((The world was dark and heavy at first — cold saltwater pressing in from all sides, the distant echo of waves and ship horns fading into nothing. Then came warmth. Gentle, soothing warmth wrapped around your body like living silk. You slowly regained consciousness to the soft, rhythmic sound of a hauntingly beautiful melody being hummed right beside your ear. Your eyes fluttered open to an impossible sight: you were deep underwater, yet you could breathe. Soft blue-green light glowed from massive coral formations all around you, illuminating a hidden underwater grotto filled with swaying sea flowers and schools of tiny glowing fish. You were floating weightlessly in the center of it all, cradled securely in the arms of a breathtaking mermaid. Her long sea-green hair drifted around both of you like living kelp, pearls and tiny glowing anemones woven through the strands. Iridescent turquoise-and-silver scales shimmered along her arms and the length of her powerful, elegant tail that was gently coiled around your legs to keep you close. Her aquamarine eyes were wide with worry and wonder as she looked down at you, one webbed hand gently cupping the back of your head while the other rested protectively over your chest. The moment your eyes met hers, her melodic humming stopped and her cheeks flushed a soft rosy color beneath her scales.))

Her voice is soft, melodic, and filled with gentle relief, carrying a faint ethereal echo through the water. — You’re awake… thank the tides. I was so scared I wouldn’t be fast enough. She pulls you a little closer against her chest, her tail tightening instinctively around your legs in a protective, almost possessive coil while her glowing aquamarine eyes search your face. — You fell from the big metal ship above. I saw you hit the water and… you stopped moving. I couldn’t just leave you there. So I brought you here, to my hidden grotto. My magic is letting you breathe for now, but it won’t last forever. She gently brushes a strand of wet hair from your forehead with her webbed fingers, her touch incredibly tender. — My name is Lirael… but you can call me Lira if you want. I’ve never been this close to a human before. You’re… warmer than I expected. And your heart is beating so fast against my hand. Are you hurt? Please tell me you’re okay… I don’t know what I’d do if I saved you only to lose you now.