From the Depths

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Your whole life, all you've known is life with your pod. Scavenging, hunting, crafting and guarding alongside your family. You'd heard of the surface dwellers, of course, but they were barely more real to you than you were to them. Until one day that changed. Ripped away from your pod you find yourself in a world you don't understand, held hostage by a strange man with intentions you couldn't hope to grasp. He wants your magic - but all you know is that he's a threat to your family. Find your place between both worlds, or risk losing everything. From the Depths is an 18+ interactive fiction novel created in Twine using Sugarcube. Content warnings will include blood and gore, animal death in a historical context (looking at around chapter 3 - skippable), death and murder (including of those responsible for said animal death) and sexual content (skippable). List will be updated in the future. __''Features''__ * Play as a male, female or nonbinary private investigator - cis or trans. Customise your appearance and personality, and choose how to navigate your new role in the human world. Choose from two gender-selectable romance options - the determined guardian of your pod, or the idealistic princep. Or don't choose. Neither or both are also options. * Choose from five options to customise your pod - with two unique traits to aid you on your journey. * Learn the human language - or force them to adapt to you. * Learn the truth about why you were taken from your family, and find your way back to them - or build a new life for yourself on the shore. [[Create your character|character creation]]

Tell me about yourself. You are a: <<radiobutton "$MC_gender" "male">> cisgender man <<radiobutton "$MC_gender" "female">> cisgender woman <<radiobutton "$MC_gender" "trans man">> transgender man <<radiobutton "$MC_gender" "trans woman">> transgender woman <<radiobutton "$MC_gender" "nonbinary">> nonbinary person Your name is <<textbox "$MC_name" $MC_Name>> You are: <<radiobutton "$MC_height" "very tall">> very tall <<radiobutton "$MC_height" "tall">> tall <<radiobutton "$MC_height" "average">> average height <<radiobutton "$MC_height" "short">> short <<radiobutton "$MC_height" "very short">> very short Your skin colour is: <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "pale">> pale <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "rosy">> rosy <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "fair">> fair <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "tanned">> tanned <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "bronze">> bronze <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "brown">> brown <<radiobutton "$MC_skin" "ebony">> ebony Your eye colour is: <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "blue">> blue <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "green">> green <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "brown">> brown <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "black">> black <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "grey">> grey <<radiobutton "$MC_eye" "hazel">> hazel Your hair colour is: <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "black">> black <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "brown">> brown <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "golden">> golden <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "sandy">> sandy <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "red">> red <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "grey">> grey <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "silver">> silver <<radiobutton "$MC_hair" "white">> white Your hair length is: <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "bald">> bald <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "shaved close">> shaved close <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "short">> short <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "chin length">> chin length <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "shoulder length">> shoulder length <<radiobutton "$MC_length" "waist length">> waist length It is styled to be: <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "bald">> bald <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "loose">> loose <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "braids">> in braids <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "locs">> in locs <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "afro">> in an afro <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "bun">> in a bun <<radiobutton "$MC_style" "ponytail">> in a ponytail [[confirm|MC appear]]

<<if $MC_gender is "male">><<set $MC_person to "man">><<set $MC_they to "he">><<set $MC_theycap to "He">><<set $MC_their to "his">><<set $MC_theircap to "His">><<set $MC_them to "him">><<set $MC_themcap to "Him">><<set $MC_theirs to "his">><<set $MC_theirs to "His">><<set $MC_themself to "himself">><<set $MC_themselfcap to 'Himself'>><<elseif $MC_gender is "trans man">><<set $MC_person to "man">><<set $MC_they to "he">><<set $MC_theycap to "He">><<set $MC_their to "his">><<set $MC_theircap to "His">><<set $MC_them to "him">><<set $MC_themcap to "Him">><<set $MC_theirs to "his">><<set $MC_theirscap to "His">><<set $MC_themself to "himself">><<set $MC_themselfcap to 'Himself'>><<elseif $MC_gender is "female">><<set $MC_person to "woman">><<set $MC_they to "she">><<set $MC_theycap to "She">><<set $MC_their to "her">><<set $MC_theircap to "Her">><<set $MC_them to "her">><<set $MC_themcap to "Her">><<set $MC_theirs to "hers">><<set $MC_theirs to "Hers">><<set $MC_themself to "herself">><<set $MC_themselfcap to "Herself">><<elseif $MC_gender is "trans woman">><<set $MC_person to "woman">><<set $MC_they to "she">><<set $MC_theycap to "She">><<set $MC_their to "her">><<set $MC_theircap to "Her">><<set $MC_them to "her">><<set $MC_themcap to "Her">><<set $MC_theirs to "hers">><<set $MC_theirs to "Hers">><<set $MC_themself to "herself">><<set $MC_themselfcap to "Herself">><<else>><<set $MC_person to "person">><<set $MC_they to "they">><<set $MC_theycap to "They">><<set $MC_them to "them">><<set $MC_themcap to "Them">><<set $MC_their to "their">><<set $MC_theircap to "Their">><<set $MC_theirs to "theirs">><<set $MC_theirscap to "Theirs">><<set $MC_themself to "themself">><<set $MC_themselfcap to "Themself">><</if>>So your character is a $MC_gender, named $MC_name. $MC_theycap <<if $MC_gender is "nonbinary">>are<<else>>is<</if>> $MC_height, and <<if $MC_gender is "nonbinary">>have<<else>>has<</if>> $MC_skin skin, $MC_eye eyes, and $MC_hair hair. $MC_theircap hair is $MC_length and kept in a $MC_style style. <<if $MC_length is "bald" or "shaved close">><<set $hair to false>><<else>><<set $hair to true>><</if>> [[This is correct - proceed to story|Prologue]] [[No, this is incorrect|character creation]]

__"Prologue"__ The towering branches of the kelp forest stretched high above you, swaying gently in the dark water as you passed through like a ghost. The foliage was barely disturbed by your presence as you dived and you played it little mind in turn. Instead, your goal lay far below. There was an eerie silence, down along the ocean floor, but that wasn’t to say there was a lack of life. On the contrary, you were constantly catching glimpses of fish between the long strands of kelp. They darted away, fearing the danger you represented, but you had no interest in hunting right now. Your attention was focused on the sand and gravel beneath you. <<link 'You were collecting shells' 'task'>><<set $task to "shell">><<set $shell to true>><</link>> <<link 'You were following the crustaceans' 'task'>><<set $task to "crab">><</link>>

