As they boarded one of the ancient, luxurious ships, curiosity and urgency propelled Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan to explore its confines. The ship, a relic of bygone craftsmanship, held the promise of new horizons and the continuation of their perilous quest. Its design was both intricate and functional, with various rooms that hinted at the lives of those who had once sailed it.
While marveling at the ship's interior, Amukelo, eager to understand more about their allies and the world around them, posed a question to Erohan. "Can every dragon change into human form?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by Erohan's transformation.
Erohan, adjusting to his human-like form, replied, "Only high dragons possess the ability to assume a human guise. The weaker dragons lack the strength and magic to do so." His explanation revealed another layer of the complex society and abilities of dragonkind, marking a clear distinction between the powers of different dragons.
The focus then shifted to the matter at hand, the operation of the ship. Erohan gestured towards the steering wheel and asked, "Does any of you know how to use this thing?" His question underscored the practical challenges they faced, beyond the magical and mythical.
Eliss responded, her voice tinged with determination. "I've studied it a bit on the beach when we planned to build our own ship," she admitted. "But we should take some time to study it properly, to avoid any trouble on the ocean." She then suggested that Amukelo might be the best fit for the role of sailing the ship, her trust in his capabilities evident.
The urgency of their situation was not lost on them. With Valarian's intentions and progress unknown, they felt the pressure to master the art of sailing as swiftly as possible. "We don't know if Valarian has already crossed this ocean or not," Eliss continued, her gaze moving between Amukelo and Erohan. "Our only choice is to learn fast and move faster."
Understanding the importance of dividing their tasks to expedite their departure, Eliss retrieved several books on sailing from the collection they had brought with them. Handing them to Amukelo, she said, "These should help you get a grasp on sailing. We'll need you at the helm if we're to navigate these waters safely."
Meanwhile, she allocated the remaining responsibilities between herself and Erohan, ensuring that all aspects of their preparation were covered. From studying the ship's layout and provisioning for their journey to understanding the celestial navigation detailed in their books, they worked with a sense of purpose and cohesion.
After a period of intensive learning and preparation, the trio realized the time had come to set their plans into motion. Their anticipation grew as they imagined embarking on the open sea, picturing a cave that would lead them directly to the ocean's expanse. However, reality unveiled a different path: the exit from the underwater port was submerged, a hidden conduit beneath the waves. The realization that their journey would begin with a plunge into the depths was daunting, and for a moment, they considered abandoning their ship to the whims of the underwater currents.
But as the ship descended, enveloped by the cool embrace of the water, a miraculous occurrence unfolded. A protective bubble formed around the ship, an arcane shield that held the crushing pressure of the deep at bay. The currents, far from being a threat, now served as a guide, propelling them towards the unknown lands that lay beyond this subaqueous threshold.
As they journeyed beneath the waves, the ocean revealed its marvels to them. The water around them was alive with color and movement, a vast, living tapestry that stretched in every direction. Corals of every hue formed underwater forests, their branches swaying gently in the currents. Fish, adorned with vibrant patterns and iridescent scales, darted between the corals, a flash of brilliance in the filtered light.
Amongst the corals, sea spiders wove their webs, their delicate forms belying their predatory nature. The ocean floor was a mosaic of life, with plants that seemed to dance to an unseen rhythm and creatures that defied the imagination.
Amukelo, Eliss, and Erohan witnessed sights that were both beautiful and bizarre. Crabs with unsettlingly human-like faces scuttled across the sand, their expressions a mystery locked behind their alien eyes. Creatures that bore a resemblance to camels, if camels had impossibly long legs suited for striding across the ocean's depths, moved with a grace that belied their odd form.
And then there were the craters, abyssal voids that punctuated the ocean floor. They appeared as wells of darkness, their depths unfathomable, drawing the eye and sparking the imagination. What secrets did they hold? What creatures lurked in their shadowed embrace? These questions hung in the air, unanswered but deeply felt.
The journey beneath the sea was an odyssey of discovery, a voyage through a world as alien as any distant planet. The protective bubble that encased their ship allowed them to observe this underwater realm in safety, a silent bubble of air in the vast ocean.
Their excitement was palpable, each new sight a source of wonder and awe. The beauty of the ocean, with its kaleidoscope of life and color, was a stark contrast to the dangers they had faced and the battles they had fought. Here, in the quiet depths, they found a moment of peace, a chance to marvel at the natural wonders of their world.
The ocean's depths, with their strange and beautiful inhabitants, their deep craters and mysterious currents, offered a glimpse into the complexity and majesty of nature. As the trio journeyed through this underwater realm, they were reminded that their world was a place of endless discovery, a place worth fighting for. The excitement of exploration, the thrill of seeing what lay beyond the next coral grove or oceanic trench, fueled their spirits and strengthened their resolve.