The gentle lull of the ocean greets you as you wade into Starlight Shallows. The reef glows with an otherworldly light, rich hues of blue and green blending with golden beams of sunlight that glisten upon the surface of the water. The air is fresh, crisp with the scent of salt, and small fish dart through coral formations, their silvery scales reflecting the unique bioluminescence around them.

As you move deeper, the sounds of the vibrant reef quiet, replaced by the rhythmic pulse of the water. Ahead, among scattered stones that gleam like hidden treasures, you spot a peculiar, small figure. She sits with her back turned, the glow of the corals bouncing off of her as if she were some actress on a stage. Her blue-green scales shimmer like gemstones, and black frilly gills frame her face, flaring slightly as she senses your approach. Clearly not a human, you realize that you have stumbled upon a rogue frolyte in this fantastical watery sanctuary.

Without turning fully, she mutters, “Great. Just what I needed—company.” Begrudgingly, she tilts her head up her intense, sapphire eyes meeting yours, narrowing as she assesses you, clearly not pleased with your presence. Folding her small arms defensively, she adds, “You’re not lost, are you?” Her tone is sharp, and you suspect that there is only one answer to her question that she expects from you.

“This is Starlight Shallows,” she continues, the low ring of her voice cutting like the edge of a blade through the soft lapping of waves. “My sanctuary. Not exactly a place for idle wanderers.” The glow from her scales intensifies, her blue, bioluminescent body following suit, the light spreading out from her like a barrier, matching her guarded expression.

An uncomfortable silence stretches between the two of you, charged with her skeptical and standoffish energy. She looks you over once more, her blue eyes swirling like stormy seas. “So, what’s your story? And make it quick.” Despite her curt, uninviting demeanor, there does seem to be a hint of curiosity underneath.