As the waters warmed further, hints of mangrove and meadows green appeared below the waves sway. Alaria's song trilled with joyous excitement- at last, they neared the Southern reefs where her beloved kin, her two sisters, Nuala and Aine made their homes.
Gracing along coral gardens vivid as rainbows, Alaria spotted two familiar silhouettes swimming amid schools of rainbow fish. "There!" She cried.
Racing ahead, she embraced the two other sirens tearfully. Nuala and Aine clung to their returned sister overjoyed at her safety after so long. But wonder soon clouded their features at the sight of the Kraken, hanging back watchfully.
They turned to their sister, Alaria gleamed happily "Sisters, it's so nice to see the two of you again, oh how I missed you guys so much!" Nuala's and Aine's expressions soften, if anything- they were the ones that are glad to see her. Both Nuala and Aine had always been protective of Alaria, especially when their fellow sirens have always shunned and treated her like an outcast.
Alaria looked between the Kraken and her two fellow siren sisters before introducing both parties to each other. "Dearest kin, let me introduce my noble companion, who kept me company these barren moons. See how tenderly he watches- have no fear, for he views me and mine with utmost care".
Nuala and Aine beheld the giant and saw the love shinning in Alaria's eyes, before bowing in welcome. "Any friend of our sister's is ours. Do come rest, we know a good place where we can catch up and be regaled with tales of how you two met- you must tell us all!"
As the Kraken drew near, discharging worried rumbles, Alaria appeared on his brow rubbing it to ease his worries which was better, she sang for her sisters to hear- of icy camaraderie, shared adventures, the unfathomable loyalty between them that had blossomed across countless leagues.
And her kin, listening, understood at the moment. For where others saw a foe, they witnessed now a companion as devoted as any mate. Two outcasts had found belonging in one another, across all boundaries and in doing so, perhaps a template for acceptance the intolerant still needed proven.
Their first stop proved more joyous than any could anticipate. At long last, with her sister's blessings and guidance, surely all would soon see this unlikely bound was a blessings, not curse, for both souls.
Nuala and Aine listened raptly as Alaria recounted her tale. When at last she finishes, the sisters beamed with delight.
"Oh Alaria, we are overjoyed that in your loneliness you found such a steadfast friend," sighed Nuala as she looks at the Kraken with a smile.
Aine swam circles around the towering Kraken, examining him with curiosity rather than fear. "Indeed, his heart seems true. Any who look past size and appearance and see the soul within are wise in my eyes".
The leviathan rumbled softly. "Your sister's spirit lifted my ages of solitude. Together we found meaning anew each day".
Alaria grinned relieved. "You see? He treats me with utmost care and respect. I had hoped you might guide us to your new home, and help others understand our bond".
Nuala took her hand. "Of course, sister. Where you go, we go. And others will listen to our words, have no doubt".
As the Kraken bowed his thanks, Aine chuckled. "Come! Let's away before the tides turn. I can't wait to show this gentle giant our colorful kingdom underneath the sun".
With her beloved kin at her side once more, Alaria swam on confident now in her choice to spare this new world and her heart with the loyal friend who had become her family in all the ways that truly mattered.
Alaria swam nimbly through the coral beside the kraken's bulk, keeping pace with his slow yet steady strides. She sense his caution, despite the warmth of the siren's welcome, and sought to reassure him.
"My friend, their reef teems with wonders surely novel to your eyes", she sang softly. "But you've nothing to fear- they know your gentle soul as I do".
The leviathan's massive eyes flicked about, taking in dazzling reef caves and shoals of colorful fish. "So different from icy domains...the music here is near deafening". He rumbled softly in appreciation.
Alaria laughed. "Just wait until our evening chorus! It will lift your soul". She pressed a hand to his armored hide, feeling the vibration of his slow, powerful heartbeat. "For now, see how even the smallest creatures flock without alarm? They sense what I knew from the first- that within your form lives a spirit as curious and kind as any here".
Her praise helped ease lingering tension. The Kraken watched, beguiled, as sea turtles drifted past and playful seals darted circles around him without hesitation. Perhaps acceptance was closer than either outcast dared believe, if the wonders within could shine through any shell or scale.
"Does the music here makes you annoyed...if so, I can cheer you up with my soothing siren song...She says touching one of his many tentacles.
The Kraken rumbled ponderously. "Your voice alone, dear Alaria, lifts any spirit. But these vibrant reef melodies do stir restless stirrings in my ancient bones".
He gently wrapped one huge tentacle around her hand where it rested on his armored hide, the barest fraction of his immeasurable strength. "Sing for me, sweet songstress- your lifting tones remain an Antartic breeze in these warmer climes".
Alaria's silvery laughter chimed like glacial winds. She began to weave a soft, ethereal song just for his ears, filling his massive form with feelings as soothing as the icy waters he knew so well. His unblinking eyes drifted partly closed in contentment.
"Yes...your magic alone sweeps all else away", he sighed, the words like grinding icebergs. "With you beside, little singer, even those myriad musics and novelty find welcome in my roving soul".
Around them, fish and some sirens along with a few other deep-sea creatures alike paused in wondrous silence to heed the striking duet of the ancient Kraken and his darling songstress and finally perceived the deep love and trust binding these unlikely souls together across all boundaries.