Love Beyond Tides

Petition of the Depths

"We may emerge now," Thassasalin's patient smile accompanied the words.

Diana's attention snapped back to the clear pool, and she realized the danger had indeed passed. She had been so engrossed in her newfound ability to breathe underwater that the threat had slipped her notice. In more ways than one. Thassasalin exited the crevice first, offering a hand to help her. With a silent nod of appreciation, Diana allowed herself to be guided out.

As she took in the surroundings, Diana noticed that the dry spot where she had slept was now completely submerged. A sense of gratitude washed over her as she contemplated what might have happened if Thassasalin hadn't returned when he did. The combination of the lurking shark folk and the rising tide would have left her in significant peril.

"Eat," Thassasalin instructed.

He offered a surprising combination of coral and seaweed. To Diana's amazement, it wasn't the expected toughness; instead, it was sweet and chewy, a taste she had never experienced before. The underwater meal turned out to be quite filling. Once the impromptu meal concluded, Thassasalin checked her condition. With a dip and a touch, he inspected her ankle. Diana yelped and attempted to pull her ankle back, feeling a sense of indiscretion in him examining her. However, his grip remained firm, and he seemed oblivious to her discomfort.

"Good," he nodded, seemingly satisfied. "We may proceed onward."

"Good?"

Diana glanced down at her ankles, where the cuts and bruises had miraculously disappeared. The realization dawned on her as she moved, finding herself surprisingly comfortable. She looked up at Thassasalin, whose eyes were still focused on her condition. Feeling a sense of embarrassment, she quickly donned her ripped skirt to cover her legs. The top, too battered to be salvaged, remained cast aside.

Observing her, Thassasalin seemed curious about her adherence to clothing. The notion of clothes being necessary underwater seemed to perplex him, they were excessive weight. He often wondered about the purpose of many layers of clothing. Wasn't one enough to shelter them from the sun or rain?

"Are you ready?" he inquired, his eyes meeting hers.

"Ready," Diana affirmed.

Thassasalin took Diana's hand, leading her out of the grotto into the daylight. The sea, bathed in sunlight, revealed a new layer of mystique. The multitude of fish swimming around them, the dancing waves that illuminated the waters, and the vibrant corals painted a breathtaking tableau. Diana, for the second time, found herself breathless at the sheer beauty surrounding her. Thassasalin observed with pride as she recognized and appreciated the wonders that he could never tire of.

The journey through the vast underwater expanse was long, and both Thassasalin and Diana remained mostly silent. Enraptured by the new environment, Diana absorbed the spectacle, while Thassasalin remained vigilant for any potential dangers. Communication between them occurred through gestures and nods as they swam deeper. Eventually, a faint hum in the distance caught their attention. Drawing closer, flickers of light began to appear ahead, and Thassasalin realized they had reached their destination. A sigh of relief escaped him, and a smile threatened to betray his usually cool exterior.

"We're here," he murmured to Diana.

Feeling a surge of warmth, Thassasalin was taken aback as Diana grabbed his arm. Though unaccustomed to such gestures, he didn't shake her off, surprisingly unbothered by the physical contact. Diana clung to him tightly, her gaze fixated not on the beauty that lay beyond but on the dark terror of the vast underwater abysm. A space so black it seemed to devour whatever got too close.

"Fear not," Thassasalin reassured her. "The kingdom awaits beyond the veil of this chasm."

As they approached the dark chasm, Diana looked at Thassasalin's face, finding a moment of determination fixing her brow. She nodded, and in response, he smiled. Thassasalin sensed her lingering fear, but he admired her courage in facing it head-on. A strange urge to reassure her surged within him, and he placed his hand over hers, guiding them forward. Diana felt a viscous pressure against her, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Open your eyes, Diana," he encouraged in a whisper.

She heard a smile in his voice and opened her eyes. What unfolded before her left her jaw hanging in awe.

The kingdom nestled within a colossal underwater cavern, its top opened to reveal a bustling town. Grand coral palaces rose from the ocean floor. The buildings, intricately carved into the cavern walls, form a seamless integration with the natural surroundings. The architects have harnessed the organic lines and curves of the cave, allowing the structures to organically emerge as if they were an extension of the underwater landscape. Diana found herself standing in a realm beyond her imagination, resembling the mystical city of Atlantis but surpassing even her wildest dreams.

Thassasalin moved closer leisurely, allowing her to take in the breathtaking scene.

In the shadows of passersby, Diana noticed the merfolk varied in appearance, with tails resembling fish, sharks, and snakes. Some were accompanied by pets; a family even had a small stingray on, what she assumed was a leash, moving alongside them.

