The ocean was calm, it's gentle warm waters covering the great mer-city. The sun was high in the blue skies. Shimmering rays down into crystal tropical waters. Her hair curled through the water. Moving with each pulse of the beautiful water. Her hair was brighter than the pristine blue waters. The dipped ends of yellow golden in
The beauty of the waters. She watched from her room, as dolphins chirped to one another, playing and jumping above the waves far above them. She rested her head against her pale arms. Her tail gently fluttering as she sat on a small stool made of stones and shells. The scales of her tail reflected the golden light of the ocean. Bouncing through her room in faded splatters of light. Thalassa allowed herself to float up in the water. Spinning around and gently gliding to her bedside. Her bed was half of a giant clam, with a pink silvery cushion. A sewed seaweed blanket tucked into the corners of the bed to keep it from floating away in rougher seas. For a moment her eyes lingered to the mirror that was decorated with beautiful seashells. Her pink eyes staring at the pink eyes she knew so well. Yet at the same time they were so alien. She swept up her bag, a satchel made from weaved seaweed that her mother had thought her how to make. In the water it floated weightlessly around her, after she had slipped it over her shoulders. Knowing that swimming through the hallways of the castle to leave would catch much attention, she slipped out of her balcony. Shooting out towards the edges of town as fast as her stripes tail would allow her. Bubbles jetted behind her. Drifting towards the surface lazily. She felt her cheeks become hot, as a few eyes beneath her in the city caught glance of her. Causing her to push forward through the water quicker than before. She swam out of the boarders of the city. To the waters were coral climbed through the waves, swarming with schools of colorful fish. Yellow butterfly fish, and bright schools of Angel fish greeted her to the reef with a bubbles and swirling dances through the water. The attention of animals were different than that of other mer-people. It didn't make her nervous, or have anxiety. Instead it made her laugh and smile. Slipping through the crowds of the bustling fish colonies, towards the small trench that split the coral reef into two pieces. The trench was small enough that it was covered up by seaweed and corals, nothing like the giant trench at the edge of the kingdom's land. She slipped through the thought rocks. To the secret tunnel that lead to a hidden cave. Inside the gave, there was a rather large little island stilling from the water of the cave. In an air pocket. The air was fresh and wonderful, and light gleamed from the water below on the island, something was flopped on a bed of kelp and seaweed. Hearing her break the surface, it turned to face her. Barking happily. Thalassa smiled brightly at the sound of the seal barking, it's brown eyes gleamed playfully and it shifted towards her. Being careful of it bandaged flipper. "Hey boy" she whispered softy, her voice gentle and calm. "You hungry?" the seal barked happily, throwing it's head back. She opened up her bag. And swam to the small rock island. Gently spilling out the fish onto the rock, watching as the creature happily gobbled up.

He ducked. And ducked again. He could just see the shine of the metal passing over him. With his shield he pushed forward, trying to knock his opponent over. But his foe was fast and jumped back. The man’s massive, tree trunk like arms lifted the heavy war hammer over his head, ready to deliver a bone shattering slam. But the hammer, so heavy it had to be held by 2 strong arms, was slow. Liandrich could jump out of the way in time. But the very earth beneath him shook. He tried to slash at his enemy. But he lifted his hammer up again, almost hitting Liandrich. The giant of a man swung wide and was able to hit Liandrich’s blade. Who flew away into the sand. Now, Liandrich stood before the heavily armored foe. But he wasn’t going to give up. Instead he took advantage of the opening. With his shield he pushed as hard as he could, knocking the big man over. As quick as he could he unclasped the leather holding his shield to his arm and aimed the sharp edge at the exposed throat of the man. For a second, the tension could be cut with a knife. Until both began to laugh.