<<set $Llyr_gender to "nonbinary">> <<set $Nakia_gender to "male">> <<set $MC_gender to "male">> <<set $MC_sex to "null">> <<set $MC_skin to "null">> <<set $MC_eye to "null">> <<set $MC_hair to "null">> <<set $MC_length to "null">> <<set $MC_style to "null">> <<set $MC_height to "null">> <<set $touchaverse to false>> <<set $skill to "none">> <<set $task to "none">> <<set $family to "none">> <<set $trait to "none">> <<set $role to "none">> <<set $witness to "none">> <<set $hand to false>> <<set $craft to "none">> <<set $content to false>> <<set $stars to false>> <<set $kiss to false>> <<set $crush to false>> <<set $acceptance to false>> <<set $fish to false>> <<set $podleaders = ["Kín", "Káya", "Krön"]>> <<set $leader to "none">> <<set $Llyr to "unknown">> <<set $Nakia to "unknown">> <<set $Llyraffection to 0>> <<set $shell to false>> <<set $blade to false>> <<set $meetLlyr to false>> <<set $meetleader to false>> <<set $meetNakia to false>>

Written by Afixxia

<<if $task is "shell">>An abundance of bright, colourful shells littered the seabed, and you tilted your head as you examined them. You scoured through them diligently, peering at each with a critical eye. Which would look good as jewellery for one of your podmates? Which were sturdy enough to make a suitable gift? You sifted through the plethora of options with nimble, practised fingers. Your chosen shells were tucked safely into the woven bag on your hip, clacking gently as you meandered along the sea floor. They would make fine gifts for your loved ones, and you were eager to share your finds.<<elseif $task is "crab">>You knew that it wasn’t advisable to separate so far from your pod just to follow the wildlife around. But the little crabs and shrimp that roamed the seabed were just so funny looking! The way they scuttled around in the sand was like a silly little dance they had put on just for you, and your long, sleek tail swished in delight as you watched. Webbed fingers dug into the sand and grit and you used your front limbs to pull yourself after the bright red crab you loomed over. It clacked its pincers at you warningly but you didn‘t intend to touch as it weaved between the kelp. Just to focus on your own entertainment.<</if>> Your focus almost entirely on your task, you paid little mind to where you were going until you were no longer embraced in the safety of the kelp. <<if $task is "shell">>You hesitated, withdrawing the hand that had been reaching for the next shell.<<elseif $task is "crab">>You barely noticed as the crab you’d been following darted back into the safety of the foliage.<</if>> Ever since you’d been a tiny calf you’d been warned of the dangers of venturing into the open ocean without your pod. You’d been drilled your whole life with the threats you needed to be wary of and the signs that they were near. Your $MC_eye eyes narrowed, scanning the still, murky water thoughtfully in search of movement. Squinting, you could make out a shape in the gloom, looming from the ocean floor, though you couldn’t make out what it might be from this distance beyond the size of it. It didn’t seem to be moving. That ruled out most options for a living creature down here. Almost satisfied there was no danger to you, you slowly emerged from the relative safety of the kelp forest, eyes fixed firmly on the colossus ahead but every other sense on high alert for danger. The shape became clearer as you drifted closer, and your eyes widened when you realised what it was you were seeing. [[A whalefall...]]

Or at least what had once, briefly, been one. All that was left now was bone, the flesh long since stripped away by time and currents and the residents of the oceans for whom such an event was a feast. The end of a life, giving life to those around it as all death was wont to do. You allowed the currents to carry you closer, wide eyes examining the remains reverently. You couldn’t tell what type of whale rested here – not from bones alone, though others in your pod might have had better luck. Though you could tell a little about the remains even in this low light. Old, but still loved. There were engravings etched into the bones – tributes known by those who had known them as family. Any mer could visit a grave, could leave items around the bones as tributes to the departed. But only podmates could engrave the bones. So much love for a creature that looked to have been dead for longer than you’d been alive. You swam towards the remains of the giant, tracing your fingers over the engravings, trying to imagine the whale that had once lived in that love, the mer who had left offerings of their devotion. The pattern you explored now was old, worn smooth by the gentle currents. Others were newer, more recent. Had they known the whale personally? Or had they been raised on stories of someone they’d spend their lives loving despite never having met? You yourself had left marks of your own in the past, for those your pod had lost. Had paid tribute to the Mother of the Seas to guide them through their final migration. Such massive creatures, beloved in the minds of so many, so many years after their lives had ended. [[It was a humbling thought.|humbling]]

So deep in rumination, you weren’t sure at what point you realised you were no longer alone in the murky waters. You just became aware of the way your skin prickled and a shiver crept down your spine and you //knew//. You felt your heart stutter in your chest and tried to fight off the tension that threatened to overtake your body. Best not to allow a potential threat to know you were aware of their presence. You were a fair distance from the shelter of the kelp forest, but right now you didn’t quite //feel// threatened. Uneasy, in the sense that you were being watched, but not threatened. Not right now. You hung close to the remains, knowing they were your only cover if you were wrong. From the corner of your eye you squinted at the kelp forest, scanning for any sign of movement that couldn’t be attributed to the current. Whatever was there may not want to hurt you, but you’d be more comfortable once you knew what was setting your senses on edge. You sensed a presence behind you and spun around, heart pounding in your chest as you saw- <<link 'A man, jerking back in surprise with an apologetic grimace' 'Llyr'>><<set $Llyr_gender to "male">><</link>> <<link 'A woman, jerking back in surprise with an apologetic grimace' 'Llyr'>><<set $Llyr_gender to "female">><</link>> <<link 'A mer, jerking back in surprise with an apologetic grimace' 'Llyr'>><<set $Llyr_gender to "nonbinary">><</link>>

<<set $meetLlyr to true>><<if $Llyr_gender is "male">><<set $L_person to "man">><<set $L_xe to "he">><<set $L_xecap to "He">><<set $L_xir to "his">><<set $L_xircap to "His">><<set $L_xem to "him">><<set $L_xemcap to "Him">><<set $L_xirs to "his">><<set $L_xirs to "His">><<set $L_xirself to "himself">><<set $L_ximrelfcap to "Himself">><<elseif $Llyr_gender is "female">><<set $L_person to "woman">><<set $L_xe to "she">><<set $L_xecap to "She">><<set $L_xir to "her">><<set $L_xircap to "Her">><<set $L_xem to "her">><<set $L_xemcap to "Her">><<set $L_xirs to "hers">><<set $L_xirs to "Hers">><<set $L_xirself to "herself">><<set $L_xirselfcap to "Herself">><<else>><<set $L_person to "mer">><<set $L_xe to "xe">><<set $L_xecap to "Xe">><<set $L_xir to "xir">><<set $L_xircap to "Xir">><<set $L_xem to "xem">><<set $L_xemcap to "Xem">><<set $L_xirs to "xirs">><<set $L_xirs to "Xirs">><<set $L_xirself to "xirself">><<set $L_xirselfcap to "Xirself">><</if>>You reached for your chest, feeling your pounding heart begin to steady in relief as your brain made out $L_xir familiar features. //Llyr.// A soft smile crossed $L_xir lips when $L_xe was certain you recognised $L_xem, relief visible in the black eyes that were near indistinguishable from $L_xir sclera. $L_xircap locs floated around $L_xir head like a halo as $L_xe drifted closer, and in the dappled light that broke through from the surface you could see the lighter patches of skin that broke up $L_xir ebony skintone. //’Sorry for scaring you,’// $L_xe signed, expression genuinely bashful over the misstep. You knew why $L_xe had come, of course. Knew you had been apart from your pod for too long. Long enough for your family to be concerned, for them to send Llyr to come looking for you. It was time to head home. <<link 'You eagerly took the hand $L_xe offered you. You carried $L_xir blade - $L_xe was your bonded' 'bonded'>><<set $Llyr to "lover">><<set $blade to "Llyr">><</link>> <<link 'You swished your tail at $L_xem in challenge, ready to race - $L_xe was your best friend' 'friend'>><<set $Llyr to "friend">><<set $blade to "yours">><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "You gave $L_xem a respectful nod. $L_xe was an acquaintance, but you weren't close">><<link '$LinkText' 'acquaintance'>><<set $Llyr to "acquaintance">><<set $blade to "yours">><</link>>

