05.19 *WRITING* Challenge: Under the Sea!

Small, brightly colored crabs scurried across the algae covered rocks at the shoreline. The stopped, if only briefly, to pick at spots on the rocks and scavenge for bits of food. The tide pools were teeming with life besides crabs; starfish, clams and aquatic plants also called this place home.

Without warning, a dagger struck down into a crab. The sudden crunch of its shell startled some of the other crabs around it. A teal, webbed hand reached out and took the knife back with the twitching crab still on it. Vysaul inspected the crab briefly before ripping open its shell and slurping out the meat.

A brisk gust of wind picked up edges of the netting against the blue beings skin. Her grills rippled out and lay back tight against her skin. She looked around briefly to ensure no one was watching her before taking another bite. Rare was it for her species to be out of the water in the daylight and she didn't wish her picture to be taken. Wouldn't have come out today if Merrick hadn't sent me. She thought.

Vysaul was a shocking view for a person who hadn't seen a Marbian outside of television before. Humans regarded Marbian as elegant and magical beings of the deep sea. The Marbian folk that humans normally communicated with were very regal looking. They wore elegant silks, plate and chains when coming to the surface. The slender, blue bodies were often covered as to match what the humans considered "modest".

Vysaul did not fit this mold. While she was still very slim and angular as most Marbian were, she appeared tattered and did not care to seem "modest" to humans. Deep scars went from her left arm over her midsection. A deep gouge in her face left one eye pale white and blind. Vysaul had cut away most of the hairfins that Marbians normally allowed to go grow head to ankle - a painful process, but one that warrior Marbian would often tolerate. The stub of each hairfin covered her skull and gave it a spiked appearance.

Though it was a "day off" for Vysaul, she still had worn leather straps with small pockets and tie ons for weapons fastened around her leg. While she had a slight distaste for humans, Vysaul found some of their clothing to be useful. The pockets in her shorts were full of smaller useful items, too. Much to the distaste of her people, she wore a top of fishnet material.

Vysaul turned her attention to the clouds overhead. They were grey and moving quickly. It smelled like it was about to rain.

Vysaul wiped her face on the back of her hand and then flung the emptied crab carcass into the ocean. It landed with a satisfying 'plunk' sound and slowly sank back down to the ocean floor. She moved closer to the waters edge and sat down, waiting patiently for the rain to come.