“Keep fighting like that and you’ll best your old man someday.” Said a heavy, bearded voice from within the armor. Liandrich threw away his shield and helped the big giant up. “I can already best my old man. I’m quite sure of it. Or else he wouldn’t run from me all the time.” He said laughing. “It is good that you are the crown-prince. If anyone less would have said such a thing they would be hung before dawn.” The giant of man said as he removed his helmet. Revealing what everyone expected. A bald head and big, ginger beard. “You there! Wench! Bring me an ale. And not the piss that farmers drink. And make sure that it’s cold.” Bartrom, the giant, bellowed at a girl nearby. He then made his way to the tables. Leaving Liandrich alone in the sand. In a few days a great tournament would take place here. The tables and tents were placed and built. Cooks making the final preparation before making food for three days non-stop. And in the center, the arena. It would be great, all the great lords would arrive. But more importantly: all the great lords’ sons. Future lords and knights who had to prove themselves in combat. LIandrich never could wait to defeat each and every one again. Establishing his dominance as he did every year.

He walked up the weapons rack and placed the blunted sword in its place. Instead he took the scabbard of his own, trusted sword. He had watched when he was 12 how it was forged. How it was folded over and over again. How it was tempered and how the metal was slammed into shape by rows of hammers. The ringing and burning still filled his head as a happy memory.

Thalassa watched as the seal gulped up the slippery fish. He barked happily, tossing his head back once he was done. His breath smelled heavily of the fish he had freshly consumed. "That's good Splatter" she purred, her voice was soft and music like. Melodic like the whistle that came from her flute. She rubbed his stomach gently, his flubber dry and warm against her finger tips. Splatter purred happily, his eyes closing slowly. Thalassa watched him with her kind pink eyes. Enjoying that he was pleased by her help. "I'll be right back boy, I just want to explore, alright?" She said as she lifted out of the water to give him a kiss on the forehead. Splatters throat rumbled with a sad whimper. His eyes opening with a look so pitiful it made her regret thinking of leaving him. But the ocean was waiting for her. With cracks and caves in the coral's filled with beautiful fish and different artifacts of a different time. The lure of curiosity tugged at her, it was here, and only in this coral reef, where she willed to explore. Safe from danger, and the prying eyes of those who would judge her. "I'll be back with a special treat," she promised "Is that a good enough compromise?" At the idea of a treat, the creatures eyes widened with excitement and wonder. She could tell that his mouth was watering at the prospect. He nodded his goofy head in happy agreement. Thalassa laughed, her laugh soft and light on the eat. "Alright Splatter" she said as she pulled back into the water "I will be back"
@Legion02
There was something in the water. Something different than ever before. Thalassa could feel it as she emerged from the hidden tunnel. Swimming slowly up the ravine, she moved with caution. This feeling was strange. Negative waves washed over the coral city. And the fish that normally bustled through the corals were no where to be seen. Her stomach prickled with fear, something was wrong. Glancing back to the darkness of the ravine. She thought for a moment to return back to Splatter. And to wait out this barrenness. But who knew how long that could be... Maybe it would be best to get to the kingdom and come back with a few guards to investigate

King Varron III grumbled as he watched his son battle from high up on the balconies. He was becoming a fighter undoubtedly almost as good as he was, if not better, even with his ages of war. He ought to send him off somewhere... someplace to keep him distracted.

The border wars? No... a cakewalk... He played with the idea of sending his son on naval patrol, but for what purpose? That war was over.

Set him as a captain. That'll keep him busy, with a division of his own men. Of course, advancement would be slow; but kept at a pace where he could introduce the boy into a sort of line so he would be able to go down quietly instead of how his own old man went.

"Terras?"

The head of the palace guard came up behind the king. "What is your will, my lord?"

"Have that son of mine take over a division of the guard when he's done with the challenges. Keep him busy... you know the drill."

The old guard nodded in understanding. "Very well, my lord." He went down to give Liandrich the news.