Llyr’s bright smile widened, giving you a glimpse of sharp teeth as you grasped both of $L_xir hands in yours, interlinking your fingers as you allowed $L_xem to gently tug you upwards, away from the remains, up the few hundred metres to the surface. You breached, taking in deep lungfuls of air as your head came into the chill open air, the bright noonday sun warming your face. You tilted your head back as Llyr breached beside you, watching the clouds pass slowly overhead as $L_xe took a deep breath of $L_xir own. $L_xecap was your everything, your true love, your bonded. You’d known $L_xem for a full year now. $L_xecap had joined your family the last time your migration had taken you to the breeding grounds; $L_xir own pod had been scattered somehow by humans. Llyr had quickly proven $L_xirself as a guardian of your pod – though $L_xe had been quite taken with you from the beginning. <<listbox "$love" autoselect>><<option "It had been love at first sight for you too.">><<option "It had taken a little longer for your own feelings to develop.">><</listbox>> You wouldn’t change a thing. You spotted movement in the distance as a whale breached – recognised the scarred hide of Ake’ya. It was time to go. <<set $LinkText to "Llyr reached for you and you slipped into $L_xir arms, brushing your nose against $L_xirs. You'd never had an issue with touch - especially from $L_xem">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to false>><<set $hand to true>><<set $LinkText to "your hand clutched securely in $L_xirs">><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "Llyr tilted $L_xir head at you in question and you reached for $L_xem, brushing your nose against $L_xirs. You didn't much enjoy touch, but you didn't mind it at times">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to true>><<set $hand to true>><<set $LinkText to "your hand clutched securely in $L_xirs">><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "Llyr smiled warmly at you, and though you hung close to $L_xem you didn't touch, and $L_xe didn't pressure you. You didn't enjoy touch, and $L_xe had always been respectful of that">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to true>><<set $hand to false>><<set $LinkText to "your body close enough to $L_xirs that you could feel the ripples of $L_xir movements in the water>><</link>>

Llyr grinned playfully, giving you a glimpse of sharp teeth as you swatted your tail playfully at $L_xem in challenge. You could see the delight in $L_xir dark eyes, and $L_xe didn’t wait for you to be ready. With a powerful swipe of $L_xir tail $L_xe thrust $L_xirself upward, and you were already playing catchup. <<if $MC_height is "tall">>Your taller form gave you an advantage as you forged through the water after $L_xem<<elseif $MC_height is "very tall">>Your much taller form gave you an advantage as you forged through the water after $L_xem<</if>>. Away from the remains, up the few hundred metres to the surface. You breached, taking in deep lungfuls of air as your head came into the chill open air. Llyr had breached beside you <<if $MC_height is "very tall" or "tall">>but it was clear you had won despite $L_xir sneakiness <<else>>and it was clear $L_xir sneakiness had won $L_xem the race<</if>>. You tilted your head back, enjoying the warmth of the bright noonday sun on your face as $L_xe took in deep breaths of $L_xir own. $L_xecap was your best friend among your pod. Hard to believe you’d known $L_xem for a full year now. Llyr had joined your family the last time your migration had brought you to the breeding grounds; $L_xir own pod had been scattered somehow by humans. $L_xecap had quickly proven $L_xirself as a guardian to your pod – and $L_xe had been quick to try and befriend you. <<listbox "$friend" autoselect>><<option "You’d been quick to feel that spark of friendship in turn.">><<option "It had taken you a little longer to warm up to the newcomer.">><</listbox>> Now, though, you considered $L_xem to be a good friend – and you wouldn’t change a thing. You spotted movement in the distance as a whale breached – recognised the scarred form of Ake’ya. It was time to go. <<set $LinkText to "Llyr tapped you playfully on the shoulder. You'd never had an issue with touch.">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to false>><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "Llyr tilted $L_xir head at you in question, and you tapped $L_xem playfully on the shoulder. You didn't much enjoy touch, but you didn't mind it at times.">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to true>><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "Llyr grinned playfully at you, swishing $L_xir tail in challenge - but you didn't touch, and $L_xe didn't pressure you. You didn't enjoy touch, and $L_xe had always been respectful of that">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to true>><</link>>

Llyr smiled hopefully, giving you a glimpse of sharp teeth as you nodded respectfully to $L_xem. You could see the uncertainty in $L_xir eyes as $L_xe approached you, tail swishing anxiously. Your relationship had never been antagonistic – neither of you had ever been unkind to the other. You just didn’t click as it seemed $L_xe had been hoping you would. You barely glanced at each other as $L_xe gestured for you to follow, and you headed up the few hundred metres to the surface together, leaving the remains behind you. You breached, taking in deep lungfuls of air as your head came into the chill open air, the bright noonday sun warming your face. You tilted your head back as $L_xe breached beside you, watching the clouds pass slowly overhead as $L_xe took a deep breath of $L_xir own. You rarely interacted with Llyr. $L_xecap was one of the rare mer that moved to a new pod without bonding with someone in the chosen group. $L_xecap had joined your family the last time your migration had brought you to the breeding grounds; $L_xir own pod had been scattered somehow by humans. $L_xecap had quickly proven $L_xirself as a guardian to your pod – and $L_xe had been interested in getting to know you from the start. As for yourself, <<listbox "$acquaintance" autoselect>><<option "you just weren’t that interested in pursuing a relationship with the other mer">><<option "you’d tried, but you both just didn’t have that much in common">><</listbox>>. $L_xecap was an acquaintance. A valued member of your pod, but not someone you went out of your way to spend time with if you didn’t have to. You spotted movement in the distance as a whale breached – recognised the scarred form of Ake’ya. It was time to go. <<set $LinkText to "Llyr looked as though $L_xe was about to reach for you, but apparently thought better of it. You had no issue with touch, but you weren't close to $L_xem">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to false>><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "Llyr didn't even try to touch you. You didn't enjoy touch, and $L_xe had always been respectful of that">><<link '$LinkText' 'pod'>><<set $touchaverse to true>><</link>>

