Chapter 26 Travelers
Leading the way from Arcttegat is Princess Brynna, Queen Eria's younger sister. Her shimmering pearlescent white tail and radiant white hair glisten as she swims with purpose and excitement. By her side are her bonded mates, Warriors Aiden and Bryn, their hair and tails adorned with dappled silver and elegant black curvy patterned stripes, respectivly. Following closely behind are their two mature children, Finrir and Seafeema. Princess Brynna is filled with anticipation as she envisions the grand reunion with her sister in Tritania. She eagerly looks forward to the bustling city and the vibrant Tritanian sky, having heard tales of their beauty from returning travelers. Aiden and Bryn, having traversed this path before, approach the journey with caution, knowing the challenges that await them. They have shared their experiences with Brynna, preparing her for the hardships and difficulties they encountered along the way.Chapter 27 Arrival The sentinel merguardians, vigilant protectors of Tritania's borders, spot the approaching group and swiftly swim out to meet them. Aros, the Head of the Merguard, takes the lead and signals to his fellow merguardians to offer assistance. As he approaches the travelers, he extends a warm welcome and signs, "Good tides to you travelers. I am Aros, Head of the Merguard. Allow us to escort your pod to the healing cove. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit to Tritania?" Finrir, grateful to be relieved of his burden, moves forward to assist his sister and supports her arm over his shoulder. He begins signing his response, but before he can finish, his father Bryn interrupts with a series of clicks. Finrir immediately wraps his arm around his sister, providing her with additional support, while his other hand rests by his waist. Bryn takes over the announcement and signs, "Our mate is here to visit her sister, Queen Eria, and
Chapter 28 The Beauty Of Tritania and Kinship. As the merman healer returns with three additional nurses, Brynna notices Queen Eria waiting for her. He signs to Brynna, "Look who I found in the reception area loo for you. But you have to let the nurse clean you now. Do you want the to wait or be with you while the nurse scrubs the infection?" Brynna replies, "My sister can stay, but please close the curtain." Suddenly, Seafeema cries out in pain, causing Aiden to click loudly in an attempt to get the healers' attention. He signs below the water line, his hands sha from pain or anger, ma his signs difficult to read. Queen Eria explains to the healers, "Being from Arcttegat, their livers clear out medicines and alcohols very quickly. You'll have to keep reapplying the pain medications because they metabolize them quickly, just like I do." Sasha's expression clearly shows that she should have known this, and the merman healer nods in understanding. They quick
Chapter 29 Finrir’s Display Aros, his eyes gleaming with admiration, signing to Finrir, "Young Finrir, I wish to witness the artistry of the Arcttegatian style that has been honed through generations." Tritan, intrigued by their interaction, watched as Finrir's eyes sparkled with excitement, a testament to his readiness to showcase the unique techniques that originated in Arcttegat. Tritan was keenly aware of the significance of this moment, as the unveiling of the Arcttegaiatn style underwater had the potential to inspire and captivate the Merguardians. The Tritainian sky, resplendent with vibrant hues, bathed them in its luminous glow, providing a radiant backdrop for the upcoming display. Tritan's own anticipation grew, eager to witness the fusion of power and finesse that characterized the Arcttegatian swordsmanship. As the Merguardians assembled, their eyes filled with curiosity, Finrir unveiled his sword with a confident and prac
Chapter 30 A Turn For The Worse As Tritan entered the healing cove alongside Finrir, he could immediately sense the heaviness in the air. The door to the chamber where Finrir's pod was located bore a distinct red luminous circle, a clear sign that something was amiss. Queen Eria and Healer Sasha were engaged in a somber conversation, their expressions filled with concern. Tritan and Finrir caught the tail end of their exchange. "I'm sorry, my Queen," Healer Sasha spoke, her expression tinged with sorrow. "I understand she is your sister, but for your own safety, I cannot let you in there anymore. The infection should be improving by now, but it's not. None of the usual treatments have worked. The only thing we have achieved is containing its spread through regular cleaning, but we had to quarantine them." Queen Eria's fury was evident, but she continued to plead desperately, "Is there nothing you can do? With all the medicine and knowledge at your disposal, surely there mus
Chapter 31 A Bittersweet Visit In the prison chamber, Bryan and Joe find themselves engrossed in an intense game of aquatic chess with Trent and another merman. The pieces glide through the water as each player strategizes their moves. Trent leans back, a sly grin spreading across his face, and announces, "Checkmate!" Bryan groans playfully, realizing he's been outmaneuvered once again. Amidst their friendly banter, a guard approaches their table, signing to Joe and then to Bryan. The guard's message is succinct: "Joe, Bryan, visitors." The words instantly grab their attention, knowing that they have important guests waiting for them. They exchange excited glances, their anticipation growing. Joe quickly signs to the guard, "We'll catch our breath in the air garden." The guard nods in understanding, allowing them a moment to prepare. Sensing their urgency, Joe and Bryan swim swiftly towards the air garden, their hearts pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Reac