@ArenaSnow
"He what!?" yelled Liandrich at the king, wide eyed and in shock. "The king has allowed you to take command over a division of guards. He has assigned you to naval patrol duty." explained the older guard. But Liandrich still couldn't believe it. A dream and a curse. For the first time he was allowed to command. But near the sea. Near the water. Far from the border skirmishes. "Why?" he asked sceptic, as he grabbed the belt and scabbard of his sword. "His majesty expects it to be a great oppertunity." the old man said. "Bullshit. If it was such a great opportunity, he'd be here himself to tell me. So where is he? In some random castle, like a coward? Is he deep in the bowels of some keep? Huhn? Where is he? Has he even seen me in the last few days!?" Liandrich began to rage, his blood began to burn through his veins. After he released all his anger on the old man, who didn't deserve it, he took a deep breath and tried to calmn down. "Tell him I'll go down to the Royal Navy Docks this afternoon." Liandrich said, calm but also somewhat defeated.

---

@Silen Syanka
Arios had known about Thalassa refuge. He didn't know where it exactly was. That didn't matter. What mattered that she was a big cog in his plan. And he had to get her to start turning right. He had followed her, and almost found her hidden cave if not for a bunch of fish who came around to annoy him. So he waited, hidden behind a rock. Arios did his own dirty work if needed. And right now it was absolutely needed. All around him he noticed how slowly the fishes began to swim away. And a strange current began to flow. It wasn't the first time Arios saw it happen. "The trench is calling." he whispered to himself. For Arios, the trench was what the sea is to humans. He was in love with the pure darkness. Where he could hide. Where everything could be hidden.

But when he saw Thalassa reemerge he had no time to think about the trench. Slowly he crept up to her, making as little noise as he could. "You feel it too? Don't you? You can feel the danger." He whispered right behind her ear. So she would hear his words but not immediately know who said it. Arios was prepared with this relaxed arms behind his back and his easy going smile that hid so much.

@Legion02
The voice that rang into Thalassa's ear sent a shiver down her spine. Her mind flashing to the thought of bones and rotting flesh. A heavy gulp rang down her throat, and for a moment she was horrified to turn and face the man behind her. Slowly but surely, she turned to face him. And let out a small breath of relief. "Arios, it's you... You startled me" she sighed softly, bubbles popping from her mouth as she spoke. Drifting to the surface of the ocean. Disappearing through the clear water overhead. Thalassa had to be honest with herself. There had always been something about Arios that wasn't right. She couldn't put her finger on it. Her father trusted him greatly, having made him his right hand man. So naturally she should trust him. She trusted her father. And knew he would never allow someone to have power if they would only abuse it. However, she did not trust him. She told herself she should, her father had good judgement. But his crooked smile, his hungry eyes, were unsettling. It seemed to her, as if she was the only one who noticed these things about him. Everyone else greatly respected him. So she did as well. But respect and trust were to entirely different things. "What are you doing out here?" She asked quietly, her voice as gentle as always. Melodic like the swirling song of a flute. The waves weaved through her blue and yellow hair. Slowly moving each lock like a separate creature. The heavy, and eerie feeling that had once been so present in the water. Was now fading to nothing.

@Silen Syanka
"Apologies, my princess." he said, making a formal bow. Then, swimming half way around her. Looking at the trench behind her. "There was...a certain calling." he added, looking at the blackness he loved. Almost with an enchanted, daydreaming voice. But he quickly shook himself awake from his dream and turned back at her. "The First Advisor has many tasks. And I am afraid most of those are incredibly unadventurous. So please forgive me princess, but I will not bore you with the day to day tasks of a mere advisor such as myself." he said with a cheerful voice, swimming around Thalassa. Not to intimidate her, thought that might have given her the impression. He just enjoyed swimming very much. It was a childish habit.

For a while he stayed silent. Until he stopped right in front of her, looking straight in her eyes with his own azure blue eyes. He had a certain gaze, a gaze like he watched straight through you. Especially to teenagers he had the effect of looking at them like he knew everything they ever did. He doesn't, of course. But it were those sharp eyes piercing you, telling you ‘he knows’.