<<set $leader = $podleaders.random()>> <<if $acquaintance is "you'd tried, but you both just didn't have that much in common">> <<set $Llyraffection +=1>> <</if>> <<if $Llyr is "lover">> You hung close to your bonded as $L_xe led you through the warm waters of your pod's breeding grounds, $LinkText. <<elseif $Llyr is "friend">> The challenge was clear, and you weren't about to give your best friend another opportunity to cheat. You darted ahead, sensing $L_xir surprise as $L_xe quickly took off after you through the warm waters of the breeding ground. <<else>> You didn't know $L_xem well but you still hung close together as you made you way back through the warm waters of your pod's breeding grounds. <</if>> You could hear them long before you could see them. You heard the whistles and clicks as they communicated:- <<link 'Your family lived among the sperm whales' 'sperm whale'>><<set $family to "sperm whale">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the orcas' 'orca'>><<set $family to "orca">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the narwhals' 'narwhal'>><<set $family to "narwhal">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> The sea around you was alive with whalesong:- <<link 'Your family lived among the blue whales' 'blue whale'>><<set $family to "blue whale">><<set $trait to "whalesong">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the humpback whales' 'humpback whale'>><<set $family to "humpback whale">><<set $trait to "whalesong">><</link>>

Ake’ya, the matriarch of your pod, called to the two of you with a shrill whistle of greeting as you approached, her young son remaining close to her side. Other members of your pod looked around at her greeting, giving their own in turn when they spotted you. The biggest species of toothed whale, your pod was smaller than many others - but you also found that you were more likely to come across other pods of sperm whales than other types. Unfortunately from what you'd gathered from your kin, the encounters you'd had with humans were more common for you; while the whaling ships would take any whale, they seemed to be most inclined to hunt sperm whales. It was something you'd had to learn to live with as you grew up. As well as sign, which was learned by all mer, you mainly communicated through clicks and whistles. This gave you the ability to echolocate, to use sound to visualise your surroundings when sight failed you. Is this correct? <<link 'Yes, my family are sperm whales' 'chosen'>><</link>> <<link 'No, let me try again' 'unsure'>><</link>>

Ake’ya, the matriarch of you pod, called to the two of you with a shrill whistle of greeting as you approached, her young son remaining close to her side. Other members of your pod looked round at her greeting, giving their own when they spotted you. There was a certain reputation that came with being a pod bound to the so called ‘killer’ whales, and those who did certainly produced some of the fiercest warriors you’d come across. But for you it was the love and family dynamics that stood out, your pods some of the biggest and most close-knit in the oceans, your families some of the most loyal. Why would it matter to you that other mer might keep their distance? When you had the fierce love of your own to fall back on? As well as sign, which was learned by all mer, you mainly communicated through clicks and whistles. This gave you the ability to echolocate, to use sound to visualise your surroundings when sight failed you. Is this correct? <<link 'Yes, my family are orcas' 'chosen'>><</link>> <<link 'No, let me try again' 'unsure'>><</link>>

Ake’ya, the matriarch of your pod, called to the two of you with a shrill whistle of greeting as you approached, her young son remaining close to her side. Other members of your pod looked round at her greeting, giving their own when they spotted you. Narwhals were like legends of the oceans. You were more isolated than other mer, less likely to encounter others of your kin. Those you did come across stared at you with wide eyes, as though they couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. You were strange to them. You were something other. As well as sign, which was learned by all mer, you mainly communicated through clicks and whistles. This gave you the ability to echolocate, to use sound to visualise your surroundings when sight failed you. Is this correct? <<link 'Yes, my family are narwhals' 'chosen'>><</link>> <<link 'No, let me try again' 'unsure'>><</link>>

Your pod wasn’t a traditional one. Blue whales lived independently, or in mother-child pairs, and your pods were smaller than others. You travelled with the same family lines for generations, bound to the giants of the ocean. The mer of other pods often didn’t see //you// when you encountered them. Instead, you had the pleasure of watching their jaws go slack with awe, their eyes wide in wonder as they had to take in the sheer size of your podmates. As well as sign, which was learned by all mer, you mainly communicated through whalesong. Eerie, haunting and filled with an otherworldly beauty. Is this correct? <<link 'Yes, my family are blue whales' 'chosen'>><</link>> <<link 'No, let me try again' 'unsure'>><</link>>

Your pod wasn’t a traditional one. Humpback whales lived independently, or in mother-child pairs, and your pods were smaller than others. You travelled with the same family lines for generations, bound to the gentle giants. You got to see other mer frequently during your migrations, bound to other humpbacks, bound to other types of whales. Pods of mer that were the same as yours but different. Other. As well as sign, which was learned by all mer, you mainly communicated through whalesong. Eerie, haunting and filled with an otherworldly beauty. Is this correct? <<link 'Yes, my family are humpback whales' 'chosen'>><</link>> <<link 'No, let me try again' 'unsure'>><</link>>

Your cargo was precious for the lives it sustained alone, even before taking into consideration the lives taken for you to gain it – for which you’d already passed on your thanks to the Mother of Tides. Every mer was expected to know how to hunt, but every mer would go through periods of their lives when they were unable to do so. It was for them that you completed your role. <<if $trait is "echolocate">>You had a large pod. The young and elderly, the ill and injured, were many. Your net was heavy.<<else>>Your net was light. Your pod was small, and while you usually had one or two mer that were struggling to hunt at any one time, the job was far less work than in other, bigger pods.<</if>> All you needed to do now was distribute your catch among those who needed it. [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

<<if $Llyr is "lover">>Llyr gazed at you like you pulled the tides as you hung close to $L_xem, heading towards the outer boundary of the pod together, where you could scour the open water for threats and respond accordingly. <<elseif $Llyr is "friend">>You‘d had to focus not to allow your competitive and playful friendship to cloud your focus, and you could tell that $L_xe had to do the same. You were both good at your jobs – but this was the first time you’d been allowed to work at the same time since The Incident, and you were keen to prove you didn’t need a longer ban.<<else>>You barely glanced at your podmate as you headed to the outer boundary of the pod where you could watch for threats. Llyr made a fantastic guard partner – reliable and focused – and you worked together well. There was never a need for more.<</if>> The ocean seemed quiet as you gazed out watchfully, keenly aware of the weight of your spear on your back and wondering if it would be necessary to use it. You were no stranger to a good fight, but your role also meant avoiding just that outcome. [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

