In the moons that followed, an unlikely bond took shape between Alaria the siren and the Kraken of the northern seas. Each day Alaria ventured from her coral cave to join the leviathan among the ice floes as it rested and played.
Her songs told of lands and creatures beyond this frozen realm, enchanting the Kraken for hours. In turn, it regaled her with tales spanning centuries- of storms which tossed whole whale herds like flotsam, and the first inklings of a warming age long past when greater beasts than even he swamed the ocean.
Alaria laughed in delight to see the giant, usually so rigid and ominous to other beings, become almost childlike as it snapped up wriggling seal pups in it's curious jaws or butted against her tiny form with uncanny tenderness. Here was a spirit as wonderous and gentle as the stories claimed it.
She even earned its trust enough to ride upon its massive brow, gazing in awe across a vastness no other of her kind ever witnessed. From so high, they spied orcas breaching and narwhals jousting in the glittering seas below.
The siren found a solace in the kraken's company like nothing before. Her days rang with new purpose-exploring alongside this marvel who saw her not as prey but peer. At last, loneliness's long grip loosened...and in its stead blossomed an affection as deep and enduring as the tides themselves.
The Kraken rumbled softly as Alaria alighted upon its brow. "Little songbird, your company pleases me more than any other's in all my years alone. Sing for me your tales of warmer climes-I have seen a hundred winters pass in this realm of ice, yet still they hold novelty through your voice".
Alaria laughed, her voice slipping easily into the lyrical notes and tones of distant ports and colorful coral. As always, the Kraken seemed entranced, it's massive eyes drifting half-closed in contentment.
When her melody faded, Alaria asked, "Have you longed to see those places yourself, mighty one? To glimpse colors and creatures far beyond our frozen dominion?"
The Kraken considered it, it's rumbled like shifting bergs. "The seas are wide, but my bulk limits where I may roam. And these nothern deeps are all I've known. Yet...with you beside, little songbird, perhaps new waters would not seem so daunting".
Alaria's eyes lit up "Then its decided! When spring's thaw comes, we'll voyage south together on great adventures. I'll introduce you to my siren sisters and show off our stalwart protector, the Kraken of the north!" She laughed again, beguiling and sweet.
A shiver, almost like a chuckle, cascaded through the giant's form. For the first time, tentative hope kindled that this icy domain, acceptance and belonging might be found-so long as they faced the world as the unlikeliest of friends.