"A princess such as yourself is much too important to be bothered with all that daily ramble. No, royalty is always destined for something greater. Maybe a great quest awaits you? Who knows?" he said, with his almost seductive, slow voice. It was slower than usual. And he put a great emphasis on 'great quest'. Ambitious people are always more eager to act in certain ways. He allowed a second to pass, once again in silence. Then, to break the tension that had built up. "Oh but princess. Such a radiant beauty such as yourself should not be near such a horrible thing like the trench. No! Your bright colors should be in the city, enchanting every boy's heart." he said in a much easier, faster and cheerier voice, while he made a little distance between him and her.

@Legion02
Thalassa shivered inward when his stone cold eyes pierced through her. Making her rethink her entire life in the blink of an eye. Even if she had done nothing wrong. The circling was quite unnerving, reminding her of sharks, trapping their
Pray to consume. Although she had only heard of such things in books. No sharks large enough to be any sort of threat lived in the reef. The sudden lightness that filled his voice was a great relief. Allowing her nerves to settle a bit. "I thought you'd know me better, the attention of others is unnerving to me" she told him, vastly aware that her father wises for her to be married to continue the bloodline. But despite it being her duty as a princesses to deliver healthy children, and keep the bloodline strong. She had no wish to have a courtship with any male, let alone give birth to a child. The reason behind this thinking, was that the moment she agreed to marry, until the last child she had, she would be the center of attention! She did not want the burning spotlight. She only wished to live a humble life, but if she got married, the extravagant parties would begin, followed by the grand balls, than baby showers. All in which, would include her being the hostess, the main attraction. The mere thought of all the attention marriage would bring, made her insides turn and knot into a tangled nervous mess of anxiety. but after a moment of silence between the two. Her mind cleared to another subject. "Arios? What was that feeling in the water just moments ago?" She asked. Thalassa was far to naive to know what the feeling had been. She only knew legends of the kraken and the beasts hid in the trench. She was entirely unaware that these legends were based on true stories, passed on by the few survivors that had seen the beasts. All that Thalassa knew for sure, was that the feeling that had overwhelmed the crystal waters. Was not a good one.

@Silen Syanka
"A true shame. The spotlight is to be adored. You should not be afraid of it." he said happily as he twirled in the water. Swimming like a happy fish as he remembered the few times he publically held a speech. Oh how they had cheered for him. It made his heart beat faster. "You will find your suitor soon enough. My lady." he then told her with his normal smile.

But when she asked about the feeling in the water, he froze for a second. Few had felt the real Dark Tides. And even more knew it was more than just a strange current. It was a call. From the depth. From the darkness that craved to crawl its way back up and rule the Oceans like it once did. He began to slowly approach her. With his shark-like tail he truly looked like a hungry predator. "Do you know war? My lady? Do you know the screams of those who die and the horrors creatures bring upon each other?" he said, slowly as he kept getting near her. Eventually he was just a few inches away from her face. "Do you know of the Wars of Atlantis? How the sea churned and whipped and took countless lives." he looked at her, for a quick second with his killer face. Not a gruesome monstrosity of a face. For a second he dropped the mask of an easy going smile and revealed the face chiseled out of stone. Expressionless. Emotionless. The face of a man who just didn't care anymore. But as quick as it appeared, he hid it again behind his smiling mask. "Some would tell you those currents originated from the echoes of those wars. But that is utter nonsense of course. It is just a strange current. Nothing more." he told her. He loved playing with her. She was so innocent and young. How could she ever comprehend the horrors of a war? Of taking a man’s life? Never the less, he greatly enjoyed himself.

@Legion02
Thalassa watched him with pink eyes wide with horror. She had never seen true war. Only had she read about it in old history books, and been cursed with Nightmares of what might have actually happened that horrible age. Arios had the direct Appearance of a shark. Even if he hid it well, he couldn't completely disguise all of it. The smile of a mask that painted his face for most of his waking hours, with it's cheerful appearance and brilliant gleam. Even that had a sharkish sharpness beneath the smile, beneath the deceiving kindness. Thalassa felt as though she was a cornered little fish, with no where to go, but into the great jaws of the sea beast. The way that he had a obsessive tone as he spoke about the darkness awakening, it chilled her to the bone. His eyes dark and filled with the bloodlust of war. Wishing to change the topic from things that seemed to trigger his interest, she opened her mouth and asked, "What is planned for this week?"