<<if $task is "shell">><<set $LinkText to "They pawed at your bag, and your mother gently encouraged them to give you space as you carefully handed out the shells you’d chosen for each of them">><</if>><<if $task is "crab">><<set $LinkText to "They crowded around you, swishing their tails excitedly as they waited for you to tell stories of the sealife you’d encountered that morning, eyes wide with wonder">><</if>><<if $trait is "echolocate">>The calves were a delight, the cluster of infants beelining for you and your mother as soon as they laid eyes on you. They swarmed, screeching excitedly as they clung to you both, signing rapidly about how their days had been with clumsy, unpractised fingers. $LinkText.<</if>><<if $task is "shell">><<set $LinkText to "You saw the way their eyes darted hopefully to your bag, though neither of them was brave enough today to come closer until you smiled knowingly and retrieved the shells you’d picked out for them. Their tiny faces split into wide smiles that immediately made your efforts worth it">><</if>><<if $task is "crab">><<set $LinkText to "You already knew the reaction you’d get when you recounted the kinds of creatures you’d seen that morning, and you weren’t disappointed. Their eyes widened in wonder as you mimed the movements of the strange creatures you’d observed, and they watched with rapt attention, expressions open in awe and fascination">><</if>><<if $trait is "whalesong">>The nurseries were quiet and calm in pods like yours. Yours had only two mer calves, but they could still get into enough mischief to warrant having both of you on duty. The two hummed hopefully, moreso at you than your mother, eager, unpractised fingers giving updates on how their days had been and looking for stories from you in turn. $LinkText.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

You parted ways with Llyr, gesturing to $L_xem the all clear sign so $L_xe knew there was nothing to be concerned about right now. The ocean was a dangerous place, (if echolocate) even for bigger pods like your own (if whalesong) especially for smaller pods like your own. Your role as a scout was vital for the safety of your family, in ensuring you didn’t unknowingly swim right into the jaws of danger. <<if $leader is "Kín">>Kín was a fair leader, and they kept your pod safe, listening to the ideas of all of their podmates. They listened to your report attentively, asked your recommendations, but kept their plan of action to themself for now <<elseif $leader is "Káya">>Káya was a strong leader – but sometimes you had to wonder if she was //too// strong-willed. She had excellent ideas for the pod, and was an irreplaceable partner in a fight, but would seldom listen to others when she had made her mind up about something<<else>>Krön was a gentle leader. He always listened to what others had to say – but you noticed he relief a little too much on you and your podmates to provide answers. He was great at keeping the peace within the pod, but froze up when it came to big decisions<</if>>. Your report given, you slipped away from your pod leader, tasked with spreading the appropriate advice to Llyr and the rest of your podmates. [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

You exchanged your farewells with your <<if $Llyr is "lover">>beloved <<elseif $Llyr is "friend">>friend <<else>>podmate<</if>> as you focused instead on your load. You were no hunter, you didn’t bring food to your pod. You brought plantlife, shells, stone and bone – things that could be crafted into medicine, weapons, clothes and jewellery. You didn’t craft them into those things, but your job now was to deliver them to the people who did. <<if $trait is "echolocate">>In a pod as big as yours you were constantly swimming between so many different craftsmer who needed the things you had gathered for them. <<else>>You had heard of bigger pods, in which each of those tasks would be taken on by different craftsmer. In your own, you didn’t have enough podmates for that to be a possibility. You had Jena and her apprentice, bright eyed and chatty as they accepted your findings from you. Occasionally you had expecting parents, hoping to craft a blade for their new arrival. Most of the time it was only Jena.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

K’lia signed at you irritably as you approached, a little annoyed that you’d left em with all that you’d asked em for as long as you’d been busy <<if $task is "shell">>gawking at shells <<else>>drifting along after crabs<</if>>. Ey was placated by a <<if $task is "shell">>pretty orange shell <<else>>short mimic of one of the creatures you’d spotted<</if>>. <<if $trait is "echolocate">>In a pod as big as your own, you had enough podmates for you to choose which craft you wanted to follow – and you’d had little hesitation in going into <<listbox "$craft" autoselect>> <<option "weaving">> <<option "jewellery-craft">> <<option "weapon-crafting">><</listbox>>. It was your opportunity to leave your own mark on your pod. <<else>>In a pod as small as your own, you didn’t have enough mer to specialise in each craft. You were expected to learn all of them – though your favourite had to be <<listbox "$craft" autoselect>> <<option "weaving">> <<option "jewellery-craft">> <<option "weapon-crafting">><</listbox>>. That was your passion – the craft you would specialise in if you had that choice.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

It didn’t take you long to find your pod leader. <<if $leader is "Kín">>Kín was a fair leader, and they kept your pod safe, listening to the ideas of all of their podmates. They listened to your suggestions attentively before giving their own recommendations – giving you an in-depth explanation as to their thought process. You had been hand-picked to take their place. You weren’t entirely sure why, what they’d seen in you, but you were adamant that you would give the role your all.<<elseif $leader is "Káya">>Káya was a strong leader – but sometimes you had to wonder if she was //too// strong-willed. She had excellent ideas for the pod, and was an irreplaceable partner in a fight, but would seldom listen to others when she had made her mind up about something. You had been hand-picked to take her place. You weren’t entirely sure why, what she’d seen in you, but you were adamant that you would give the role your all.<<else>>Krön was a gentle leader. He always listened to what others had to say – but you noticed he relief a little too much on you and your podmates to provide answers. He was great at keeping the peace within the pod, but froze up when it came to big decisions. You had been hand-picked to take his place. You weren’t entirely sure why, what he’d seen in you, but you were adamant that you would give the role your all.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

The ingredients you’d received from the gatherer were heavy in your bag as you scoured through it, seeking the components of the strength-enhancing poultice you’d promised one of the hunters. <<if $trait is "echolocate">>In a pod as big as yours, your skill was constantly in demand, a wide range of poultices that kept you busy near continuously. <<else>>Even in a pod as small as your own you found your skills were frequently in demand, even if they leaned mostly to healing poultices the healer had ordered.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

You’d spent years apprenticed to your pod’s healer – a stuffy and serious mer, who lectured you on how your calling was perhaps the most vital in your pod. But he had known everything there was to know about the art of healing – so much so that you had wondered if he hadn’t forgotten more than you had the capacity to learn. But now his role was yours. One day you’d take on an apprentice of your own, but for now it was just you. <<if $trait is "echolocate">>Your pod was so big it felt like you were constantly being called on to support //someone//. A range of illness and injury, big and small, and you’d been treating them all. <<else>>Your pod was small enough that, barring severe accidents or fights, you typically saw the same types of symptoms or injuries requiring your attention.<</if>> [[Hours passed with your focus on your work|Breathe]]

It was always a source of anxiety for you. Mer magic was rare, it was powerful, and it was wild. If past experience was any indicator, it was a matter of when, not if, you lost control – just as your ma once did. Every day you remained increased the chance of you following in her course, but your pod knew the signs. It was frowned upon to eject a podmate before they showed signs that they were losing control. It was <<listbox "$reaction" autoselect>> <<option "a relief">> <<option "frustrating">> <<option "rage-inducing">> <<option "unsettling">><</listbox>>, feeling your podmates’ eyes on you all the time. The only escape you had was when you were away from your pod, your Ma teaching you what control she had built up in her years of isolation. [[With no role to play, you wiled away the hours helping out where you could|Breathe]]