Chapter 32: Finrir The Bard pt 1Tritan carefully guided Finrir towards the cage, allowing Joe and Bryan to observe the unique appearance of Finrir's two tone tail. Finrir's front was adorned in a pristine white shade, beautifully contrasting with the fan-like pattern of black along the back of his tail, reminiscent of the majestic orcas that roamed the ocean. Even his dorsal fin bore a stri resemblance to that of an orca, exuding power and grace. As Finrir took in the design of the prison, his keen eyes scanned the surroundings, absorbing every detail. He turned to Tritan and signed, "Your prison system also seems kinder than ours," his tone tinged with curiosity and intrigue. Tritan nodded in acknowledgment before diverting Finrir's attention to the mermen within the confines of the cage. Tritan introduced Finrir to Joe and Bryan, his expression filled with pride and familiarity. "This is Finrir, he is my cousin. You might have heard about his pod from Nerissa," Tritan signed,
Chapter 33 Finrir The Bard pt 2 "The light that filters through the water is distorted by the obstructing mass, casting an eerie and unsettling ambiance," Finrir explains, his tone reflecting a blend of weariness and determination. "Emerging from the depths, we are greeted by a sight that leaves us disheartened and disgusted." As Finrir speaks of the surface, his expression carries a hint of dismay, his eyes mirroring the disappointment and frustration he experiences firsthand. He paints a vivid picture with his words, describing what he sees with exaggerated signs to convey the depth of the situation. "The vast expanse of water is obscured by a nauseating mass of garbage and debris. The putrid smell permeates the air." "Surrounded by this repulsive garbage patch, we catch our breath, desperately see respite from the polluted waters," Finrir continues, his expression laced with a mix of determination and resilience. "We know we cannot rest here for long, as the contaminated w
Chapter 34 Idea For A Cure.In the dimly lit cell, Joe and Bryan sat side by side, their minds consumed with finding a solution for the afflicted pod. Their signs filled the confined space as they discussed possible cures, their former human knowledge and Bryan's background as a marine biologist guiding their conversation.Joe leaned forward, his brows furrowed in concentration. "Bryan, we need to think outside the box. We can't rely on human medicine here. We have to consider options that are available to us in the ocean."Bryan nodded, his eyes scanning their surroundings as if searching for inspiration. "You're right, Joe. We have a vast ocean at our disposal, and we need to tap into its resources. Let's brainstorm. What are some potential remedies we could explore?"Joe rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I remember reading about the healing properties of certain sea creatures. Some produce substances that have antibacteri
Chapter 114 More Secrets.It dawned on her that they might not fully understand the significance of the special dish she had prepared for them earlier. In her culture, this dish was traditionally made for groom-pair to eat at the wedding feast. By accepting and eating the dish, the groom-pair would be acknowledging the bride as their mate. In a legal sense, they were already mated temporarily for a year, during which the pod would determine if they were a good fit. They had the option to recommit permanently at the end of the year, or if a child was born or conceived during that time, the mating would become legally binding when the child was born.However, given their short time together, Aziza wasn't sure if Trent and Hunter, her bonded mermen, would still feel the same about her later. She knew they were both honorable and would take care of her if a child was born, but she didn't want them to feel obligated. So she thought perhaps it best if they used
Chapter 113 Last Night In LuxuryWith the old weight unhooked and pushed aside, Trent grasped the metal cords anchoring the air bladder to the weight and began to lift. The two counterweights were supposed to balance each other, ensuring buoyancy while underwater. However, it seemed a little heavy, and he planned to discuss this with Tritan later to get his input on the matter. Despite that, Trent knew his work was done for now."Good! Because I saved you dinner. Everyone else already ate, and I told them you were busy," Hunter informed Trent through their bondlink. "Aziza and I are waiting for you."As he prepared to head back, Hunter's message reached him through their bondlink. Trent smiled at the thoughtfulness of his bondmate and thanked him. Feeling a renewed eagerness, he swiftly swam back to The Serpent's Blood inn, where Aziza awaited them.Trent's heart warmed at the gesture and the camaraderie he shared with his companion
Chapter 112 Air, A Commodity Later, Trent finds himself entering the black market alone, heading towards the specific shop where they inquired about a restricted item the previous day. The merchant, known for dealing in new Atlantian military-restricted items, had mentioned that he had what they were looking for, but it wasn't kept in the shop. Trent navigates the hidden and unsavory place, a black market that can provide anything you need, even if it's hard to find elsewhere. However, what sets this black market apart from others and puts Trent at ease is the absence of one despicable thing he couldn't stand witnessing – slavery. There's no hint of such terrible activity here, which allows Trent to focus on his mission without worry.As Trent reaches the end of the hallway, he turns left into the shop he seeks. Inside, the shelves are filled with crates containing various weapons, including lazerarms, light spears, crystal induction daggers, and other items restr