@Miss Mermaid
Krill slowly weaved through the tall stalks of sea grass. His long green tail slithering over the sand, moving him along in a set of fluid. His white hair swayed like the Seagrass meadows around him. Dancing in the gentle waves that washed through the ocean. Krill was in the search for the tools he could us to pull some tricks with his older brother. Older by two minutes. Krill had to always be sure that was made clear. Even though his personality was mostly laid back, he didn't appreciate when his brother used the two minute head start advantage against him. Shifting through the tall blades of grass. He searched for any sort of material that would do well. A bag hung on his shoulder, laying lazily against his hip in the water. Gently floating about waves passed by. The Naga's eyes were sharply focused on the sand that he crossed over. Reaching down with his webbed fingers to inspect shells and rocks. Grabbing onto any odd thing he could find. He didn't go collecting very often. But with his brother occupied in some unknown activity. Krill was bored. And trouble making alone, was. Not entertaining.

@Silen Syanka
It was a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly, not a cloud in sight. Lena had been unable to resist. The young mermaid was currently laying on her favorite rock, soaking up the sunlight. The rock was close to the shore, but it was big and slanted. It hid her from view from the land–the only way anyone would be able to see her was if they swam out into the sea. The water was calm, lapping lazily at the bottom of the rock. She knew she couldn't stay for much longer, her parents would be very upset if they knew what she was doing, and being in the sun too long could be dangerous. She inhaled one last breath of that warm salty air, closing her eyes momentarily. She then pushed off from the rock, diving into the ocean. Her skin tingled as the cool water surrounded her. She began to swim, putting her arms forward to help her go faster. After a while, Lena met a dolphin. She had studied dolphin, and learned how to speak in their language. It was quite useful, especially if you were in need of a quick ride. She chatted with the creature for a few minutes before asking if she could get a ride. Then she was on her way, holding onto its fin. It pushed through the water like it was air, and they were soon to her destination. She thanked it, waving as it swam off. She was in a meadow of seagrass, the perfect place to find shells and human treasures. She swam into an opening, her gaze searching the ocean floor beneath her. The swaying plants tickled her skin as she swam carefully through, but she paid it no attention. The mermaid was completely unaware of Krill, too focused on trying to find something.

Talin once again was occupied in something that had gotten him caught before, and would result in a more firm backlash if he was caught again.

He toyed with the fisherman's boat, making it rock a little and enjoying the curses of the moldy old man who was no doubt cursing the sea gods, if he even had the teeth to make sense. He was only ever caught by his own people, not this moldy old guy, and that was just once. One time he pulled the fishing pole clean off the boat. The guy was clueless.

He finally became bored with it, and let the old man start going back to what was honestly just a shack as moldy as he was.

Moving along quickly, Talin went back to civilization, taking a position in a large field of sea grass that casually swayed, waiting for someone to come by that he could deliver a good shock...

@Miss Mermaid
Krill's eyes caught the flash of a brightly colored tail, just a few yards to his right. He glanced up through the tropical waters, tearing his eyes from the sand. To stare at the mermaid that had arrived in the long meadow of grass. Curiosity struck him. He wanted to go and talk to this mermaid. Normally a mermaid would ignore A Naga such as himself. However, he wasn't sure if she was even aware of his presence in the field. Deciding to not jump straight into her face, knowing it might end with him getting punched in the face. He slithered through the tall locks if green grass. Krill's white hair seemed to dance in the waves with the seaweed, flowing with the current. But not being so long that it could actually be seaweed. "Hey!" he called to her, waving with his webbed fingers to her. His smile was goofy and playful, his eyes gleamed with excitement and a childish quality. While a normal Naga's voice would send chills through anyone, his voice was rather.... Animated, and silly. Enough to make anyone laugh instead of chills.