You heard the whistles and clicks as they communicated:- <<link 'Your family lived among the sperm whales' 'sperm whale'>><<set $family to "sperm whale">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the orcas' 'orca'>><<set $family to "orca">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the narwhals' 'narwhal'>><<set $family to "narwhal">><<set $trait to "echolocate">><</link>> The sea around you was alive with whalesong:- <<link 'Your family lived among the blue whales' 'blue whale'>><<set $family to "blue whale">><<set $trait to "whalesong">><</link>> <<link 'Your family lived among the humpback whales' 'humpback whale'>><<set $family to "humpback whale">><<set $trait to "whalesong">><</link>>

Your mother reached for you as you approached, a bright smile on her face as she ran a hand <<if $hair is true>>through your hair<<else>>over your jaw>><</if>>. It was a brief, fond greeting, before she swam away back to the calves, whom she had the role of caring for. You had your own role among your pod – one you’d chosen for yourself, and which you now had to focus on. <<link 'You followed your mother. Your role was to care for the calves alongside her' 'childcare'>><<set $role to "childcare">><</link>> <<link 'You followed Llyr. Your role was to be a guardian of the pod alongside $L_xem' 'guardian'>><<set $role to "guardian">><</link>> <<link 'You maintained a tight grip on your net. Your role was as a hunter, feeding your pod with the fish you caught' 'hunter'>><<set $role to "hunter">><</link>> <<link 'You needed to give the all-clear to your pod leader. You were a scout, ensuring your route was safe' 'scout'>><<set $role to "scout">><<set $meetleader to true>><</link>> <<link 'You shifted your grip on your bag. You were a gatherer, scouring the ocean for things your pod might need' 'gatherer'>><<set $role to "gatherer">><</link>> <<link 'You needed to collect your materials from the gatherer. You were a craftsmer, creating things your pod would need' 'craftsmer'>><<set $role to "craftsmer">><</link>> <<link 'You needed to find your pod leader. They were training you to one day take their place' 'leader'>><<set $role to "leader">><<set $meetleader to true>><</link>> <<link 'You rummaged through the ingredients in your bag. You were an alchemist, creating poultices for your pod to use' 'alchemist'>><<set $role to "alchemist">><</link>> <<link 'You needed to visit the alchemist and tend to your patient. You were the healer for your pod' 'healer'>><<set $role to "healer">><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "You lingered awkwardly as she left. You didn't actually have a role. Why would you when you wouldn't be with your pod for much longer anyway? You had inherited your ma's magic">><<link '$LinkText' 'apprentice'>><<set $role to "apprentice">><</link>>

You lazed on your back at the surface of the water. A myriad of bright, uncountable stars spread across the sky, further than you could possibly hope to see. There was no moon but you could see fine in their light. See the ocean stretched out into the distance. <<listbox "$baseline" autoselect>><<option "The ocean was your home, your pod all you had ever known, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.">> <<option "You loved your pod – truly you did – but you couldn’t help but feel restless. There was more to the world than this endless ocean – and you longed to see it">><</listbox>> You breathed in deep, taking in a deep lungful of the cool night air, before you suddenly found your moment of introspection interrupted by - <<if $Llyr is "friend">><<link 'A playful splash that left you spluttering as Llyr giggled silently nearby' 'Llyr friend'>><<set $witness to "Llyr">><</link>><<elseif $Llyr is "lover">><<link 'A soft enquiring click of the tongue as Llyr surfaced nearby, gazing at you in a mixture of affection and concern' 'Llyr lover'>><<set $witness to "Llyr">><</link>><<else>><<link 'The presence of someone surfacing nearby. You turned to see Llyr watching you inquisitively, though $L_xe kept $L_xir distance' 'Llyr acquaintance'>><<set $witness to "Llyr">><</link>><</if>> <<link 'A warm presence that fills you with peace. You turned to see your mother watching you with concern' 'Mother'>><<set $witness to "mother">><</link>> <<link 'A loud splash as one of the nightbirds plunged for its prey. A momentary distraction, gone as suddenly as it had arrived, and you were left alone once more' 'Alone'>><<set $witness to "alone">><</link>>

<<link 'Inventory' 'Inventory'>><</link>> <<link 'Characters' 'Characters'>><</link>>

<<if $blade is "Llyr">>You have a blade crafted from bone. Llyr exchanged it for yours during your bonding.<<elseif $blade is "yours">>You have a blade crafted from bone. Your mothers crafted and engraved it in preparation for your birth.<</if>> <<if $shell is true>>You have a collection of shells in your bag.<</if>>

The smile that lit Llyr’s face was so wide you had to wonder if it hurt $L_xir cheeks. <<listbox "$smile" autoselect>> <<option "The smile you gave in answer certainly hurt yours">> <<option "You didn’t tend to smile as much, but your friend knew the joy you felt together regardless">><</listbox>> <<if role is "guardian">>You’d somehow managed to get through the day without causing chaos together, though the night was young and you were certain you could come up with something that would ruin your pod’s evening. <<else>>You’d had to get through the day without $L_xem, and it was one of those days that you’d found $L_xir absence to be frightfully boring.<</if>> You spent every day with $L_xem, enough that you received some odd looks and smiles from other members of your pod. Gentle hints and nudges and questions of whether you ever wanted to be more? <<link 'You had to admit, you had wondered what it might be like. A relationship with $L_xem' 'Llyr friend crush'>><<set $crush to true>><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "You didn't understand why they had to do that. You were best friends, why wouldn't they just let you //be// friends?">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr friend friend'>><<set $crush to false>><<set $fish to true>><</link>>

You were surprised to see $L_xem. <<if $role is "guardian">>You had already spent the day with $L_xem, protecting the pod. What more could $L_xe possibly need from you? <<else>>You hadn’t seen $L_xem all day, but it wasn’t as though that was unusual.<</if>> You didn’t have the relationship where you might seek each other out like this. There was no sign that $L_xe had been sent to retrieve you for the pod, either, which was even more strange. <<listbox "$confusion" autoselect>> <<option "You were a little annoyed that Llyr had shown up. You’d seen each other far too many times today.">> <<option "You were a little confused – you weren’t accustomed to Llyr seeking you out so many times in one day.">> <<option "It was fine. It was nice to have the company, even from someone you rarely spent time with.">><</listbox>> <<set $LinkText to "You splashed your tail at $L_xem in annoyance, moving to swim away. Could't $L_xe take a hint? You wanted to be left alone">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr annoyed'>><<set $affection -=1>><</link>> <<set $LinkText to "You gave $L_xem a nod in greeting. You didn't mind $L_xem being around. $L_xe was welcome to stay.">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr acceptance'>><<set $affection +=1>><</link>>

