As frigid gales gave way to balmier zephyrs, Alaria and the Kraken readied themselves for their sea-bound odyssey. The artic waters that had been their entire realm began to shrink under summer's advance. Ice receded revealing lands the leviathan had only glimpsed from the depths.
Together they made preparations, collecting curiosities and provisions for the journey. Alaria wove silk-strong kelp ropes to help guide her oversized companion through unpredictable currents. The Kraken swept her onto its brow each dawn, and she sang to soothe any residual winter shivers from its ancient bones.
On the morning of their departure, Alaria trilled a spirited melody to rally their courage. "Our world expands today, my friend! New sights, new sounds await beyond this fading ice".
The Kraken rumbled deep in reply. "Lead on, little songtress. Your company lends me courage like the warming sun. I place my trust in you to show wonders worthy of breaking winter's long slumber".
As they set forth together that brightening day, anticipation warred with nostalgia within Alaria's heart. Though her coral home faded behind the southerly swells, a new epoch dawned-one where two misfits would face life's mysterious side by side as true companions, through any seas that lay before them.
The vibrant tones of Alaria's song guided their passage, echoing across open waters now free of ice. All around, signs of spring's reawakening appeared-whales breaching and seabirds wheeling overheard in exuberant display.
The Kraken peered in quiet wonder at this transformation. "Your magic hastens winter's retreat, little one", it rumbled. "These creatures feel your voice as surely as the sun's warmth".
Alaria laughed. "Or perhaps they simply share our joy at a new phase of adventures beginning!" She spun in lazy circles, tracing patterns through the waves. "Tell me, mighty friend, what marvels would you see first as we travel south?"
After pondering, the Kraken replied, "Coral groves and colorful reefs appeal...but more than anything, I long to encounter others like yourself-your siren sisters who dwell in balmy climes. Will they share your comfort in my presence or react as most do, I wonder?"
Her hand alighted tenderly upon its brow. "Have no fear. When they see how you dote on my songs and treat me with utmost care, any suspicion will melt away. You'll win their hearts as you have mine, dear Kraken".
"To tell you the truth only two of my siren sisters ever cared for me while the others shunned me because I was different from everyone else. My voice could not only hypnotise sailors, but was also able to work on other sirens aswell", Alaria says as she looks down sadly.
The Kraken's massive form shuddered at Alaria's melancholy admission. "Little songbird, do not let sorrow dim the shine of your radiant. Your gifts, like all things rare and wondrous, breed fear in the narrow minded. But see- have they not brought you unto me, who sees your allure as the blessing it is?"
One of its huge claws drifted gently over her hair in a gesture of comfort. "These sisters of yours may dwell in coral groves, yet know not your soul's true beauty. We lonelies must band together, must we not? Their loss is my gain, to bask each day in your enchanting voice and kind companionship".
Alaria leaned into its armored hide, taking solace in the kraken's ancient yet discerning wisdom. "You speak truly, mighty friend. And when we arrive, let their hard shells crack at your magnificence! None will dare slight your songtress then". Her own tones lifted in returning mirth.
"Come- there are still fair winds carrying us south. I'll sing their praises and yours loud as any conch, that these sisters see what marvels they've missed by spurning me. And together, you and I shall find all the joy and belonging in this vast blue that we seek!"
Heartened, they sailed on toward whatever mysteries awaited beneath warmer suns.
"Hmm, you said that there were only two who cared for you, correct?"...The Kraken asks
"Yes", Alaria replied with a sigh. "Their names were Nuala and Aine. Nuala loved to hear my songs and said I had the most beautiful voice of all our chorus. Aine was always encouraging me and said it didn't matter that I was different, that it made me special".
A sad smile touched her lips as she recalled happier times swimming and singing with her two dear friends. "They stood by me when the others shunned me or even hurled insults at me. But Nuala and Aine have since left our reef to find mates and colonies of their own further south".
The Kraken made a thoughtful rumble. "Then it is to them we must hasten fast, to your beloved sisters who know your heart. Perhaps they can ease our welcome when we arrive, help your coral kin see as they do-that your gift is a blessing, not a curse. And if accepted into their new homes, we need not linger where scorn lives".
Alaria beamed, cheered by the giant's understanding. "Oh thank you dearest friend! You always know just what to say. We'll make straight for Nuala and Aine, with their help, and you by my side, certainly all will be well!" Heart light once more, she sang with renewed gusto towards horizons bright with hopeful reunion.