@Silen Syanka
Lena blinked in surprise, looking over to see a Naga. He was definetly different than any Naga she'd ever seen. She considered pretending not to have seen him and swimming away so she could avoid conversation, but she knew that would be very rude. "H-hello," She said quietly, a light blush appearing on her cheeks. Lena forced herself to look at him instead of at the ground, which of course made her blush deepen. Strangers made her the most nervous, so she was shocked she had gotten this far. At least she hadn't tried to hide. That had crossed her mind, but she knew that would only embarrass her father.

@Miss Mermaid
Krill reached out his webbed hand, an invitation towards the shy mermaid. His skin a pale Olive against the clear sparkling water that surrounded them. "I'm Krill" He introduced, his arm extended to her as a warm welcome. The water swayed against his fins on the back of his arms, and the back of his tail. The fins were relatively short, only a foot long. Displaying that he was still in his younger years. Naga's aged A bit differently than other sea creatures, and lived a lot longer, if they died by natural causes. Although normally, Naga's fell into a life of crime, which shortened their lives by nearly an entire century. For Krill, the life of crime was unappealing. He would rather live his life tricking others with ridiculous pranks that he cooked up with his brother. Krill and His brother had been abandoned as young hatchlings. But that was the case with most other Naga's. Krill would like to believe that his father and mother had been good people. So Krill could easily conclude that his bloodline was that of honorable blood. That they had left the twins for a reason. But in reality, the brothers knew that their father had probably been some sort of rogue. It was very unlikely that he had done anything great. Making him believe that honor or ones true nature wasn't decided by a bloodline or family. But instead on how the individual acted in different scenarios and challenges.

The docks were busy as always. With fishermen hauling in their latest catch of fishes. Full nets were unloaded from the wooden ships and fishermen kept on cheering. Barrels full of the fresh fish were sealed and transported to the local fish market. It was funny, a few years ago not a man right in his mind would have attempted to fish around these waters. The nets would be torn and at least half the crew killed. Maybe that made fish such a requested good these days. People had missed eating fish during the short war.

All that Liandrich observed from Fort Solstice. The citadel fortress near the city of Solarium. The fort had its own, walled harbor where the navy's ships laid anchor. He was dressed in a lose tunic, instead of his firm, formal clothes. The midday sun was still burning down on him. He wasn't used to this sort of warmed. This wet pressure. "Sir, the Ameria has been prepared." A sailor ran up to him on the battlements. "Very good. Let's start the patrol then." Liandrich didn't really see why they needed to patrol the waters between the fishing grounds and the colonies. Merpeople were seldom seen now. And the few who did come above water kept a safe distance. Though, in the marshes you'd often see a Regorian slithering along.

And thus the crown prince boarded his caravel and gave the sign to his first mate to lift the anchor and drop the sail. They were outside the walled off harbor when the wind caught them. "Looks like we'll have a favorable wind sir! If it stays, we'll be in Surasha in a week!" yelled his first mate from the helm. Liandrich merely nodded. He looked around, a little nervous. It wasn't his first time on patrol. There was something odd about the wind. As if it was the air of a storm coming, despite the fact that the blue sky could be seen from horizon to horizon. With an occasional small, white cloud.

---

@Silen Syanka
A desire to change the subject? Ah, of course. The little princess loathes all fighting. Ignoring that is a part of our existence. Arios smiled. "For me there are so many duties I must attend to. If I remember correctly, your father desired for another Royal Ball. Oh for that I'd have to prepare myself. Every one of the household would be expected to dance. Me, your father...you." again he put an emphasis on 'you', as he struck her with a sudden powerful gaze. Though after that, he began to swim in circles in front of her. Twirling and turning and flipping over. "Hmmmm, what else is there? The opening of the latest museum about the Short War. An interesting specie, the humans. I believe it even hosts a wreckage. They say that at night, you can still hear the screams of sailors as their ship sinks." again, a quick, self-satisfied grin flashed over Arios' face.

Suddenly he stopped in front of her. "Oh, but I almost forget. Your father has requested me to take you on a patrol. I too, was invited. What do you say, your highness? How would you like to see the surface?" There was no grin on his face this time. Just a neutral face. Not the killer one. Though it did have a certain sense of intimidation. He wouldn't accept no for an answer. Despite that he lied about her father's wish. All that were details of the great plan.