The smile that lit Llyr’s face was so wide you had to wonder if it hurt $L_xir cheeks. <<listbox "$smile" autoselect>> <<option "The smile you gave in answer certainly hurt yours.">> <<option "You didn’t tend to smile as much, but your lover knew the joy you felt together regardless.">><</listbox>> <<if $role is "guardian">>You’d been by $L_xir side all day, and still all you wanted was to be close to them, to keep $L_xem near to you where $L_xe belonged <<else>> You’d longed for $L_xem all day, finding yourself parted from $L_xir presence. All you wanted now was to be closer, to finally keep $L_xem near to you where $L_xe belonged<</if>>. $L_xecap came closer, twirling around you but not yet touching – <<if $touchaverse is false>>a maddening tease <<else>>ever mindful of your boundaries.<</if>> <<link 'You floated close to $L_xem without touching, leaning back in the water, silently inviting $L_xem to join you in gazing up at the stars' 'stars'>><<set $stars to true>><</link>> <<link 'You surged forward, grasping $L_xem by the shoulders to kiss $L_xem. Passionately.' 'kiss'>><<set $kiss to true>><</link>>

Your mother smiled softly at you as she approached, though you couldn’t miss the hint of worry in her $MC_eye eyes. Despite the support of those in your pod, your care growing up had been mainly on her since your Ma had left. She’d struggled at times, though she’d always tried to hide it from you. <<listbox "$Mother" autoselect>> <<option "You hugged her. The two of you were close, you adored her.">> <<option "You gave her a wide smile. The two of you were close, you adored her.">> <<option "You gave her a nod of acknowledgement. You’d always been respectful, but you couldn’t say you were close.">><</listbox>> It was <<listbox "$nice" autoselect>> <<option "nice">> <<option "odd">><</listbox>>, having the opportunity to spend time with her like this, away from distractions and responsibilities and the rest of the pod. She was so busy, spent so much time missing your ma, that you rarely got the chance to spend time one on one like this. <<set $LinkText to "Unfortunately, it wasn't to last">><<link '$LinkText' 'Mother wrong'>><</link>>

You relaxed slightly as the bird returned to the sky, hugging yourself in an attempt to drive off the sudden shivers. Birds were no threat, but there was an odd feeling in the air. One you weren’t entirely comfortable with. You were coming to think it might be a better idea to return to your pod before something truly did go wrong. <<link 'As it turned out, you were too late' 'Alone wrong'>><</link>>

$L_xecap joined you eagerly, $L_xir tail breaking the water briefly as it swished in contentment. You knew all of Llyr’s favourite things, and that included $L_xir favourite constellation. It was the whaleshark, proud and majestic against the dark shroud of the night sky. $L_xecap smiled brightly as you pointed it out to $L_xem, $L_xir dark eyes scanning the sky in search of your own favourite. <<listbox "$constellation" autoselect>> <<option "Yours was also the whale shark.">> <<option "You were more inclined to the kraken.">> <<option "The Mother of the Tides was your favourite, standing watch over all the others.">> <<option "That one kind of looked like a fish. Not a proper constellation, but you and Llyr had laughed about it.">><</listbox>> <<set $LinkText to "It was a moment of peace, of relaxation, but it wasn’t to last">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr lover wrong'>><</link>>

Llyr shivered as you pulled $L_xem close but went willingly, grinning into your shared kiss. <<if $touchaverse is true>>You seldom enjoyed being touched, but like this it was good. When you were in control – when it was //$L_xir// hands on your bare skin, //$L_xir// wet lips against your own, //$L_xir// warm breaths mingling with yours. <<else>>There was no hesitation in you as you pressed closely to $L_xem, $L_xir warm wet skin against yours, $L_xir breaths mingling with your own.<</if>> Llyr held you like you were the most precious thing in the world to $L_xem, like all $L_xe wanted was to be closer to you. <<set $LinkText to "It was a moment of peace, of passion, but it wasn’t to last">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr lover wrong'>><<set $kiss to true>><</link>>

It was Llyr who noticed first that something was amiss. $L_xircaphead snapped around, gaze darting away from you, mood suddenly sombre as $L_xe looked around, scanning the horizon. <<if $role is "guardian">>$L_xecap gave you a nod as you readied your spear, $L_xir hand already over $L_xir own, though you couldn’t make out yet in the dark what had drawn $L_xir concern. <<else>>You felt your breath quickening in panic – every mer was taught the basics of combat, but that didn’t mean it was your strength. Your hand tightened around the blade your mothers had given you, and $L_xe slipped in front of you, spear already in hand.<</if>> You scanned the dark horizon, following $L_xir gaze in search of the threat $L_xe had sensed, and it took you a little longer to spot it. A great shape in the gloom, growing larger as it approached as it blotted out the pinpricks of light from the stars. You didn’t know the shape, didn’t know of any creature that would glide over the surface of the water like that. But from the tension that flooded Llyr’s body, the way $L_xir lips curled into a sharp-toothed snarl as they placed $L_xirself firmly between you and the strange creature, you could tell that $L_xe recognised it. It was a great, hulking beast, and you couldn’t help but shrink in on yourself as it approached. Loud, overlapping vocalisations you’d never heard before carried to you from atop the creature’s back, and somehow this was what triggered your recollection of the second-hand stories you had heard, about when the humans had come for Llyr's pod. [[Your hand gripped tightly to your weapon as icy terror flooded your veins...|end prologue]]

It was strange, why they always had to be like this. Why they had to take a relationship as important with you as the one you had with your best friend and assume it had to have some romantic leanings to it. Why wasn’t your friendship good enough? <<listbox "$rumours" autoselect>> <<option "You found it funny, and the two of you often laughed about it.">> <<option "You found it frustrating, and Llyr had often been on the receiving end of your need to vent about it.">> <<option "You didn’t care one way or the other. It was your relationship with your best friend, and you didn’t care what other people might think about it.">><</listbox>> Regardless, Llyr was your closest friend – without you feeling the need to kiss $L_xem over it. You were drawn from your introspection as you felt $L_xir eyes on you, and $L_xe reached for $L_xir bag. $L_xecap had brought you food, and you gave $L_xem a sharp-toothed grin in thanks as you accepted the fish from $L_xem. <<set $LinkText to "You were looking forward to a night spent in companionship, but it wasn’t to last">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr friend wrong'>><</link>>

You couldn’t deny the effect $L_xe had on you. The way your body warmed when $L_xe was close, how your heart fluttered in your chest. Worse, then, that it seemed at times like $L_xe was completely unaffected by it. <<listbox "$crushtype" autoselect>><<option "You’d felt these things for as long as you’d known each other. You just had no idea how to broach the subject.">> <<option "The feelings were new. You hadn’t had a chance to even think about how to tell anyone.">> <<option "As always you pushed down the feelings. Your friendship was more important, and you weren’t going to risk it on a stupid crush.">><</listbox>> Perhaps now would have been a good time to confess – if you’d been so inclined. It was a romantic night under the watchful gaze of the stars, if you wished to tell $L_xem the truth you only had to raise your hands and sign it to $L_xem. <<set $LinkText to "But that peaceful, romantic night wasn’t to last.">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr friend wrong'>><</link>>

