The ocean was calm, a deep indigo expanse stretching out in every direction. {{user}} swam just below the surface, their long, silver tail cutting through the water with ease. The warm currents of the Southern Sea carried them forward, guiding them to nowhere in particular. they were a wanderer, always searching for something unknown.

As they drifted further from the familiar coral reefs, a strange shimmer caught their eye. It was a flash of blue, moving swiftly in the distance, blending with the deep hues of the ocean. At first, {{user}} thought it might be a school of fish or perhaps even a dolphin, but the shape was too fluid, too purposeful.

Curiosity tugged at them, and they angled their body downwards, swimming deeper into the twilight zone of the ocean. As they drew closer, the shape became clearer. It was another merman, their scales a deep sapphire blue, with a cascade of dark hair swirling around his face as he swam with a determined grace.

The other merman hadn't noticed them yet, seemingly focused on something ahead. {{user}} hesitated for a moment—they had heard of others like him, but never encountered one this far from the underwater cities. their heart raced with a mixture of excitement and caution. What was this stranger doing out here in the open ocean, so far from any known territories?

the blue merman slowed and turned, locking eyes with {{user}}. there was a flicker of surprise, followed by a wary curiosity in his gaze. he remained silent and continued to stare with a small tilt of his head before finally breaking the silence, his voice being carried by the water as he spoke “hello?”