilant for monsters spawning within the barrier or for those crazed beasts who pushed through the siren song and attacked.
Beyond the farmland, they came upon Crelios proper, dome-shaped houses made of sandstone, neat gardens and enormous corals. Small fish ducked and darted everywhere, hiding in sponges embedded in roofs and walls. The brathian were everywhere, their vibrant scales of many hues glittering in the dim, shifting light. In the distance, the heart of the city loomed, towering sand structures rising from the lakebed, along with the enormous sponge fronds that rose hundreds of metres towards the light.
"We should pick up the pace a little," he suggested, "I don't want to keep your father waiting."
His cousin nodded, and the water began to twist in front of them as they employed their mana. Soon, they were rocketing through the lake, a short jetstream swirling behind them. They only slowed as they approached the outer reaches of the city centre and were approached by the guards.
"Theraz! Finally back, I see. I was worried we were going to get sent out to find you soon."
The old brathian lowered his spear and indicated the dull, faded sheen of the scales on his arms.
"I'm getting too old to go beyond the boundary, it's a good thing you found your way back.'
"You're as impressive a beast as I've ever seen in the Endless Lake," Theraz grinned. "I can't imagine a day when Mozla the magnificent will be forced to retirement."
"Then you lack imagination."
The old warrior turned to the guards on patrol with him.
"You two escort the young master and mistress back to the palace. I'll finish up out here."
"Not keen to visit the palace again, Mozla?" Theraz chuckled.
The old man made a face.
"I hate that place," he said flatly, and Piris stared at him in surprise. He noticed and grunted. "I'm too old for them to bother punishing me for my disrespect, little one. There are a few advantages to being a grey-scale like me. It's not your family that flaps my fins anyway. There's just too much… faffing about. I feel like someone has to announce you before you can enter the toilet."
She giggled.
"That's almost true. For mother and father, at least."
"Good. Now hurry up, I need to get back to work."
Theraz was made to reflect on Mozla's opinion as he spent the next two hours being passed between dignitaries (each of whom required that he be announced before being permitted to enter their presence). Access to the Satrap wasn't easy, even for his nephew. When he finally made it through to the inner palace, he'd begun to yearn for the open waters beyond the barrier again.
"Young Theraz, my nephew. Welcome!"
Satrap Umizan was… on the large side… for a brathian. Considering he spent all day lounging on his throne while dealing with administrative affairs, it was somewhat to be expected. The endless supply of sweetfish brought to him by his female attendants didn't help either.
"Father! You promised you'd stop snacking this week!" Piris scolded him.
"Oh! Piris! I… didn't see you there!"
The Satrap attempted to hide a plate of fish behind his throne with one hand and failed spectacularly.
"Don't tell your mother…."
She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest.
"Please?"
"Satrap," Theraz grinned, "I have returned from my scouting mission at the forward enclave. There is much for us to discuss."
At once, Umizan's demeanour changed and he straightened on his throne, a cold light gleaming in his eye.
"Good. I need to learn more about our new neighbours. These… ants."