In the coral reef near the Arana Peninsula, the crystal-clear waters allowed the sun's rays to filter down to the depths, illuminating an underwater world of vibrant colors and constantly moving life.
A group of mermaids gathered in circles, gracefully floating among the coral formations. Their melodic voices resonated through the water, creating a symphony that blended with the gentle murmur of the ocean. The mermaids were creatures of unparalleled beauty, with long hair that floated like silk in the water, and tails covered in shimmering scales.
Adela, an adult from the mermaid tribe, stood out with her beautiful dark green hair that gently waved with the movement of the water, and her sky-blue eyes that seemed to hold the vastness of the ocean. Her chiseled nose and skin white as sea foam made her look like a mythical figure from a dream.
Adela was surrounded by a group of young mermaids, all expectant and eager, listening intently to every word. Adela's wisdom and experience were respected by all in the tribe, and when she spoke, the entire reef seemed to pause to listen.
—Young mermaids —Adela began, her voice both melodic and authoritative—, in a month the rainy season and our mating cycle will begin. Each of you must prepare for this important moment.
The young mermaids looked at each other, exchanging glances of excitement and nervousness. For many, it would be the first time they would experience the courting ritual that had been a tradition in their tribe for generations.
—It is normal for more than one male to come to the frequency of his song —Adela continued, seeing the mixture of anxiety and enthusiasm on the faces of the young ones—. Remember to choose the male who offers you the most pearls; that indicates he is the strongest and capable of protecting both you and your future offspring.
—Don't be swayed by the number of pearls alone, but also by the character of the male —Adela added, with a wise smile—. Strength is important, but kindness and intelligence are important too.
The young mermaids nodded, understanding the importance of what was being said to them. They knew they were not just choosing a mate, but also a protector and a father for their descendants.
Adela's words echoed through the reef, blending with the soft murmur of the waves and the distant song of the whales. The mating season was approaching, and with it, the promise of new beginnings in that beautiful corner of the ocean.
The young mermaids slowly dispersed, each lost in their thoughts and the anticipation of what was to come. Adela watched them swim away with a mixture of pride and nostalgia, knowing they would soon follow their own paths, continuing the eternal cycle of marine life.
—Do you think this year someone will be able to be the companion of the Ocean Guardian? — Aria whispered softly.
—I've practiced my song a lot, I hope my melody has the right frequency to attract him. — Adara said proudly.
—Some say the Ocean Guardian was the protector of the Siren Arana. — Aria commented. — Do you think that's true?
—Those are legends told by our ancestors, only the Guardian himself has the answer to that. — Adara replied mysteriously.
()()()()()
The young mermaids nodded, understanding the importance of what was being said to them. They knew they were not just choosing a mate, but also a protector and a father for their descendants.
Adela's words echoed through the reef, blending with the soft murmur of the waves and the distant song of the whales. The mating season was approaching, and with it, the promise of new beginnings in that beautiful corner of the ocean.
The young mermaids slowly dispersed, each lost in their thoughts and the anticipation of what was to come. Adela watched them swim away with a mixture of pride and nostalgia, knowing they would soon follow their own paths, continuing the eternal cycle of marine life.
—Do you think this year someone will be able to be the companion of the Ocean Guardian? — Aria whispered softly.
—I've practiced my song a lot, I hope my melody has the right frequency to attract him. — Adara said proudly.
—Some say the Ocean Guardian was the protector of the Siren Arana. — Aria commented. — Do you think that's true?
—Those are legends told by our ancestors, only the Guardian himself has the answer to that. — Adara replied mysteriously.
()()()()
On the western side of the coral reef, near the Arana Peninsula, a group of dolphins was also preparing for an important event. The reef, with its bright colors and dreamlike atmosphere, was home not only to the mermaids but also to other communities such as dolphins and tritons, who lived in harmony with them.
The sun filtered through the water, lighting up the underwater scene with golden flashes. The corals formed a vibrant mosaic, and the anemones swayed gently, while the fish swam in synchronized formations, like a natural ballet. Amidst all this splendor, the dolphins moved with grace and agility, their silver bodies reflecting the sunlight.
One of the most notable dolphins was Alan, a young and vigorous male, known for his intelligence and acrobatic skills. Alan, a three-striped male, led the group in their preparations for the mermaids' mating season. They knew that to win the favor of the mermaids, they would have to engage in duels to acquire the most beautiful pearls and present them with elegance.
()()()()
On the eastern side of the reef, the situation was very different. A group of tritons, powerful and proud beings, were preparing for the same courting season. The leader of the tritons, Lamar, stood out among them. His long, dark green hair moved with the underwater currents, and his golden eyes gleamed with fierce determination. His robust body was a testament to his strength and skill—he was a four-striped male.
Lamar gathered his group, looking at them with seriousness. —This year, the fight for the pearls has been really tough —he said, his voice resonating with the authority of a born leader—. There are other species of males in the sea. Not only dolphins, but also the wild beasts, the sharks.
The tritons nodded, acknowledging the fierce competition they faced. The sharks, with their aggressive nature and raw strength, were formidable rivals.
—We must make sure to respond to the mermaids' song —Lamar continued, his gaze fixed on each of the tritons—. We cannot let others outdo us. The mermaids seek strength and protection, but they also need allies who understand the ocean like we do.
—We must prevent the mermaids from choosing the wild sharks as mates; they are aggressive when mating and end up leaving injuries on the fragile bodies of the mermaids, —Lamar expressed his concern to the other tritons.
