Descending into the depths of the Merfolk Lake was like entering another world, one that was as mesmerizing as it was mysterious. The surface above grew distant, the deeper we swam tiny air bubbles floated behind us. Below, the water was a deep, rich blue, gradually darkening as we ventured further into the heart of the lake.
Cool and pervasive, a gentle pressure wrapped around our bodies. The deeper we went, the more the temperature dropped, a chilly embrace that made every inch of my skin tingle.
The light filtered down in shafts, dancing and refracting off the particles suspended in the water, creating a mesmerizing ballet of shifting patterns. These beams illuminated the vibrant underwater landscape, revealing a tapestry of colors and forms. Schools of fish darted past, their scales flashing silver and gold, moving in perfect harmony.
Below, the lake bed was a sprawling garden of aquatic plants. Tall, swaying fronds of kelp and seaweed reached up towards the surface, their movements gentle and hypnotic. Among them were patches of vividly colored corals, their intricate structures providing shelter for a myriad of smaller creatures underneath. Lake Anemones pulsed gently with the rhythm of the water, their tendrils waving like delicate fingers.
Clusters of luminescent plants dotted the lake bed, their soft glow casting a ghostly light on everything around them. These plants emitted a spectrum of colors, from cool blues and greens to warm oranges and purples, creating a stunning, mezmerizing landscape. The light they produced was just enough to see by, but not so much as to dispel the mysterious ambience of the depths of the Merefolk Lake.
Further down, the sounds of the lake enveloped us. The gentle hum of the water, the distant calls of unseen creatures, and the occasional crackle of air bubbles escaping from hidden crevices. It was a symphony of natural music, soothing and constant.
Half-way through we could see the Nereid Kelp grew in dense clusters, its fronds thick and sturdy, moving with a languid grace. The plant's central stalk was strong and tall, anchoring it firmly to the lake bed. Nestled among its tendrils were the seeds we sought, round and pulsing faintly. The kelp seemed almost sentient, aware of our presence, its tendrils brushing against us gently as we approached.
Among the kelp, the Naiads moved like shadows, their forms blending seamlessly with their surroundings. They watched us with a mix of curiosity and caution, their eyes reflecting the luminescent glow of the plants they tended. The Naiads were the guardians of this underwater paradise, farming kelps as food source and maintaining the balance of all the living creatures thriving in the lake.
Every movement we made stirred the water, sending ripples through the lake bed. Tiny shrimp and other crustaceans scuttled across, disappearing into crevices at the slightest disturbance. Larger fish hovered nearby, watching us with curious eyes before darting away into the safety of the kelp forests.
First, I heard their voices: a soft hum of clicks and trills, a distinct language ringing through the water. The Naiads appeared, as Gale had warned, intimidating and aggressive. They were dressed in garments made of kelp, adorned with shells and fish bones, their eyes glinting with curiosity and something darker.
Some of the applicants held their breath as we faced the pod of Naiads. Nobody moved; it seemed like we were entranced by their unnerving presence. Their clicks suddenly morphed into words I could understand, bridging the communication gap between us.
Confident of my ability to converse with beasts, I faced my co-practitioners. "Let me talk to them first," I signaled the group to a halt, hoping we could prevent unnecessary confrontation.
"We come in peace," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "We mean no harm. We just need the seed from the Kelp and then we'll go." No answer. My confidence earlier started to falter. I can hear dismissive grunts from the people behind me.
And then...
"Geet keepahhhh," I heard the voice of the leader of the Naiads as he spoke to me.
"Longg taymmmm sinzzz…" The Naiad approached me as though he had known me before.
Just when everything seemed perfectly going according to my plan, Bran, his impatience bubbling to the surface, couldn't wait. With a furious shout, he lets out a fist of white flame, aiming directly at the closest Naiad in his viscinity.
"No!" I screamed, but it was too late. The water bubbled violently as his fiery fist landed on the she Naiad.
White flames, an advanced form of pyromagic couldn't be extinguished by water, engulfed the poor creature. I would've clapped my hands had it not for this dire situation we're currently in.
The she Naiad fell to the lake bed, other members of the pod stared in horror. The silence that followed was deafening.
Then, a piercing scream erupted from every one of the Naiads, so high-pitched I thought my ears would burst. Their thorny back fins erected like spears.
Chaos ensued.
The Naiads dispersed in all directions, jets of water pulsing as they swam at incredible speeds and vanished into the depths. We were left in the middle of the lake, just before reaching the bottom where the Nereid Kelp grew.
I turned to Bran, my anger profound. "What have you done? They meant no harm!"
Bran looked proud of his actions. Not a hint of regret as he said, "Serves them right! They should know better than to stand in front of me in completing this hurdle."
Others cheered him on, thanking him for what they perceived as bravery that scared off the creatures.
For a moment, it seemed they were right—the Naiads had fled. But there was a gnawing feeling in my gut, a sense so ominous I could feel my hair raising. The lake, once teeming with life, had fallen eerily silent, as if every creature was holding its breath.
Then it happened...
One of the applicants was suddenly dragged into the kelp forest by an unseen force.
Panic erupted.
Another was pulled under.
Then another...
Screams and bubbles filled the water as everyone tried to defend themselves, the tranquil lake transforming into chaos and confusion.
We watched in horror as a pod of angry Naiads emerged from the shadows, their eyes burning red with vengeance. Their swift, fluid movements were a blur as they lunged to attack.
We were caught in the middle, fighting for our lives.
I struggled to fend off the attackers while thinking how we could get out of this tangled mess.
Something grabbed my feet.
I felt a powerful current pulling me towards the depths.
The kelp forest loomed closer.
My body slammed hard against the lake bed.
And then darkness followed...