It was Llyr who noticed first that something was amiss. $L_xircaphead snapped around, gaze darting away from you, mood suddenly sombre as $L_xe looked around, scanning the horizon. <<if $fish is true>>The fish $L_xe had given you slipped from your suddenly limp fingers as it became clear there was something very wrong.>><</if>> <<if $role is "guardian">>$L_xecap gave you a nod as you readied your spear, $L_xir hand already over $L_xir own, though you couldn’t make out yet in the dark what had drawn $L_xir concern. <<else>>You felt your breath quickening in panic – every mer was taught the basics of combat, but that didn’t mean it was your strength. Your hand tightened around the blade your mothers had given you, and $L_xe slipped in front of you, spear already in hand.<</if>> You scanned the dark horizon, following $L_xir gaze in search of the threat $L_xe had sensed, and it took you a little longer to spot it. A great shape in the gloom, growing larger as it approached as it blotted out the pinpricks of light from the stars. You didn’t know the shape, didn’t know of any creature that would glide over the surface of the water like that. But from the tension that flooded Llyr’s body, the way $L_xir lips curled into a sharp-toothed snarl as they placed $L_xirself firmly between you and the strange creature, you could tell that $L_xe recognised it. It was a great, hulking beast, and you couldn’t help but shrink in on yourself as it approached. Loud, overlapping vocalisations you’d never heard before carried to you from atop the creature’s back, and somehow this was what triggered your recollection of the stories Llyr had told you, about when the humans had come for $L_xir pod. [[Your hand gripped tightly to your weapon as icy terror flooded your veins...|end prologue]]

It was Llyr who noticed first that something was amiss. <<if $stars is true>>$L_xecap straightened in the water, mood suddenly sombre as $L_xe looked around. <<else>>$L_xecap pulled away suddenly, dark eyes alert at $L_xe looked past you, scanning the horizon.<</if>> <<if $role is "guardian">>$L_xecap gave you a nod as you readied your spear, $L_xir hand already over $L_xir own, though you couldn’t make out yet in the dark what had drawn $L_xir concern. <<else>>You felt your breath quickening in panic – every mer was taught the basics of combat, but that didn’t mean it was your strength. Your hand tightened around the blade $L_xe had given you on your bonding day, and $L_xe slipped in front of you, spear already in hand.<</if>> You scanned the dark horizon, following $L_xir gaze in search of the threat $L_xe had sensed, and it took you a little longer to spot it. A great shape in the gloom, growing larger as it approached as it blotted out the pinpricks of light from the stars. You didn’t know the shape, didn’t know of any creature that would glide over the surface of the water like that. But from the tension that flooded Llyr’s body, the way $L_xir lips curled into a sharp-toothed snarl as they placed $L_xirself firmly between you and the strange creature, you could tell that $L_xe recognised it. It was a great, hulking beast, and you couldn’t help but shrink in on yourself as it approached. Loud, overlapping vocalisations you’d never heard before carried to you from atop the creature’s back, and somehow this was what triggered your recollection of the stories Llyr had told you, about when the humans had come for $L_xir pod. [[Your hand gripped tightly to your weapon as icy terror flooded your veins...|end prologue]]

You didn't think your mother noticed when the chill ran down your spine, the sense that something was very very wrong. Your eyes darted around, seeking the threat that had put your body so on edge, but for a long moment you couldn't see anything that might have triggered your unease. Your mother's eyes widened as you <<if $role is "guardian">>readied your spear<<else>>clasped the dagger she and your Ma had crafted in your hand<</if>>; she was no fighter. As you scanned the dark horizon, searching for the threat you had sensed, you finally spotted it. A great shape in the gloom, growing larger as it approached as it blotted out the pinpricks of light from the stars. You didn’t know the shape, didn’t know of any creature that would glide over the surface of the water like that. You could tell your mother didn't recognise it either as you placed yourself between her and the creature. But you knew the sense of danger that flooded through your body, the urge to fight or escape. It was a great, hulking beast, and you couldn’t help but shrink in on yourself as it approached. Loud, overlapping vocalisations you’d never heard before carried to you from atop the creature’s back, and somehow this was what triggered your recollection of the stories you had heard, about when the humans had come for Llyr's pod. [[Your hand gripped tightly to your weapon as icy terror flooded your veins...|end prologue]]

It came suddenly, the chill that ran down your spine, the sense that something was very very wrong. Your eyes darted around, seeking the threat that had put your body so on edge, but for a long moment you couldn't see anything that might have triggered your unease. Instinctively, you <<if $role is "guardian">>readied your spear<<else>>clasped the dagger your mothers had crafted in your hand<</if>>; if there was something coming, you had a responsibility to your pod. As you scanned the dark horizon, searching for the threat you had sensed, you finally spotted it. A great shape in the gloom, growing larger as it approached as it blotted out the pinpricks of light from the stars. You didn’t know the shape, didn’t know of any creature that would glide over the surface of the water like that. But you knew the sense of danger that flooded through your body, the urge to fight or escape. It was a great, hulking beast, and you couldn’t help but shrink in on yourself as it approached. Loud, overlapping vocalisations you’d never heard before carried to you from atop the creature’s back, and somehow this was what triggered your recollection of the stories you had heard, about when the humans had come for Llyr's pod. [[Your hand gripped tightly to your weapon as icy terror flooded your veins...|end prologue]]

You were certain you were imagining the flash of hurt in $L_xir gaze as you turned your back on $L_xem completely, putting distance between the two of you. $L_xecap <<if $trait is "echolocate">>clicked <<else>>whined<</if>> in distress as you did so, and you shot $L_xem a glare over your shoulder, considering whether you wanted to find your isolation elsewhere or give up and return to the pod. <<link 'It soon became clear the choice had been taken out of your hands' 'Llyr acquaintance wrong'>>

Llyr smiled at you, relief in $L_xir gaze that caught you off guard. You’d made a point to never be unkind to $L_xem, but had you really been that cold that $L_xe was so relieved by the opportunity just to be around you? Deciding to ignore the oddities, you returned your gaze to the sky, leaning back in the water once more. It was a little odd, feeling so vulnerable while $L_xe was there to witness it, but you tried to push $L_xem out of your mind for now. Tried to get back into that introspective, relaxed headspace you’d managed to find before. <<set $LinkText to "As it turned out, that wasn’t to be">><<link '$LinkText' 'Llyr acquaintance wrong'>><</link>>

End prologue Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed! Please visit my Tumblr page for updates.