Chapter 3 - The Secret Home

Saehildr swam deeper into the cave, the light from the entrance growing dimmer as he ventured further in. The walls were lined with various shells and coral, glimmering in the soft light that filtered in from the outside. He couldn't believe his luck, finding such a secluded and beautiful place.

As he swam, he couldn't help but have a conversation with himself. "This could be the perfect place for me. I can finally be myself here and not have to hide who I am."

As he swam through a narrow passageway, he emerged into a large chamber.

The chamber that Saehildr has high ceilings that are adorned with sparkling crystal formations. The walls are lined with various shells and coral, which give off a soft, warm light that illuminates the space.

The floor of the chamber is covered in a thick layer of sand, which Saehildr sweeps and smooths out to make it more comfortable for him to rest.

As he continues to explore, Saehildr comes across a large boulder that is situated in the center of the chamber. The boulder is smooth and glossy, and it gives off a soft, warm glow.

Saehildr realizes that this must be the Varmrsteinn that he had heard about, the rock that gives off heat. He reaches out and touches it, and he can feel the warmth radiating from it.

"This rock is truly a wonder of the sea. The heat it gives off is unlike anything I've ever felt before. It's like a small piece of the sun has been trapped here, deep in the ocean."

He smiles to himself, knowing that this rock will be a valuable resource for him as he makes this chamber his home.

He comes across another passageway hidden under a cluster of corals.

"I wonder what other secrets this cave holds, I'll have to explore it more thoroughly."

As he swims through, he finds it opening up into another small cave. He is struck by the vibrant colors and varied forms of the plants that inhabit the space.

"I've never seen such vibrant colors in these plants before, it's truly breathtaking."

The cave walls are covered in a variety of colorful coral, each with its unique pattern and texture. Long strands of seaweed sway gently in the current, their fronds rustling like the leaves of trees in the wind. Spiky sea urchins cling to the rocky walls, their spines glinting in the dim light.

"These plants must be unique to this cave, I wonder how they survive in these dark waters."

Saehildr also notices a bed of soft, velvety moss that covers the cave floor. He runs his fingers through it, feeling the cool, damp texture. The moss is home to a variety of small sea creatures, such as crabs and shrimp, that scuttle around in its depths.

As he explores the chamber, Saehildr notices that there are several small chambers branching away throughout the space. On exploring them, they are filled with a variety of different sea creatures, such as small fish and crustaceans.

Saehildr watches as they swim and play in the water, and he can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the diversity of life that exists in the cave.

"I never knew there was so much life in these depths. It's like a whole new world down here."

Saehildr returns to the main chamber and starts to clear it out, moving some of the larger rocks and debris to make it more comfortable. He gathers shells and coral to decorate the walls and create a more inviting space.

As he works, he talks to himself, "I never thought I would have a place of my own, a place where I can be myself, where I am not judged by my origins. I will make this chamber my home, a place where I can be at peace, a place where I can dream about the future without the burden of my past."

As he finishes cleaning the chamber, Saehildr takes a moment to survey his work. He is pleased with what he has accomplished and he knows that this chamber will be his sanctuary, a place where he can retreat whenever he needs a break from the judgmental glances of the Vannkriger.

"This is it. This is my secret home," Saehildr thought to himself as he looked around the chamber. "I can come here whenever I need to get away from the tribe, to think and to be alone."

Saehildr settles down on the smooth sand floor, closes his eyes and breathe in the salty water, feeling at peace for the first time in his life.