—Keep in mind that the number of males in adulthood is around twenty thousand, while the females of childbearing age are only one thousand. We must ensure the protection of the mermaids, —Lamar explained the importance of taking care of the mermaids.
—What will we do if the Guardian comes to court a mermaid? —a young triton asked anxiously and nervously.
—The Ocean Guardian has been asleep for years, I don't think he'll wake up this year, —Lamar paused for a moment, searching his inherited memories—. So far, no mermaid remembers the song that Siren Arana used to sing. —Lamar sighed in relief.
()()()()
That night, after a quiet dinner, I sit by the fireplace with Noir, my first husband. The fire crackles softly, filling the cabin with a cozy warmth. Noir sits beside me, his expression serious yet loving.
—Lalabel, there's something important we need to talk about —he says, looking at me with his dark blue eyes full of concern.
—What's wrong, Noir? —I ask, feeling a slight knot of unease in my stomach.
—We've gathered everything we need for the journey, —Noir pauses before continuing—. Here, on this continent, the rains last for three months. They start gently in the first two weeks, but the next two months will be intense. During that time, we won't be able to leave the cabin.
—Three months? —I repeat, surprised—. That sounds... complicated.
—I've agreed with the others that we'll leave tomorrow at dawn —he continues—. We need to reach the Arán village as soon as possible. The rain will be relentless, and the roads will become impassable. Life outside the cabin will come to a complete halt.
I nod, trying to process the information. Three months trapped in the cabin sounds like a challenge, but I also know that Noir always has a plan.
That night, Lala chooses to sleep with Yang and Tarish; his fur feels more comfortable for her when trying to fall asleep.
The next morning, the sun begins to rise slowly over the Blue Feather village, filling the place with a soft golden light. Teru wakes up early, washing his face and hands in a nearby stream. He feels refreshed and ready for the day. He returns to the cabin and begins preparing breakfast for Lala and the others, moving with the precision and grace that define him.
Inside the cabin, Noir, Liam, and Tarish hurriedly pack the things they will need for the journey to the peninsula. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of anticipation and frantic activity.
In a corner of the cabin, Lala is still cuddled up with her second husband, Yang. His mint-fresh scent gives her a sense of comfort and security, wrapping around her like a warm blanket.
The songs of the birds begin to fill the air, a natural symphony announcing the start of a new day. The soft, melodic sounds filter through the windows, and gradually, they manage to wake Lala. She opens her eyes slowly, blinking at the soft morning light. Her pregnancy makes her sleep longer than usual, and waking up to these familiar sounds gives her a sense of peace and normality.
—Good morning, my Lala —Yang murmurs, gently caressing her hair.
Lala smiles and stretches, feeling each muscle wake up. Her belly, now a little more noticeable, reminds her with every movement of the new life growing inside her.
—Good morning, Yang —she responds, her voice still a bit sleepy.
Yang helps her get up carefully, and together they head toward the table where Teru has already set out a hearty breakfast. Fresh fruits, homemade bread, and a pot of steaming vegetable soup await those joining the table. The cabin smells like home, a mix of wood, earth, and freshly made food.
Noir enters with a large leather bag, placing it in a corner before heading toward the table.
—Everything is almost ready for the journey —he says, his voice deep and calm—. We just need to make sure we have enough water and some cooking utensils.
Liam, who is adjusting the straps on his bag, nods.
—I've packed all the essentials, but it's always good to double-check —he says, smiling at Lala—. How are you feeling today?
Lala sits with a sigh of satisfaction, picking a piece of fruit from the table.
—I'm feeling good, thank you. Though still a little tired —she admits, biting her lip—. But I'm ready for this journey. It's important for us.
Teru serves the soup into wooden bowls and distributes them around the table. Steam rises in spirals, filling the air with a comforting aroma.
—Let's eat then —Teru says—. We need our strength for the road.
Breakfast passes in a loving and warm atmosphere. The conversations are lively, and laughter occasionally fills the cabin. Despite the seriousness of the task ahead, the spirit of family is strong and united.
After eating, Lala slowly gets up, feeling the weight of the baby inside her. Noir and Yang surround her with protective arms, ready to assist her with each step.
Lala carefully stores her dresses and personal items in her dimensional space, each garment and object granted by the system. The cabin, which has been her refuge, now feels strangely empty. With one last glance at her temporary home, she closes the door behind her and heads toward the healer Lao.
At the entrance to the healer's house, Lao waits with a serene smile, though his eyes reflect deep wisdom and concern.
—We promise to return after the rainy season —Lalabel says, hugging the healer affectionately.
Lao nods, instinctively returning the hug, though it's the first time Lao has been hugged this way.
—Take care of yourselves and the baby —Lao responds, his voice soft but firm—. And remember, if you need anything, I'll always be here to help.
After saying goodbye to Lao, Lala meets her friends Roxy and Selene. Roxy, with her contagious energy, hugs Lala enthusiastically.
—I'm going to miss you, my friend —Roxy says, her eyes shining with emotion—. But I know we'll see each other soon.
Selene, more reserved but equally affectionate, gives her a pat on the shoulder.
—Take good care of yourself, Lala. And look after your family —Selene says, her voice full of sincerity.
Lala smiles, feeling a mix of sadness and hope. Saying goodbye is always hard, but she knows it's just a temporary farewell. With one last glance at her friends, she heads toward the village entrance.
Lalabel and her husbands walk together, their steps resonating on the path that leads them out of the village. The sound of nature surrounds them: the song of the birds, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the crunch of leaves under their feet. The Blue Feather village, with its tranquility and familiarity, slowly fades behind them, remaining a cherished memory.