@Legion02
Thalassa felt as though her skin was crawling with sea crawlers. Her gaze was locked with Arios, and despite wishing to look away. She could not. It was as if his stare was a prison. Once you looked, your gaze could not be removed until he deemed it time. And he would not let her eyes go until she had accepted his request. "Alright" she said softly "I will come along" she felt as though each word was as stiff as rock. As she wondered why her father would want her to patrol. Maybe so she could go use to more of their kingdom, a kingdom that one day she would rule. Her mind worked like her striped tail. Rolling over thoughts at the same pace that her fine pushed to keep her a float. She wondered if maybe she would see humans. And if she did, how would her body respond. She knew the most likely response would be to freeze for a moment, before quickly descending back into the comforting waves where she would be unseen. She feared the slim chance that curiosity would overwhelm her. Causing her to stride closer and closer to the waves. Until she could touch the stern of the ship. She had always had the desire to touch a ship, still drifting above the ocean's exotic world. To jump along side it, with the dolphins that would dance and play in and out of the water. If only there was a way to do this without being seen by men. Thalassa wished every now and again that that she wasn't so fearful. That she could have the courage to explore the things that struck her Interest. But she knew no matter what she did, she wouldn't and couldn't change. She was naive and fearful. That's what made it worse for her. Knowing she would be a queen one day. But what good would a queen be if she couldn't even stand in the crowd of people.

"Very good." Arios began to swim away, assuming the princess was following him. He really didn't give her choice in the matter. He had convinced the princess to come along so close to the surface, now the rest was in the hands of lady luck. Once arrived near the city, a small patrol of Naga and mermen were waiting. His people. Half of them were high in rank, were raised in the same orphanage and ready to do everything for Arios. Just as he planned it out. "Okay gentlemen, you know the plan. Let's get to it." And with those words, the 7 Naga and Mermen and mermaids shot up vertically, going straight for the surface. Arios followed them equally fast. Right before they would break the surface of the water, they evened out, going parallel with the waves. And so their patrol began.

And lady Luck was on their side. A caravel, alone in the waters. It was going rather fast. But still, his men and women could follow it. And for an added pleasure, dolphins were accompanying the patrol. A perfect distraction for the princess. Arios thought self-satisfied. With a small hand motion, he ordered the patrol to dive a little deeper. So the sailors on the ship wouldn't see them.

---

"Dolphins at starboard!" yelled a random sailor. And immediately everyone ran towards starboard, where indeed, dolphins were jumping up from the water and making their happy sounds. Even Arios, who was training on the deck once again, stopped and looked over. As usual it was a warm, sunny day. Now with the dolphins, the crew felt very sure that this would be a safe voyage. Though as usual, Liandrich felt something off. His eyes told him that there must be something more in the water. So while most sailors returned to their posts, Liandrich kept looking over the rail of the ship for the 'something more'.

@Legion02Thalassa felt something was greatly off as she joined the patrol. Something in the waves, a itching darkness that pulsed through the rolling waves of salty water. Thalassa was certain something would go wrong, but this feeling was chased away the moment that she saw the dolphins. Although her connection with tropical fish, such as the ones at the reef, was much greater, she got along with any sea creature. Dolphins were no exception. She zipped through the water, towards the pod of slick creatures. The wooden hull of the ship cut through the water, and she was careful not to get to close to the surface. Just enough below the starboard side of the side to be unseen. The dolphins splashed in and out of the water. Clicking and playing with the princess. She laughed, as they spun around her, clicking at her to join them. And so she did. Being cautious of course, she zipped through the water with them in the depths. Curling through the warm waves and spinning. Dancing with the dolphins through the water. The threat of humans was still on her mind. Simply stored in the back, where she was still aware of it. But it was not stopping her from swimming. Though her cautious nature was still clear, as she did not come close to piercing the sight of men.