[Kitsumi]

With the help of her finned tail, Nîdhalbe cut through the water with ease. For now, she was choosing to remain within sight of the island on which she had been staying for the past couple of days. Eventually, she planned on going further out, but she wanted to test the currents first, see how she fared. Although she was a strong swimmer and could hold her breath for quite a long amount of time, she didn't want to end up being caught in a strong current from which she couldn't escape. Only once she was more confidant would she stray from the safety of the shore.

[1]

[Kitsumi]

While the currents would have been strong for a smaller creature, the paragon was able to maneuver them with only slight difficulty. Once she was sure that she wouldn't have to expend all of her energy while exploring, she began venturing further out into the sea. She used the current when possible, allowing it to pull her towards her destination.

Nîdhalbe had carefully studied the map that she had been given, memorizing every tiny detail. She was fairly certain that she would be able to find the place that she was looking for. But then again, everything would probably look different underwater.

[2]

[Kitsumi]

Knowing that it would be more difficult to navigate once she was underwater, she continued to keep her head above the waves. Eventually, though, even that couldn't help her. Now that she was getting further away from the island, there weren't any landmarks to guide her.

"I guess it's time to dive," she muttered to herself. A life of (mostly) solitude had caused her to pick up the habit of talking to herself. "Just take a deep breath, fill my lungs, and... now."

She angled her body downwards, her strong limbs and tail propelling her deeper. Her eyes scanned the surrounding area, looking for any possible threats.

[3]

[Kitsumi]

There was a school of fish swiftly swimming away from Nîdhalbe, but no creatures large enough to pose a threat. Satisfied that she was safe, she began to follow the path that she had memorized from the map. She kept deep enough to see the sandy bottom of the sea, keeping an eye out for certain objects that had been marked on the map.

An enormous column of coral drew her attention. It was difficult to tell, but she was fairly sure that this was the sort of landmark that she had been looking for. She moved towards it, hoping that she was on the right path.

[4]

[Kitsumi]

Upon drawing closer, the female became convinced that this was indeed the coral column that had been on the map. It had been described as simply 'large' and now she understood why. Throughout all of her underwater explorations, she had never seen coral this tall. It was odd, but beautiful at the same time.

Despite the fact that she was on a mission, Nîdhalbe couldn't help but pause to take in the sights around her. Coral of various shapes, sizes, and colors were scattered throughout the area. It was incredible to see, and she tried to ingrain the picture in her memory so that she would never forget how it looked.

[5]

[Kitsumi]

'Come on,' she spoke silently to herself in her mind, not wanting to accidentally inhale water. 'You can't waste any more time. Just remember this place for later. Once you find what you are looking for, you can come back here and appreciate the scenery properly.'

Despite her determination, she found it difficult to tear herself away. The promise of gold and riches may have been much more tempting to some. But to the paragon, natural treasures were much more valuable. Still, as much as she hated it, she needed the money that this exploration would provide. So she forced herself to move on.

[6]

[Kitsumi]

Now that she had used the coral column to help her get her bearings, Nîdhalbe was much more confidant that she knew exactly where to go. She began swimming more quickly, with urgency. The sooner she found what she was searching for, the sooner she could take the time to explore the beauties of the sea.

Eventually, she began to slow down. It wouldn't do her any good to go speeding through the water so quickly that she missed the very thing that she was looking for. And since it was difficult to track how far she had gone, she wanted to be careful not to pass it by.

[7]

[Kitsumi]

Soon, the paragon's chest began to burn from lack of oxygen. She knew that she would need to go up for air, and soon. But she was so close, she could practically feel it. If she went above the surface now, she might end up losing her bearings. But if she didn't take a breath, it was possible that she would drown.

In the end, her life was much more valuable than whatever treasure she was looking for. So she turned back towards the surface, propelling herself upwards as quickly as she could. Her head broke the surface of the water, and not a moment too soon.

[8]

[Kitsumi]

Gulping in deep breaths, Nîdhalbe forced herself to keep her breathing slow and even. Once her lungs were full once more, she took a moment to look around. All that she could see was water. All signs of the island from which she had come were gone.

"Oh, no..." she groaned. This was something she hadn't thought about. What if she couldn't find her way back to the island? Sure, she was a strong enough swimmer to survive for a while even if lost at sea. But without food or fresh drinking water, her energy would quickly run out and she would eventually sink below the waves.

[9]

[Kitsumi]

"Okay, this is fine," she spoke aloud, trying to reassure herself. "It's no big deal. I just need to go back underwater and retrace my steps. There are things on the ocean floor that I can use as landmarks, right? I'm sure I can recognize some of the places I've already been."

Although she was clearly still unsure, she knew that this was obviously her best option. So she took several deep breaths, ensuring that she had as much oxygen in her lungs as possible. Then she dove back beneath the waves. Deeper, deeper, until she was able to see the sand at the bottom.

[10]

[Kitsumi]

As Nîdhalbe had feared, her trip to the surface for air had put her a bit off course. It was difficult to swim perfectly straight up or perfectly straight down. She had unintentionally deviated from her intended path, and was now forced to figure out where she was... or rather, where she had been.

She began swimming, searching for anything that looked familiar. But aside from sand, seaweed, and rocks that all looked the same, there was really nothing around her. Certainly nothing interesting enough for give her a hint as to where she was. Despite the fact that she was trying to remain calm, she was starting to panic.

[11]

[Kitsumi]

She had no other choice than to simply choose a direction and swim. Hopefully she would come across land soon. Even if it weren't the island on which she had been staying, as long as she could make it to dry land then she could eventually make it back to her destination. The treasure had been forgotten now, as all she cared about was finding a way to get to safety.

Things only became worse when a dark shadow suddenly fell over the paragon. Expecting an attack, she turned quickly. Her stance was defensive, ready to protect herself should she need to do so.

[12]

[Kitsumi]

To Nîdhalbe's surprise, the shadow belongs to another paragon... or so she believes at first. As the creature comes closer, however, she realizes that there is something strange about this paragon. Their eyes are glowing slightly, and they have a certain aura about them that she can't quite put her claw on.

"Traveler," the stranger speaks in a voice that, somehow, manages to penetrate the water and reach Nîdhalbe. "Are you lost? I sense that you are a friend to these waters, and so I am willing to help you find your way if this is what you desire." Her head bowed ever so slightly as she spoke.

[13]

[Kitsumi]

Nîdhalbe remained silent, unsure of how she was supposed to respond. She couldn't breathe underwater as this paragon obviously could. Nor did she think her voice would carry even if she tried.

After a moment, the strange paragon seemed to realize the problem. "Ah, of course. I sometimes forget that not everyone is able to speak freely beneath the water. Here, allow me to help." She took a deep breath, and then blew it out.

A large bubble of air was exhaled, floating towards the other female. When it reached her, it settled over her head. She gasped in shock at this strange sensation... and was shocked to find that she could breathe normally now.

[14]

[Kitsumi]

"Who are you?" Nîdhalbe asks. Then, after a moment of thought, she adds, "Or perhaps I should ask what are you?" It was strange, getting used to speaking freely underwater. Instinct told her that she should conserve her oxygen supply, but she knew that this was no longer an issue thanks to whatever it was the strange paragon had done.

"My name has long been forgotten," the other paragon replied. "You may call me the Guardian, or simply Guardian if that is easier. As my title suggests, I am the one who looks after these waters. I protect them from those who would do them harm."

[15]