Nerith Tidecaller's Arc

Chapter 1 of 6

The wind swept across Selkari Cliff, carrying the cold scent of the ocean far below. Neith stood at the edge of the cliff, looking toward the vast darkness beyond the rocks. Behind them, the Research Station hummed quietly. Its curved walls were built directly into the cliffside, illuminated by soft blue lights. Neith had spent countless hours there studying the deepest regions of Neruval, but tonight they had come looking for something different. A faint glow caught their eye. Growing between two cracks in the stone was a Thalvyr Bloom. Its translucent leaves shimmered gently, casting pale light across the surrounding rocks. Neith crouched beside it. “Beautiful…” Something moved behind the plant. Neith froze. Six long legs stepped slowly from the shadows. A strange creature emerged, its smooth body covered in faint markings. Its large eyes reflected the light of the Thalvyr Bloom. A Veylith. Neith carefully reached for their scanner. The Veylith tilted its head. Then it suddenly snapped its long snout toward Neith. Neith jumped backward. “Easy!” A quiet laugh came from behind them. “Careful. They bite.” Neith spun around. A Selkari stood several steps away, leaning casually against the stone wall of the Research Station. Their pale skin was marked by darker patterns, and one of their head frills carried a noticeable scar. Neith narrowed their eyes. “You could have warned me sooner.” “I did.” “You said it after it tried to bite me.” Kael smiled. “Then technically, I warned you.” Neith stared at them for a moment before letting out a quiet laugh. “I’m Neith.” “I know.” Neith’s expression changed. “You know me?” Kael stepped closer, glancing toward the equipment hanging from Neith’s side. “Anyone mapping the abyss knows your name.” Neith looked toward the distant Abyss Beacon, its powerful light sweeping slowly across the dark waters. “And you are?” “Kael.” He paused before adding, “Kael, Tidescar.” The Veylith suddenly wandered between them, completely uninterested in their conversation. Kael watched it disappear into the darkness. “Looks like it likes you.” Neith looked down at the creature’s tracks. “Or it’s following the bloom.” Kael shrugged. “Either way, you made a friend.” Neith smiled and looked back toward the abyss. “Maybe I could use one.” For a moment, neither spoke. Far below, the Abyss Beacon illuminated the surface of the water. Beyond its reach lay thousands of unexplored grottoes, hidden passages, and ancient places no Selkari had seen in generations. Neith tightened their grip on their mapping device. “I’m going down there.” Kael looked toward the darkness. “Then I suppose you’ll need someone who knows the cliffs.” Neith glanced at him. “Are you volunteering?” Kael smiled. “I already did.”