Chapter 111 Last Day To RelaxAs the bright white waylights illuminated the underwater city of Watch Point, the group gathered at the little eatery near the statue. Markous and Lucious hovered in the line to get food, while Marine kept the table clear, waiting for the rest of the group. Soon, the whole group arrived, and they all sat at the table to eat. Tritan briefly explained that they would be leaving the morning after next, having to wait one more day for the custom sword to be made.After enjoying their meal and engaging in pleasant conversation, Bryan leaned forward and addressed the group, "I've already found the perfect place to get the rest of our provisions. There's a reputable merchant named Fintar, not far from here, who specializes in supplying adventurers like us with high-quality gear and tools for underwater journeys."The group's eyes lit up with interest, and Joe nodded in approval. "That sounds great, Bryan. Lead the way, and we'll follow you to Fintar's shop," he
Chapter 110 The ForgeAs Tritan, Finrir, and Naida approached the end of the alley, they were met with a sight that captured their attention—a large shop with no front wall, only a bar-like counter stretching from one end to the other, leaving the interior visible and open. Beyond the counter lay a bustling work area where four skilled mermen were diligently crafting their creations around a central wall. The wall, not perfectly round but built around a natural formation, exuded an aura of rugged elegance. It extended around the back like an irregular well, with the mermen moving gracefully amidst their craft, adding an artistic touch to the workshop's ambiance.Two windows were meticulously cut into the wall, and each window's sill extended out a foot, supported by a large anvil stone. This unique design left a square foot area with high sides around each window, which then rose and joined in an arch at the top, forming a tunnel-like extension that stretched out a foot, also supporte
Chapter 109 The Arms Alley Finrir swims around the circular market, his eyes carefully scanning each alley until they finally lock onto something of interest down the alley directly behind a grand statue standing tall in the center of the market. Eager to share his discovery, he swiftly swims back to Tritan and signs, "I found it, it's this way."Tritan can't help but grin playfully, his curiosity piqued by Finrir's excitement. Naida's eyes also light up with anticipation as they both join in the chase, following Finrir through the bustling market. With each stroke, they navigate the narrow alleyways, passing by various stalls offering an array of goods, ranging from colorful trinkets to delectable underwater delicacies.Finrir leads them down the alley, never pausing for a moment, while Tritan and Naida eagerly keep up the pace. They pass a series of weapon shops along the way, each displaying the usual assortment of tridents, spears, harpoons, and sleek metal armor. Tritan briefly
Chapter 108 The Black MarketElsewhere in the market, Trent and Hunter, the latter still with one eye bandaged from his recent injury, stealthily navigate a dark and secluded alley. The row of stalls and shops surrounding them appear closed or abandoned, concealing the pathway leading to their destination. Trent's senses are heightened, and he can't help but feel the weight of anticipation in the air. His parents' unscrupulous teachings have honed his ability to locate the secretive black markets hidden in the most obscure corners of any realm.As they venture further into the dimly lit alley, Trent and Hunter rely on instinct, guided by Trent's uncanny knowledge of finding these covert hubs. The absence of illumination, the hushed silence, and the shadows looming around them all add to the enigmatic allure of this clandestine place. Trent remains vigilant, feeling the gaze of unseen eyes upon him, but he remains composed, knowing that the right sigil can lead them
Chapter 107 The SonoclamSwimming up to Nerissa, he peered over her shoulder as the merchant signed to her. She held a delicate metal clam in her hand, and Joe could see a crystal bead inside, nestled like a pearl in a real clam. To his surprise, as Nerissa opened the clamshell, he noticed an intricate holographic screen inside the top shell. She deftly interacted with the holographic display, leaving Joe in awe. He had no idea that merfolk possessed such advanced technology.The presence of the honeycomb-shaped piece and the tiny node on the other wall now made sense. Just above the holographic screen, near the top of the clamshell, there was a honeycomb piece similar to the ones he had seen earlier. A matching smaller piece, fitting into the center of the honeycomb, was attached to the bottom shell. The arrangement resembled a flip-phone, with the two glass-coated metal pieces functioning as a speaker and microphone.As Joe scrutinized the device, he cou
Chapter 106 Watch Point’s Market.The next morning, as the first rays of dawn gently touched Aqualeara, the group emerged from their rooms, feeling refreshed and ready for a new day of exploration. Aziza sat gracefully at the bar, her tail swaying softly as she engrossed herself in a captivating book, waiting patiently for her companions to join her. The inn's airgarden provided a tranquil start to their morning, allowing them a few peaceful moments to collect their thoughts before they embarked on their adventure.With their spirits lifted and stomachs content from a hearty breakfast, they set off for the market, the heart of Watch Point. As they approached, the sight that unfolded before them was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The enormous statue of the Guardian of Virtue stood majestically at the center, a testament to the village's values and beliefs. The smaller-than-life-size sea serpent coiled gracefully in a magnificent mound, its head rising up in a protective stance, and it