As Diana traverses on the intricate "roads", she discovers coral street lights, powered by bioluminescent crystals embedded within, line the pathways, creating an enchanting ambience as they softly illuminate the thoroughfares. Her eyes move back and forth. There were alcoves, adorned with luminescent sea plants, creating serene resting spots. The walls of the buildings are alive with underwater flora, their delicate movements swaying in harmony with the currents. Thassasalin gently tugged Diana forward whenever she lingered too long in a place, they continued their journey. To Diana's belated realisation, they were moving away from the bustling city. She cast a curious glance at her guide, but he remained silent, wearing a smile that hinted at a surprise. As they approached a vast expanse, Diana thought it might be a garden. In the distance stood a massive structure—was it a temple? Yet, she observed few people around.

"What is that?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"The royal chateau."

What!? Why are we going there?

Approaching the castle stirred a mix of awe and trepidation within Diana. As they drew nearer, she discerned that it was indeed a palace, not a temple. The royal chateau stood as a testament to the grandeur of the underwater kingdom, blending the beauty of the sea with the regality of its rulers.

The palace, built with the same meticulous craftsmanship as the rest of the underwater city, boasted grand spires that seemed to touch the ceiling of the cavern. The walls, adorned with intricate coral formations and translucent shells, reflected the kingdom's commitment to blending nature and artistry. Bioluminescent crystals embedded in the palace walls cast a soft, enchanting glow, providing both illumination and an ethereal allure.

Massive, arched doorways adorned with intricate carvings led into the heart of the royal chateau. Diana couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and nervous excitement as they approached, wondering what mysteries awaited her within the grandeur of the underwater palace.

As Thassasalin and Diana approached the grand entrance of the royal chateau, the bulky guards stationed at the doorway glanced at the merman, recognizing him with a nod. Despite their initial scrutiny, they allowed the pair to pass. However, Diana couldn't escape their lingering gaze, causing her to shrink and instinctively seek refuge at Thassasalin's side. Feeling the human's discomfort, Thassasalin subtly pulled her closer, a protective gesture to shield her from the prying eyes of the guards.

"Remain in proximity, and permit me to be the orator." Thassasalin whispered.

"Talk plain and simple," She complained softly, "yer words be too fancy for me likin', aye?"

Thassasalin huffed, a touch amused. "Allow me to handle the discourse."

Diana, who was already nervous, nodded in agreement. As they moved ahead, the imposing entrance of the throne room loomed over them, its massive doors adorned with intricate carvings that felt strangely familiar to the human. Crossing the threshold into the royal chateau, they entered a wide hall that led to the throne room.

The throne room, a mesmerizing spectacle, unfolded before them. Its centerpiece was a colossal clamshell, an opulent throne encrusted with rare pearls that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. Guarding the throne were vigilant merfolk warriors, standing at attention on either side.

Seated on the throne was a massive figure, a merman like Thassasalin, with a serpentine tail. Tanned and impressively muscular, his chest and shoulders bore scars, a testament to his victories and defeats. His eyes, the colour of the deepest sea, seemed to reflect the ebb and flow of the currents themselves. Upon hearing the doors open, he turned his gaze to Thassasalin and Diana. His harsh expression relaxed almost instantaneously.

"Speak."

The man's voice reverberated around the room, and through Diana, causing her to cling tighter to Thassasalin's hand and hide behind him. The air in the throne room held a weighty tension. Thassasalin hesitated to address the ruler, feeling Diana's trembling form behind him. He squeezed her hand twice, hoping to reassure her.

"I, Thassasalin Aquilon, greet the King," Thassasalin began, addressing the ruler with a respectful nod. He squeezed Diana's hand again, a silent reassurance, as he continued, "I have come with a petition." The anticipation in the royal court became palpable.

"What's this?" the king smiled, his voice carrying a note of curiosity, "my second son rarely makes requests of me."

The revelation struck Diana like a lightning bolt. Second son? Thassasalin is a prince? Her eyes snapped from the floor to his back, gazing at him wide-eyed. The king, spotting the wide-eyed human behind Thassasalin, had to cover his mouth to hide a smile.

"I assume you didn't go through the trouble of bringing a human all the way here for nothing."

"Yes," Thassasalin nodded with casual confidence. "In the presence of all the leaders of our kingdom, I present to you, Diana. She has forsaken the human world and desires to join our ranks."

Diana, feeling the weight of the attention from the royal court, shifted uncomfortably. The echo of Thassasalin's words lingered in the air, leaving her fate uncertain amid the royal audience.